What is the Newest iPad Out Right Now? [March 2022]

_{Content updated on Jun. 03, 2022, by Steve Larner to confirm the latest version releases on various iPad models.}

Apple has been so influential in the tablet market that many people swap iPad and tablet names interchangeably, like Velcro(R) and hook and loop or Oreo(R) and chocolate sandwich cookie. In any case, with a new iPad lineup released every year, it may be challenging to keep up with the latest iPad models.

Note: The latest models may not show the current year because none have replaced them yet.

Currently, you have five iPads to choose from as of June 2022:

• iPad Pro 12.9″ (5th Gen 2021)
• iPad Pro 11″ (3rd Gen 2021)
• iPad Air 10.9″ (5th Gen 2022)
• iPad 10.2″ (9th Gen 2021)
• iPad Mini 8.3″ (6th Gen 2021)

Each type of iPad offers something a little different. The question of which iPad to get depends on several factors. Whether you need more power or a simple, low-cost iPad, this article discusses the best and worst iPads available to help find which one is perfect for you.

Note: Although we attempt to confirm accuracy on model specifications and comparisons (there’s a lot), the content is subject to potential inaccuracies or outdated information and serves as a guide only.

If you’re in the market to buy an iPhone, check out our article on the latest iPhone models.

What’s The Newest iPad Out?

Let’s take a quick look at the specs and features offered by the latest iPad models. That way, you can decide which one is best for you.

iPad Pro 12.9″ 5th Gen (2021) and 11″ 3rd Gen (2021)

The iPad Pro 5th Gen is the newest and most advanced iPad. It’s also the best iPad available and has a price tag that matches its Pro status. You can purchase the iPad Pro 2021 versions directly from the Apple website.

As the name suggests, the iPad Pro’s target audience is professionals and business owners. With the new M1 Chipset, Apple boasts this 2021 iPad Pro since it has a 50% faster CPU and 40% faster GPU, meaning there’s so much more you can do with the newest version.

You can run Photoshop CC, Microsoft Word, and other work-related software on your iPad Air, but it’s going to be a smoother experience on the iPad Pro, whether or not you’ve connected the keyboard.

The iPad Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR display and ProMotion technology make for unprecedented refresh rate and display quality. You’ll find the Pro a perfect fit if you’re a photographer, video editor, or graphic designer.

In addition to the integrated FaceID that came on the 2020 iPad Pro, 2021 models also feature highly updated unlocking and security protocols. The fingerprint scanner has an oleophobic coating to resist finger smudges, adding to your peace of mind.

There are two versions of the iPad Pro: the iPad Pro 11″ with an 11-inch screen and the iPad Pro 12.9″ with a 12.9-inch screen.

The features and specs for both models are just about the same, except for the display.

The larger screen wins out of the two iPad Pro models every time. It’s a full Retina screen with excellent color reproduction, superior clarity, and superb detail. The 12.9″ is $1,099, which is more expensive than the 11″ at only $799.

Of course, the 11″ model is a solid option if you want to save some cash or look for something a little more portable.

Here are the specs for the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) model:

• Liquid Retina display
• M1 Chip
• 11-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi‑Touch display with IPS technology
• 2388-by-1668-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch (PPI)
• ProMotion technology
• P3 wide color display (a wider color range than sRGB)
• True Tone display
• LiDAR Scanner sensor for augmented reality (AR)
• Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
• Fully laminated display
• Antireflective coating
• 1.8% display reflectivity
• 600 nits maximum brightness
• Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
• Full Apple Pencil support

Here are the specs for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 5th Gen (2021) model:

• Liquid Retina display (same)
• M1 Chip (same)
• 12.9-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi‑Touch display with IPS technology (larger screen)
• 2732-by-2048-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch (PPI) (more pixels)
• 2D backlighting system for individual LED illumination levels (improves sectional contrast and vibrancy)
• ProMotion technology (same)
• Wide color display (P3) (same)
• True Tone display (same)
• LiDAR Scanner for AR (same)
• Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating (same)
• Fully laminated display (same)
• Antireflective layer (same)
• 1.8% reflectivity (same)
• 600 nits brightness (same)
• Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB (same)
• Full Apple Pencil support (same)

The size of the iPad Pro 12.9″ is considerable, but so is its power. Depending on what you need to use it for, you could easily replace your desktop or laptop with this tablet.

The latest iPad Operating System (iPadOS 15.5) delivers excellent performance and numerous apps for on-the-go productivity. It’s well worth checking out. The iPad Pro battery life means you will have to charge your iPad more frequently with heavy use.

With all things considered, the 2021 iPad Pro is a mighty device and lives up to the incredible reputation of the iPad.

If you want a tablet that functions as your primary computer with a keyboard, replacing your laptop, then the extra power and screen size of the Pro will serve you well as an alternative.

With more modest requirements, Apple has some outstanding options at affordable prices.

iPad Air 5th Gen (2022)

The iPad Air fits somewhere between the standard iPad and the iPad Pro, somewhere in the middle. It’s a small, lightweight tablet with a decent amount of power for its size. The newest 5th Gen. model (released March 2022) surpasses the previous 4th Gen model in specs with 5G connectivity, the M1 chip found in the iPad Pro models, and better USB-C transfer speeds.

The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screen works very well, has excellent clarity, and is suitable for work or play.

The iPad Air is significantly cheaper than the iPad Pro. Still, aside from the smaller screen and decrease in storage, the performance difference is hardly noticeable (unless you’re playing the latest games, which can sometimes strain the Air).

If you don’t mind the smaller screen and downgraded performance, the iPad Air is a great, affordable alternative to the iPad Pro, mainly since it now includes the same M1 chip! You can get an iPad Air for about 25 percent cheaper than an iPad Pro, starting at $599 versus $799.

Here are the specs for the 2022 iPad Air 5th Generation:

• Weight: 461 grams (1.02 pounds) for the Wi-Fi-only version or 462 grams (still 1.02 pounds) for the Cellular version
• Dimensions: 9.74 inches x 7.02 inches x 0.24 inch
• Operating System: iPadOS 15
• Screen size: 10.9 inches (diagonal)
• Resolution: 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 PPI
• Chipset: M1 Chip with 64-bit desktop-class architecture
• Storage: 64GB/256GB
• Battery: Up to 10 hours of web browsing and video watching on Wi-Fi and 9 hours browsing on cellular data
• Cameras: 12MP Ultra Wide rear camera with Center Stage and 12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage front-facing camera

Reviewers have said battery life is pretty good, even while gaming, so we’ll assume it’s safe to say that battery life is solid. Typical users get about 9 hours of battery life per charge on their iPads.

The cameras (front and rear) feature 12MP when previous models had the front capable of only 7MP or less. Both cameras also feature Center Stage, which follows/centers you as you walk or move during live meetings or video feeds. Center Stage also zooms in/out as people in front of the camera leave or join you.

The power of the M1 chipset is superb, and even new games have no trouble running at full speed on this modest device. After all, it is the same chip used in the iPad Pro models. A14 Bionic was the previous chip used in the 4th Gen iPad Air.

So, while it’s not as powerful as the iPad Pro, don’t make the mistake of assuming the iPad Air can’t handle some more demanding tasks. However, suppose you’re looking at a tablet to be your primary computer, connecting it to a keyboard when you want to use it as a laptop and using it as a tablet. In that case, you might appreciate the iPad Pro’s greater power and screen size.

There are iPad Air 5th Gen. keyboard and case combos on Amazon.

iPad 10.2″ 9th Gen (2021)

You can’t go wrong with a standard iPad 9th Gen. tablet. It’s the most popular iPad that Apple makes and is an excellent solution for most Apple users.

It features a 10.2″ screen with excellent color reproduction, fast response times, and bright graphics.

The chassis sits nicely in your hand and exhibits Apple’s usual design flair. It’s light, too, at only 490 grams for the Wi-Fi only or 495 grams for the cellular model. Though not as light as the iPad Air, you can get a new iPad (10.2-Inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) for $309, making it a good value for what you get.

Here are the specs for the standard 2020 iPad 8th Generation:

• Weight: 487 grams (1.07 pounds) for Wi-Fi only and 498 grams (1.09 pounds) for Wi-Fi with cellular
• Dimensions: 9.8″ x 6.8″ x 0.29″
• Operating System: iPadOS 15.1
• Screen size: 10.2-inch (diagonal)
• Resolution: 2160 x 1620 pixels at 264 pixels per inch (ppi)
• Chipset: A13 Bionic
• Storage: 64/256GB
• Cameras: 8MP wide rear, 12MP ultrawide front

There are hardware compromises the regular iPad has over the Air or Pro models, such as an older chipset. However, compared to the rest of the iPad lineup’s pricing, this tablet is more than up to the challenge, especially with the slick iPadOS 15 driving the experience and the superior 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera.

iPad mini 8.3″ 6th Gen (2021)

The smaller iPad Mini is great for those who want a lighter and smaller tablet. It’s a small device with an 8.3-inch screen that fits nicely into the hand. It’s easy to hold like a paperback novel.

If portability is essential, then buy an iPad mini. The build quality is excellent, the screen is top class, and the battery life is also very decent.

However, it’s hard to justify grabbing the iPad mini over one of the other options mentioned in this article in most cases.

2021 iPad mini 6th Generation Specs:

• Weight: 293 grams (.65 pound) for the Wi-Fi only version or 297 grams (.66 pound) for the Wi-Fi + cellular version
• Dimensions: 7.69″ x 5.3″ x .25″
• Operating System: iPadOS 15.1
• Screen size: 8.3-inches (diagonal)
• Resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixels
• Chipset: A15 Bionic
• Storage: 64GB/256GB
• Battery: 5,124mAh (10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or 9 hours of surfing on cellular)
• Cameras: 12MP wide rear/12MP ultrawide front

The iPad mini is only slightly larger than a phone, so it will work for some but not others. The mini has plenty of power with some decent hardware, including Apple’s newest A15 Bionic chipset. In addition, iPadOS 15 provides usability, a decent battery, a superb Retina screen, and compact dimensions with a lightweight advantage.

Which iPad Should You Buy?

For once, the decision on which Apple device to buy is very straightforward. Nothing compares to the iPad Pro if you want power and aren’t concerned with price. If you’re a small business owner, a professional, or someone who wants to replace their laptop with an iPad, then the iPad Pro is the best choice if you have the budget for it.

If the iPad’s price tag is an issue, but you don’t want to compromise too much, the iPad Air is a solid bet.

The iPad mini is ideal for those who want something more extensive than a phone with Apple Pencil compatibility, and it’s the smallest of the iPad series. It offers a powerful solution that fits in a compact shell.

All iPads (except for the iPad Mini) work with Apple’s Smart Keyboard Cover, so you’re covered there too.

Ultimately, we recommend going with the iPad Pro if you need the power and screen size, but, for most casual iPad users, the regular iPad is an outstanding choice for about a third of the price of the Pro.

Regardless of which iPad model you choose, you may want to sketch and write on your iPad, which works well with the iPad Pencil. The Apple Store has several excellent drawing and note-taking apps, making the iPad Pencil popular with graphic designers, artists, and those who don’t think typing notes is as convenient as writing things down.

^{Updated on Jun. 03, 2022, by Steve Larner
Originally posted on Aug. 11, 2020, by Jamie}