Here's help picking out the best iPad to meet your feature and performance needs. It's hard to believe but Apple's iPad turned 10 this year.
It was first officially unveiled on stage by Steve Jobs on Jan. 27, 2010 and a lot has changed over the years even if the basic idea is the same.
The current lineup includes the 10.2-inch iPad (2019, seventh-generation), 10.5-inch iPad Air (2019, third-generation), and second-gen 11- and fourth-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro models released earlier this year. There's also the fifth-gen 2019 7.9-inch iPad mini.
The features and performance get better as you move up in the line. Regardless of the iPad you go with, though, all of the current iPad models support one of Apple's Smart Keyboard and either the first- or second-gen Apple Pencil. That's good news for anyone looking to do more than play Apple Arcade games, look at websites, and stream videos and music. Plus, all of the current models support mouse and trackpad use for a more MacBook-like experience.
Best iPad for most people
Apple iPad (10.2-inch, 2019)
The least-expensive iPad is also the one we're most likely to recommend for people looking for a new iPad for the family and general use. Despite its older A10 processor, the 10.2-inch iPad can handle the latest iPadOS just fine, and its display that's slightly larger than its predecessors is better for productivity and entertainment. One word of caution, though: The base 32GB of storage can fill up fast, so we recommend going with the 128GB version if possible.
For those who want a little more
Apple iPad Air (10.5-inch, 2019)
The 2019 iPad Air is a lot like the 10.5-inch iPad Pro from 2017. Starting at $499, it's built around a 10.5-inch Retina display like the 2017 Pro but has an updated A12 Bionic processor like the one powering the iPhone XS. If you want better performance and more storage space -- there are 64GB or 256GB options -- you should consider stepping up the Air. Plus, while it's larger than the entry-level iPad, it actually weighs a hairless.
For iPad power users
Apple iPad Pro (2020)
Whether you're a digital artist or have waited years for an iPad that blurs the line between tablet and MacBook, the 2020 iPad Pro is what you want. Aside from different screen sizes (and respective resolutions) and weight, the 11- and 12.9-inch Pros are the same. If you're considering the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, you'll likely want to spring for the 12.9-inch version for the significant increase in the workspace. As for performance, this has all the latest and greatest components Apple's iPads have to offer. If device longevity is key, you'll want to pay the premium for the 2020 iPad Pro.
Best iPad for the casual user
iPad Mini (7.9-inch, 2019)
The littlest iPad doesn't look any different than it did in 2015, but for 2019 it got a faster A12 processor and Apple Pencil support. Those additions make the 7.9-inch Mini -- starting at $399 (£399, AU$599) --
a smart choice for those who want a smaller device for notetaking and sketching while also giving you better performance for games and more screen space than your phone for reading and videos (and you won't be eating into your phone's battery life, either). While its wide bezels make it look a dated compared to the rest of the lineup, at least it has Touch ID and a headphone jack to go along with them.
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