So, you’re looking at the iPad lineup and honestly, it’s a bit of a mess right now. If you walk into an Apple Store today, you’re staring at a wall of glass that all looks vaguely the same, but the guts inside are worlds apart. 2024 was basically the year Apple decided to blow up the "pro" and "air" categories and see where the pieces landed.
The iPad current generation 2024 isn't just one tablet; it’s a four-headed beast consisting of the M4 iPad Pro, the M2 iPad Air, the A17 Pro iPad mini, and the budget-friendly 10th Gen iPad.
People keep saying the iPad is a computer replacement. Is it? Kinda. But only if you know which one actually has the horsepower to do more than just scroll through TikTok and answer emails. Let's break down what's actually happening under the hood because some of these specs are frankly overkill for most of us, while others are finally catching up.
The M4 iPad Pro: Total Overkill (In a Good Way)
Apple skipped the M3 chip for the Pro and went straight to the M4. Why? Because they wanted to win the "thinnest device ever" trophy. The 13-inch model is 5.1mm thin. That is thinner than an iPod Nano. It's actually a bit scary to hold without a case because it feels like a stiff breeze might snap it, though it’s surprisingly rigid.
The real star isn't just the chip, though. It’s the "Tandem OLED" display. Most tablets use one layer of OLED. Apple stacked two on top of each other to get 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness. If you’re a photographer or a colorist, this is the only screen you should be looking at.
Why the M4 matters for you
- Neural Engine: It’s built for AI. Well, "Apple Intelligence."
- Nano-Texture Glass: If you get the 1TB or 2TB model, you can pay extra for a matte finish. It kills glare, but it also makes the blacks look slightly less deep.
- Landscape Camera: Finally! They moved the selfie camera to the long side. No more looking like you're staring off into space during Zoom calls.
The iPad Air M2: The Rational Choice?
Then there's the Air. For the first time, you can get it in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch. This is a huge deal because, before 2024, if you wanted a big screen, you had to sell a kidney for the Pro. Now you can get that massive 13-inch canvas for hundreds less.
But here is the catch. The Air still has a 60Hz screen. In 2024, that feels... slow. If you’re used to the 120Hz "ProMotion" on your iPhone or an older Pro, you will notice the ghosting when you scroll. It’s not a dealbreaker for most, but for $799, it’s a bit of a stingy move from Apple.
The M2 chip inside is still incredibly fast. You won't lag. You won't wait for apps to open. It’s basically the "Pro" from two years ago, just in a prettier, more colorful shell (the purple is actually quite nice).
The iPad mini 7: The Stealth Update
October 2024 gave us the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip. Honestly, it looks exactly like the old one. If you were hoping for an OLED screen or a 120Hz refresh rate, sorry to disappoint. It’s the same 8.3-inch design.
However, it now supports the Apple Pencil Pro. That means you get the "squeeze" and "barrel roll" features which are actually game-changers for digital artists who like to sketch on the go. It also starts at 128GB of storage now, doubling the base from the previous version. About time, honestly. 64GB was a joke.
The 10th Gen iPad: The One Most People Should Buy
Since the 9th Gen was finally put to rest, the 10th Gen is the entry point. It’s the "everyman" iPad. It’s got the A14 Bionic chip, which is aging but still holds its own for Netflix, schoolwork, and casual gaming.
Apple officially dropped the price to $349 (and you can often find it for $299 on Amazon). At that price, it’s the best value in tech. It uses USB-C, it’s got the landscape camera, and the colors are vibrant. Just don't expect to do heavy video editing on it without some patience.
The Apple Pencil Chaos
We have to talk about the pencils because it’s a nightmare. If you buy a iPad current generation 2024 model like the Pro or Air, your old Apple Pencil 2 will not work. You have to buy the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version.
The Pencil Pro ($129) has haptic feedback. When you squeeze it, you feel a little "click" even though nothing is moving. It's weirdly satisfying. It also has "Find My" support, so when it inevitably falls between the couch cushions, you can actually find it.
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What to actually do next
Buying a tablet shouldn't be a research project, but Apple made it one. Here is how to actually navigate this:
- Check your current storage usage. If you are using more than 50GB on your phone, do not buy the 64GB base model of any older iPad. Start at 128GB.
- Go to a store and scroll. If you can see the "jelly scrolling" or lag on a 60Hz screen, you’re stuck buying the Pro. If you don't notice it, save your money and get the Air.
- Wait for sales. The 2024 models are constantly being discounted on third-party sites. Never pay full MSRP at the Apple Store if you can help it.
- Think about the keyboard. The new Magic Keyboard for the M4 Pro is metal and feels like a MacBook. The one for the Air is still the older, "mushier" silicone version. If you type for hours, that matters more than the processor speed.
The M4 Pro is a masterpiece of engineering, but for 90% of people, the M2 Air in the 13-inch size is the "sweet spot" of the 2024 lineup. It gives you the big screen without the "Pro" tax, and it'll easily last five or six years before it starts feeling slow.