Honestly, walking into an Apple Store right now is a bit of a head-spinner. You’ve got screens of all sizes staring back at you, and if you’re asking "what is the latest model of the iPad," the answer depends entirely on which "flavor" of iPad you’re actually looking for. Apple doesn't just drop one tablet and call it a day anymore. They’ve segmented the lineup so much that we’re currently looking at four distinct "latest" models, each updated at different times over the last year or so.
If you want the absolute cutting-edge, monster-performance beast, that’s the iPad Pro (M5). It hit the shelves in October 2025. But if you’re looking for the one most people actually buy—the budget-friendly version—that would be the iPad (11th Generation), which arrived in March 2025.
It's kinda wild how the release cycle has shifted. We used to get everything at once. Now? It’s a staggered mess that makes buying a bit of a tactical game.
Breaking Down the "Latest" iPad Models by Category
Let's get real for a second. Most people don't need a $1,000 tablet to watch Netflix. But if you're a pro photographer or a student who lives in Procreate, the hardware matters. Here is the current state of the union for the iPad family as we move through early 2026.
The Powerhouse: iPad Pro (M5)
Released in October 2025, this is the undisputed king. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. The big story here is the M5 chip. While the previous M4 model was already "too fast" for most apps, the M5 was built specifically to handle the more intensive Apple Intelligence features that finally started shipping in a meaningful way late last year.
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The screen is still that gorgeous Tandem OLED (which Apple calls Ultra Retina XDR). It’s incredibly thin—so thin it almost feels fragile, though it’s tougher than it looks. One nuance: the 1TB and 2TB models actually have more RAM (16GB) than the 256GB/512GB versions (8GB), which is something most sales reps forget to mention.
The Balanced Choice: iPad Air (M3)
The iPad Air was updated in March 2025. It’s basically the "Pro-lite." You get the M3 chip, which is plenty powerful for 99% of users. It also comes in two sizes now (11-inch and 13-inch), which was a huge win for people who wanted a big screen without paying the "Pro" tax. It lacks the OLED screen and the 120Hz ProMotion (smooth scrolling), but honestly, unless you put them side-by-side, you might not even notice.
The Mini: iPad mini (7th Gen)
This one is the outlier. The iPad mini 7 came out in October 2024 with the A17 Pro chip. It’s the oldest "current" model in the fleet. Because it hasn't been updated in over a year, rumors are swirling about an OLED mini coming later in 2026, but for now, this is the latest. It’s the only one that truly fits in a jacket pocket, making it a cult favorite for pilots and doctors.
The Everyman: iPad (11th Gen)
This is the one you’ll see on sale at Target or Amazon for around $329. It launched in March 2025. It uses the A16 Bionic chip. The 11th Gen was a weirdly quiet launch because it didn't change the design at all—it just bumped the specs and finally killed off the 64GB base storage in favor of 128GB.
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Why the Chipset Actually Matters This Year
In the past, you could buy a three-year-old iPad and it would feel fine. That’s not really the case anymore because of Apple Intelligence.
If you buy an older model now, you’re likely cutting yourself off from the AI features like Smart Script (which cleans up your messy handwriting) or the revamped Siri. Basically, if the iPad doesn't have an M-series chip or at least an A17 Pro, it’s "smart" features are going to be limited.
That’s why the iPad (11th Gen) is in a bit of a controversial spot. Even though it's the "latest" base model, its A16 chip struggles with some of the more advanced on-device AI compared to the M5 Pro. If you care about the future of iPadOS, you sorta have to aim for the Air or the Pro.
Is Now the Right Time to Buy?
This is the question everyone asks. Honestly, it’s a tricky window.
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- iPad Pro: Safest buy. It’s brand new. It won’t be replaced until 2027.
- iPad Air: Solid. It's about a year old, but the M3 chip is a workhorse.
- iPad mini: Wait. We are deep into the rumor cycle for the 8th Gen. Buying a mini now is risky unless you find a massive discount.
- Base iPad: Good for kids or basic browsing. If you want a "real" computer replacement, skip it.
| Feature | iPad Pro (M5) | iPad Air (M3) | iPad (11th Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | Tandem OLED | Liquid Retina (LCD) | Liquid Retina (LCD) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Processor | M5 | M3 | A16 Bionic |
| Best For | Video editing / Pro Art | Students / Productivity | Kids / Casual use |
The Hidden Costs: Accessories
The "latest" model of the iPad usually requires the latest accessories, and this is where Apple gets you. The Apple Pencil Pro—the one that squeezes and has haptic feedback—only works with the 2024/2025 M-series iPads and the mini 7.
If you’re upgrading from an old iPad with a first-gen Pencil (the one with the cap), it’s not going to work. You’ll be dropping another $129 on a stylus and potentially $300 on a Magic Keyboard.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you pull the trigger on a new tablet, do these three things:
- Check your current chip: Go to Settings > General > About. If you already have an M1 or M2 iPad, the jump to the latest Air or Pro might not actually feel that different in daily use.
- Test the "Jelly Scrolling": If you're looking at the iPad mini, go to a store and scroll on it. Some people hate the way the screen refreshes on the mini; others don't notice. It’s a dealbreaker for some.
- Look for "Renewed" M4 Pros: Now that the M5 is out, the 2024 M4 models are hitting refurbished sites like Apple's own store or Back Market. You get 95% of the performance for 70% of the price.
The latest model of the iPad isn't always the best model for your specific needs. If you’re just reading e-books, a "latest" M5 Pro is total overkill. But if you're trying to replace your laptop, don't settle for anything less than the Air.