So, you’re looking for the latest tablet but Apple’s naming convention makes your head spin. Honestly, same. We’ve reached a point where there are like five different "new" iPads depending on who you ask and what your budget looks like.
As of early 2026, the landscape has shifted. If you walk into an Apple Store today, the "newest" thing on the shelf isn't just one device—it’s a refreshed lineup that finally started making sense after the chaotic releases of 2025.
What is the new iPad you should actually care about?
Right now, if someone asks "what is the new iPad," they're usually talking about one of two things: the brand-new 12th Generation iPad (just hitting the rumor mill for a Spring 2026 launch) or the 11th Generation iPad that dropped in March 2025.
The 11th Gen model was a bit of a sleeper hit. It basically took the A16 Bionic chip—the one from the iPhone 15—and shoved it into the classic 11-inch chassis. It doubled the base storage to 128GB, which, frankly, was long overdue. Nobody should be living with 64GB in 2026.
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But here is the catch. The current 11th Gen model cannot run Apple Intelligence. If you want the fancy AI features like Genmoji or the revamped Siri, that basic $349 model won't cut it.
That’s why everyone is buzzing about the 2026 12th Gen iPad. Rumors from supply chain insiders like Mark Gurman suggest this new entry-level model is coming as early as March. It's expected to pack an A19 chip and 8GB of RAM. Why does that matter? Because 8GB is the "golden ticket" for AI. Once this launches, even the cheapest iPad in the lineup will finally be "smart."
The Power Players: iPad Pro and Air
If you have a bit more cash to burn, the "new" iPads are the M5 iPad Pro and the M3 iPad Air.
The M5 iPad Pro is, frankly, overkill for 90% of humans. It’s got that Tandem OLED display that is so bright it’ll make your eyes water. Apple also tossed in their own N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, so if you have a high-end router, your download speeds will be clinical. It’s thin. Like, "I’m afraid I’ll snap it in my backpack" thin.
Then there’s the M3 iPad Air. It’s the middle child. You get the 11-inch or 13-inch size options, support for the Apple Pencil Pro, and enough power to edit 4K video without the device breaking a sweat. It’s basically the "Pro-Lite."
Comparing the Current 2026 Lineup
Instead of a confusing chart, let’s just look at the raw vibe of each model available right now.
The iPad Pro (M5) is for the person who treats their tablet like a primary computer. It has the 120Hz ProMotion screen. It has the OLED. It starts at $949, and that price climbs fast if you want the 13-inch version.
The iPad Air (M3) is the "Goldilocks" choice. It’s roughly $599. It doesn't have the OLED screen—it uses a standard Liquid Retina LCD—but it supports the same high-end accessories as the Pro. If you're a student or a digital artist on a budget, this is usually the winner.
The iPad mini (A17 Pro) is still kicking around from late 2024. It’s small. It fits in a jacket pocket. It supports Apple Intelligence. It’s niche, but for pilots or doctors or people who just like small things, it’s the only game in town.
The 11th Gen iPad (A16) is the "budget" pick. It’s $349. It’s great for Netflix, emails, and schoolwork. Just remember: no AI here.
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The Big Software Shift: iPadOS 26
Hardware is only half the story. The real reason the new iPad feels different this year is iPadOS 26.
Apple finally stopped pretending the iPad is just a big iPhone. They added a "Mac-like" menu bar and a dock that actually stays put when you want it to. Stage Manager 2 is actually usable now. You can snap windows, resize them more freely, and even close apps with a familiar "X" button.
Honestly, it makes the M5 and M3 chips feel like they’re actually doing something. In years past, having an M-series chip in an iPad was like putting a Ferrari engine in a lawnmower. Now, you can actually utilize that horsepower for real multitasking.
Which one should you actually buy?
If you’re standing in the aisle at Target or hovering over the "Add to Cart" button, here is the expert take:
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- Don't buy the 11th Gen iPad right now. If you can wait until March or April 2026, the 12th Gen model with the A19 chip will likely launch at the same $349 price point but with double the power and full AI support.
- The M3 iPad Air is the best value. Unless you absolutely need the OLED screen for professional color grading, the Air does everything the Pro does for $350 less.
- The M5 iPad Pro is a luxury item. Get it if you want the best screen on any portable device, period. But don't expect it to magically make you more productive than the Air.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you drop several hundred dollars, check your current tech. If you have an iPad Air 4 or 5, or an iPad Pro with an M1 chip, you’re actually still in good shape for iPadOS 26. You might not need to upgrade at all.
If you are upgrading from an old "Home Button" iPad, your first move should be to check the trade-in values. Apple has been aggressive with trade-in credits lately to push people toward the AI-capable models.
Lastly, if you decide to go with the Air or the Pro, factor in the cost of the Apple Pencil Pro. It adds a squeeze gesture and haptic feedback that makes the whole experience feel much more tactile and "new" compared to the older versions.