Honestly, trying to keep up with Apple’s tablet release schedule is a full-time job. One year they ignore the iPad entirely, and the next, they drop four different models like they’re trying to win a bet. If you’re standing in a store or browsing online right now wondering whats the most recent ipad generation, the answer depends entirely on which "flavor" of iPad you’re looking at.
As of early 2026, we are in a bit of a transition period. Apple just refreshed the heavy hitters.
The iPad Pro is currently sitting at its most powerful iteration ever with the M5 chip, which launched late in 2025. Meanwhile, the "budget" iPad and the mid-range Air have their own stories. It’s not just one "11th" or "12th" generation across the board anymore. It’s a fragmented family.
The Most Recent iPad Generation for Every Model
If you want the newest of the new, you’re looking at the M5 iPad Pro. Apple moved away from the M4 surprisingly fast to push their new AI features—collectively called Apple Intelligence—to the absolute limit. This Pro model is the gold standard for 2026.
But what about the others? Here is the current "state of the union" for the iPad lineup:
- iPad Pro (7th Generation / M5): Released October 2025. This is the one with the tandem OLED display that’s so bright it practically glows in the dark.
- iPad Air (7th Generation / M3): This hit shelves in early 2025. It brought the landscape camera (finally!) and the M3 chip, making it a "Pro-lite" for people who don't want to spend a thousand dollars.
- iPad (11th Generation / A16): Released in March 2025. It’s basically the "everything iPad" for students and families.
- iPad mini (7th Generation / A17 Pro): This arrived in late 2024. It’s the little powerhouse that can actually handle Apple Intelligence, even though it’s small enough to fit in a jacket pocket.
The Big Shift: Why 2025 Changed Everything
For a long time, the base iPad was stuck in the past. It had the old-school home button and huge bezels. That's gone. Now, every single "most recent" model uses USB-C. No more Lightning cables.
Wait.
I should mention that there is a massive rumor—and some very solid supply chain leaks—suggesting a 12th-generation iPad with an A18 or A19 chip is dropping any second now (likely March 2026). If you can wait a few weeks, you probably should.
Diving into the M5 iPad Pro (The Current King)
When people ask about the most recent iPad generation, they’re usually looking for the beast. The M5 iPad Pro is that beast. It’s thinner than an iPhone. Seriously. It’s 5.1mm thick for the 13-inch model. It feels like you’re just holding a sheet of glass.
The M5 chip isn't just about opening Safari faster. It’s built for iPadOS 26, which finally introduced a "Liquid Glass" interface and a windowing system that doesn't make you want to throw the device out a window. It feels like a Mac now. Sorta.
The tandem OLED display remains the best screen I’ve ever seen on a mobile device. It uses two layers of OLEDs to hit 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness. If you do photo editing or watch a lot of HDR content, nothing else even comes close.
What’s Going On With the iPad Air?
The most recent iPad Air generation is technically the 7th Gen (M3). It’s in a weird spot.
It’s great, don't get me wrong. But because the Pro moved to M5, the Air feels a little "yesterday." However, for $599, you get 128GB of storage and a screen that is plenty good for 99% of humans. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro, which has that haptic squeeze feature and barrel roll.
If you’re a student, this is the one. You don't need the M5 to write a term paper or draw in Procreate. The M3 is still overkill for most apps.
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The Budget iPad and the "Wait" Factor
The 11th-gen iPad (A16) is the one you buy for your kids or your grandma. Or yourself, if you just want to watch Netflix in bed. It’s currently priced around $349, and it’s the best value in tech.
But here’s the kicker: The 11th-gen doesn't support the full suite of Apple Intelligence. Because it only has 6GB of RAM and an older A16 chip, it’s missing out on the smartest AI tools. That’s why the rumored 12th-gen is such a big deal. Leaks from analysts like Mark Gurman suggest the next base iPad will jump to 8GB of RAM specifically to fix this.
If AI doesn't matter to you? Buy the 11th-gen now. If you want the "smart" features? Hold off for the spring 2026 refresh.
Which Generation Should You Actually Buy?
Don't just buy the most recent one because it's the newest. That’s a trap.
- For Professionals: The M5 iPad Pro. If you’re editing 4K ProRes video or using "Apple Creator Studio," the M5’s neural accelerators save you hours of rendering time.
- For Most People: The iPad Air (M3). It’s the sweet spot. It feels modern, it’s fast, and the battery lasts forever.
- For Travelers: The iPad mini (A17 Pro). It’s the best e-reader on the planet that also happens to be a powerful computer.
- For the Budget-Conscious: The iPad 11th Gen. Just be aware that a newer one is likely weeks away.
A Quick Word on iPadOS 26
Hardware is only half the battle. The most recent generations all run iPadOS 26, which has been a game-changer for multitasking. We finally got a real Files app update and better support for external monitors. If you’re using an older iPad (like a 6th-gen or 7th-gen), the software might feel sluggish. Upgrading to any "M-series" iPad will feel like moving from a bicycle to a Ferrari.
Actionable Steps for Your Purchase
If you're ready to pull the trigger, do this first:
- Check the chip: Ensure you’re getting at least an M2 or A17 Pro if you want to use Apple Intelligence. Anything older will feel "dumb" in a year.
- Verify storage: 64GB is dead. Do not buy a 64GB iPad in 2026. The most recent generations start at 128GB for a reason.
- Look for "Renewed" M4 Pros: Now that the M5 is out, the M4 iPad Pro (2024) is seeing massive price cuts. It’s still 95% as good as the M5 for way less money.
- Wait until March: If you are looking at the base $349 iPad, wait until the end of March 2026. If the 12th-gen drops, the 11th-gen will get a permanent price cut to $299 or less.