Best iPad to buy in 2026: Which Apple tablet is right for you?

Which iPad should you buy? With four different models, optional 5G cellular connectivity, multiple storage capacities, colors, and even refurbished options to consider, choosing the right iPad isn’t always straightforward.

One of the biggest factors is timing. Apple doesn’t update every iPad at the same time, so knowing when a refresh might arrive could mean you avoid missing out on new features. The iPad Pro was updated in October 2025 and the iPad Air in March 2026, making them the newest models in the lineup and less likely to be upgraded before 2027. However, the remaining iPads are expected to be refreshed before the end of 2026. The current iPad mini was last updated in 2024, with multiple reports pointing to a new iPad mini later this year. The entry-level iPad received the A16 chip in 2025, but is also expected to be updated before the end of 2026. This new iPad could be particularly significant, as it’s currently the only iPad that doesn’t support Apple Intelligence.

The bad news is that Apple raised prices across the iPad range in June 2026, citing an unprecedented rise in component costs. In a statement, the company said it had “never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly” and explained that, while it had absorbed the extra costs for as long as possible, it had “reached a point where we need to begin raising prices on a number of products.” As a result, some iPads now cost hundreds of dollars more. We’ve updated all prices throughout this guide.

This in-depth buying guide compares every iPad Apple currently sells and explains which model is best for different types of users. We’ll help you decide which offers the best value, how much storage you really need, which screen size is right for you, and whether it’s worth paying extra for a cellular model. We also look at whether new models are expected soon, so you can decide if now is the right time to buy. After our recommendations, you’ll find more detailed advice on displays, storage, processors, accessories, and Wi-Fi versus cellular.

iPad Buying Guide: What to look for when buying an iPad

As you can see from the above there are a lot of iPads sold by Apple—that doesn’t even include the many previous-generation iPads that are still on sale at various resellers and at Apple’s Refurbished Store (U.S) or U.K.

When confronted with so much choice what should you consider when deciding which iPad to buy?

For many the choice will be based on price and value for money. Some may be influenced by the screen size, others by the weight. The ability to get more than 512GB storage may be important, as may the inclusion of Face ID or Touch ID. Finally, the decision of whether to get a cellular version, which invites the assessment of the minefield of network contracts, will no doubt be a factor for some.

We will look at each of those factors below.

How iPad specs compare

The table below summarizes the main features of the iPads in Apple’s current lineup and highlights the price for each. We have more information about the individual iPads and buying advice below.

Model (launch date)	Key features + specs	Storage + price
iPad A16 (March 2025)	• 10.9-inch screen • Touch ID on the Power button • A16 processor (5-core CPU, 4-core GPU) • 12MP/12MP cameras • Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil 1 • 248.6mm x 179.5mm x 7mm / 9.97in x 7.07in x 0.28in • 1.5 pounds / 481g	128GB, $449 / £429 256GB, $549 / £529 512GB, $749 / £729
iPad mini A17 Pro (October 2024)	• 8.3-inch screen • Touch ID on the Power button • A17 Pro processor • 12MP/12MP cameras • Supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro • 195.4mm x 134.8mm x 6.3mm / 7.69in x 5.3in x 0.25in • 0.65 pounds / 293g	128GB, $599 / £599 256GB, $699 / £699 512GB, $899 / £899
iPad Air 11-inch M4 (March 2026)	• 11-inch screen • Touch ID on the Power button • M4 processor • 12MP/12MP cameras • Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro • 247.6mm x 178.5mm x 6.1mm / 9.83in x 6.99in x 0.21in • 0.98 pounds / 465g	128GB, $749 / £749 256GB, $849 / £849 512GB, $1,049 / £1,049 1TB, $1,349 / £1,349
iPad Air 13-inch M4 (March 2026)	• 13-inch screen • Touch ID on the Power button • M4 processor • 12MP/12MP cameras • Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro • 280.6mm x 214.9mm x 6.1mm / 11.04in x 8.46in x 0.24in • 1.36 pounds / 616g	128GB, $949 / £949 256GB, $1,049 / £1,049 512GB, $1,249 / £1,249 1TB, $1,549 / £1,549
iPad Pro 11-inch M5 (October 2025)	• 11-inch screen • Face ID • M5 processor • 12MP/12MP cameras • Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro • 249.7mm x 177.5mm x 5.3mm / 9.38in x 6.99in x .021in • 0.98 pounds / 444g	256GB, $1,099 / £1,099 512GB, $1,399 / £1,399 1TB, $1,799 / £1,799 2TB, $2,299 / £2,299
iPad Pro 13-inch M5 (October 2025)	• 13-inch screen • Face ID • M5 processor • 12MP/12MP cameras • Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro • 281.6mm x 215.5mm x 65.1mm / 11.09in x 8.48in x .020in • 1.28 pounds / 582g	256GB, $1,499 / £1,499 512GB, $1,699 / £1,699 1TB, $2,099 / £2,099 2TB, $2,599 / £2,599

Which iPad is the best value for money?

One person’s value for money is another person’s extravagance.

You might be looking for the cheapest iPad. That would be the A16 iPad, launched in March 2025 and costing from $449/£429. It has a 10.9-inch screen, a 12MP rear-facing camera, an A14 Bionic processor, and 5G as an option. The main problem is that it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, the bunch of AI features Apple has been shouting loudly about. With subsequent versions of iPadOS likely to lean heavily on Apple Intelligence you could get FOMO in the future if you buy this iPad. But if you only need a cheap iPad for the kids it’ll probably do the job, especially now that it has a reasonable amount of storage (no more struggling with 64GB).

An older iPad might be a better choice if you do want a bargain—especially if it is a model that supports AI (any M-series iPad Air will, for example). If you are happy to buy an older iPad model then there are plenty of discounts available while they are still in stock. There are also some great savings to be had on refurbished models – check out the Apple Refurbished Store and other places to buy a refurbished iPad. We also recommend you check our best iPad deals round up.

If you have more to spend, what can you get for your money? The A17 Pro iPad mini justifies its price tag of $599/£599 with its faster (Apple Intelligence-capable) A17 Pro processor, True Tone flash, and a fully laminated, better quality, display, among other things. But its biggest draw will probably be its size for those who want a small iPad. The iPad mini is not much bigger than a hard-backed book making it the perfect size to carry around in a bag and a great size for kids. That’s assuming you want a small iPad—if not, then it won’t be for you.

Next up is the M4 iPad Air, which now starts at $749/£749 for the 11-inch model. It might be worth every extra penny if you want a faster M4 processor. The iPad Air display is still superior to that of the standard iPad, fully laminated and with an antireflective coating (like the iPad mini).

The introduction of an 13-inch iPad Air means that you no longer need to fork out extra for the iPad Pro if you want a larger display on your iPad.

The M5 iPad Pro, last updated in October 2025, is the ultimate in this category. Now starting at $1,199/£1,199, the Pro has a lot to offer, with an incredible display and an M5 chip for starters. But we think these features are probably more than the average person needs. Then again, if you need those features you can’t beat it, unless you want a bigger screen, in which case get the 13-inch iPad Pro.

Those are the prices that Apple sells its iPads for, but you don’t have to pay that much. Take a look at our regularly updated iPad deals page for the lowest prices and best discounts on iPads new and old.

iPad screen size: Which size iPad to choose

Size is a question of taste rather than simply going for the biggest iPad you can get your hands on. Bigger isn’t necessarily better if what you need is small and light.

The most obvious aspect of this decision comes down to screen size. All screens are measured diagonally from corner to corner, or from the place where the corners would be. You’ve got four options:

• 8.3-inch iPad mini
• 10.9-inch iPad
• 11-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro
• 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro

But how big a screen do you really need? You can think of the tablets in terms of print publications: the mini is roughly the height and width of a paperback book; the mid-size iPads are closer to a hardback (albeit much slimmer); and the 13-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air are like a magazine (remember them?)

The screen on the 13-inch iPad Pro is a tiny bit bigger than that on the 13-inch iPad Air, that’s 2,752 x 2,064 pixels vs 2,732 x 2,048 pixels.

The larger screen is obviously better for immersive entertainment. Whether watching films or playing games, it’s a more enjoyable, richer experience. But really this is a question of priorities. Are you more set on getting maximum screen space, or are you willing to compromise on that front in order to get a lower price tag and improved portability?

• iPad Pro 13-inch (2025): 281.6mm x 215.5mm x 5.1mm; 579g/582g (Wi-Fi/cellular)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (2025): 249.7mm x 177.5mm x 5.3mm; 444g/446g
• iPad Air 13-inch (2026): 280.6mm x 214.9mm x 6.1mm 616g/617g
• iPad Air 11-inch (2026): 247.6mm x 178.5mm x 6.1mm; 464g/465g
• iPad A16 (2025): 248.6mm x 179.5mm x 7mm; 477g/481g
• iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024): 195.4mm x 134.8mm x 6.3mm; 293g/297g

Want the lightest iPad? As you’d expect, the iPad mini is a lot lighter than the other iPads. There’s a big gap between that device and even the mid-size iPads. As well as its markedly lower weight the mini also has a smaller body, which slips easily into a rucksack or jacket pocket. If you plan to mainly use your iPad out and about, on vacation, or commuting, or perhaps you’re buying an iPad for a child, the mini is your best bet.

The iPad, 11-inch iPad Air, and 11-inch Pro are pleasingly portable, but they still can’t match the mini for portability. The iPad has a similar length and width to the Air, but is thicker and heavier; the Pros are slimmer still.

The 13-inch Pro and Air are considerably less portable than their smaller cousins, but we think Apple has done well to keep the weight down, especially with the Pro, which is actually thinner than the iPad Air (go figure): it remains a slender, relatively lightweight, and portable alternative to a laptop.

How much storage do iPads need?

The five iPads offer anywhere from 128GB to 2TB of storage, but if you are looking at an old, refurbished, or preowned iPad you could be confronted with 64GB or even 32GB storage, which isn’t enough. But what storage capacity do you really need for an iPad?

Well, first of all, remember that you can’t upgrade the storage of an iPad at a later date: this is your limit from now until you buy another iPad, so aim high and buy as much storage as you can afford. It’s better to spend an extra few pounds now than to buy an entire new iPad in six months.

Storage capacity is mainly used up by three things: music, photos, and videos. If you want to keep lots of films or TV shows–or even a few, to be honest–then you need high storage: probably 256GB or higher for video fans. If you’re buying an iPad with the kids in mind, remember that you’ll want storage space for multiple episodes of their favorite show on a long car journey.

The same applies if you have large photo or music libraries, although iCloud Photos and iTunes Match make it possible to keep your stuff in the cloud and access it remotely. The problem with iCloud Photos is that it will store low-res versions of all your images, from all your devices, on your iPad. If your library is huge then even these low-res versions of images can take up a lot of space on your iPad. If you don’t have a lot of storage on your iPad then avoid using iCloud Photos.

The other thing that will fill up your storage is apps, especially games which will use up a lot of space. For that reason gamers should aim high on storage: The iPad, iPad Air and iPad mini start with 128GB and the Pro begins at 256GB. We recommend getting what you can afford. See: How much storage do you need on an iPhone or iPad? for more advice.

Should you get the most powerful iPad?

The iPad Pro models are, as you would expect, faster than their smaller and cheaper equivalents, next up is the Air, then the iPad mini and finally the iPad. You can get an idea of relative speed by looking at a few relevant specs:

• iPad Pro 13-inch (2025): M5; 12GB/16GB RAM
• iPad Pro 11-inch (2025): M5; 12GB/16GB RAM
• 13-inch iPad Air (2026): M4; 12GB RAM
• 11-inch iPad Air (2026): M4; 12GB RAM
• iPad mini (2024): A17 Pro; 8GB RAM
• iPad 10.9-inch (2025): A16; 6GB RAM

The M-series chips have won widespread acclaim in the Mac range and produce outstanding performance in the iPads. But that doesn’t mean the A chips are sub-standard or incapable of running modern apps; keep in mind that much of the software on the App Store was designed with A chips in mind, and even now most developers will want to make their software accessible for as many iPad owners as possible.

There is a good reason to choose the M-series chips over the A-series though. Some of the most impressive features from iPadOS 26 and iPadOS 27 will only work with the M-series iPads. These include features like Stage Manager, which is a feature for organizing your windows. There are also rumors that one day Apple may make a cutback version of macOS available on the iPad but this will be probably be restricted to the M-series chip, if indeed it ever happens.

But speculation aside, how powerful you need your iPad to be will be based on your requirements (and how long you intend to use your iPad for). The most demanding graphic-design, video-editing, and audio apps will see better performance on the M5, M4, M3 and even M2 processor, so if you’re looking at high-level workloads multiple years down the line the M5 and M4 would be a better option.

Another important factor to consider is memory. Apple doesn’t advertise the fact, but the iPad has only 6GB. The mini has 8GB and Air gets a jump up to 12GB, while the Pros have either 12GB or a whopping 16GB of RAM, depending on your storage tier: the 1TB and 2TB versions get the higher RAM allocation.

If you want to run Apple Intelligence, you must have an iPad with at least 8GB of RAM. With the current iPad lineup, Apple Intelligence can run on all iPads expect the iPad. Learn more about Apple Intelligence.

Overall, we would advise those who want to use highly demanding apps, such as video and image editors and graphically advanced games, to choose an iPad Pro or Air. If you’re going to be using your tablet for the odd bit of email and web surfing, you’ll find an iPad or iPad mini perfectly decent.

Should you get a Cellular iPad?

For most people cellular connectivity is a luxury, even if it’s a nice one to have. For an extra $200/£200 or $150/£150 depending on the iPad, you’ll be able to access the web and email, and use connected apps, away from a Wi-Fi network. You also need to factor in the cost of a data plan and find a network provider.

Consider carefully how often you’re going to do that: with an iPad mini there’s likely to be more on-the-go use than with a full-size iPad, but it’s still a lot to pay for something you may only use from time to time. Have you got a regular (overground) commute where you’d enjoy catching up on news headlines or e-mail? Then it could be worth the extra.

We think the best option, if you want to be able to get data on your iPad when you are out and about, is to create a hotspot and share it from your iPhone. Then you can use your iPad as if it is on the cellular network. Read about how to create an iPhone hotspot to share your mobile web connection to your iPad.

Just bear in mind that the cellular option also brings with it a GPS radio, meaning you’ll be able to input accurate location data when using your device on the go.

The other concern when buying a cellular iPad is whether to buy your iPad on a contract. Network providers will allow you to pay for your iPad and the data contract over a number of months—but after that term is up, and certainly not before, you may not be able to switch to a different data provider. Buying on contract may also mean that the iPad is locked to the original contract provider—which can also be a problem if you want to sell it in the future. Here’s how to unlock an iPad from its network, once you’ve fulfilled your contractual obligations.

Should you buy a refurbished iPad?

We’ll mention this only briefly because it’s covered in detail here: Why a refurbished iPad could be the best tablet for you, but one option you should absolutely consider is Apple’s Refurbished Store U.S or U.K. It’s a sort of halfway house between new and second-hand: the devices are generally ones that have been returned within the 28-day period in which you are legally allowed to change your mind about a purchase, or they have been returned due to a fault that has been rectified, or they were ex-display or ex-demo units from Apple’s stores or marketing. You can rest assured that Apple has checked all the refurbished iPads that it sells thoroughly, replaced any problematic components, and rated them as good as new (and you get a full one-year warranty to prove it).

Apple’s not the only place to buy a refurbished iPad, so beware that all refurbished iPads are not the same, so do check the small print before you buy. Look for refurbished models that have been fully checked out by Apple-certified engineers, especially those that come with a guarantee.

Our best advice is to only consider the current or previous generation iPads when looking at refurbished models, then you are less likely to be caught out by a sub-par tablet.

Buying a refurbished iPad from a reputable company is definitely preferable to buying a used iPad from someone on eBay. It’s too often the case that secondhand iPads sold that way end up as useless bricks because the person selling it didn’t properly log out of their account.

Another way to save money is to buy from a reseller who is selling discontinued stock at a discount. We often see resellers significantly dropping the price on older iPad models that are usually just one generation out of date—just beware, they sell out quick!

Should you buy the newest iPad generation?

Speaking of older iPads, even if functioning perfectly right now, older models will reach the end of their useful life sooner than the newest models and that is a good reason to avoid buying an iPad that is more than one or two generations old. But keep in mind that iPads tend to start slowing down at around two to three years of age; at the four- or five-year mark you should expect noticeable loss of performance and you won’t be able to get all the latest software updates. The current iPad range launched in 2024 and 2026, the most recent being the iPad Air in March 2026 and the oldest being the iPad mini in October 2024.

Another reason to buy a recent iPad is the operating system it runs. Apple only supports recent versions of iPadOS with security updates, so that could mean that only iPadOS 26 and iPad OS 18 get security updates, although Apple has been known to update older iPadOS versions when necessary. See How long does Apple support iPads? for more information.

So, while you don’t have to buy the newest generation, we would recommend that you buy one that was launched relatively recently to be sure that Apple will support it for as long as you intend to own it. On that basis, any of the iPads listed above should be a safe bet because they support the iPadOS that Apple will support for the next three years, and for many the support will stretch on for more years.

Buying advice: Which iPad should you buy?

The standard iPad is a good option for newcomers and those who will mostly use their iPad as a media consumption device with some light work. The one key thing it still lacks, despite a 2025 update, is support for Apple Intelligence.

For most people, our recommendation is the iPad Air (2026). The update in March 2026 brought it an M4 processor, which is more than enough for an iPad right now, but even 2024’s M2 iPad Air will be more than sufficient if you find one on sale.

Mind you, the iPad Air is still expensive compared to the standard iPad and the iPad mini, and to most rival tablets out there. But, the addition of the 13-inch model means that if you want a big screen you don’t have to fork out for the iPad Pro.

The iPad mini is mainly recommended for those who see portability as their main priority. It’s an excellent little device, although the smaller screen makes it less immersive for games and entertainment options.

The remaining iPads will be too expensive for the average buyer – especially now that Apple has hiked up prices. The 11-inch and 13-inch Pro models are amazingly powerful and well-made, and the M5 is excellent, but probably more power than anyone really needs right now. But if you’re a creative professional, the Pro is the iPad to get.

Finally, before taking the plunge, have you considered if a laptop might suit your needs better? See iPad vs MacBook for more advice on that front.

If you’re thinking of buying an iPad for college or university you might also like to read our guide to the best iPad for students. You may also like to read our best iPad for kids guide. We also have a Best iPad for Seniors guide.