iPad shoppers, I have frustrating news for you. There's no perfect iPad anymore. This is the state of iPads in 2023: Lots of choices but no clear-cut, absolute winner. We don't know when a new iPad will emerge this year, and there's a possibility that there won't be one for a while.
In the meantime, here's some specific shopping tips we can offer. The good news is, all of the current iPads are good. It's just that the best features are now spread out across devices, and none truly elevate the iPad into a Mac-level territory.
The last wave of iPads added more choice, but no clear stand-out best product. The 10th-gen iPad, released last fall, is more expensive than the ninth-gen iPad, which remains on sale. The 10th-gen model has a better-placed front-facing camera for video chats, a larger screen, a faster processor and USB-C charging, but needs its own cases and a weird dongle for charging the first-gen Pencil. It's a great pick if it's ever on sale, but expensive otherwise.
Meanwhile, the iPad Pros got better M2 processors, faster Wi-Fi 6E and 5G connectivity in late 2022, and a new "Pencil hover" tool for proximity-based previews of art tools. But its design remains the same and the front camera placement hasn't been fixed, which remains frustrating for anyone who was hoping to use the iPad Pro for work-based video chats when in landscape mode. Also, iPadOS is no closer to replacing your Mac, although Stage Manager's external monitor support offers a little more multiscreen multitasking.
The best iPads for now may arguably still be older models: The ninth-gen iPad is the best choice for kids and budget shoppers over a year after its debut.
Meanwhile, the iPad Air, released a year ago, still remains the best "Pro on a budget" iPad with its fast M1 chip and Pencil 2 support. It doesn't fix that front camera either, though, so if looking good on Zoom and FaceTime matters most to you, consider that 10th-gen iPad instead. And if there's an iPad model that seems like it could get an update sooner than any other, it's this one.
Read more: Best iPad Deals Right Now
Our top choice: Again, no clear winner
There's a $120 starting price gap between the $329 entry-model ninth-gen, which remains in the line, and the new $449 10th-gen version. That gives the older model a bit of an edge over the new one, despite the latter's slightly larger display, side camera, better processor and USB-C connection -- especially if you only really need one of those upgrades, like the camera relocation. If you need all those upgrades and can afford it but don't need an M1 CPU, the step-up model makes sense.
Whichever model or screen size you go with, all the current iPads support the latest version of iPadOS (a version of iOS specifically for iPads) and either the first- or second-gen Apple Pencil -- though the most recently released 10th-gen model's Pencil support is less than elegant. Let's just say there's a dongle involved, which is rarely a good thing. Apple is supporting external monitors as an extended desktop for iPads with an M1 chip or better via a software update to iPadOS 16 that's coming later this year, but the feature, called Stage Manager, remains buggy and feels experimental.
No matter what iPad you buy, there are ways of connecting keyboard cases, Bluetooth and otherwise, although your options will vary. That's good news for anyone who wants to do more than stream videos and music, browse websites and play Apple Arcade games. Plus, all the current iPad models support mouse and trackpad use, for a more MacBook-like experience. The Apple Magic Keyboard is compatible with the iPad Pro and iPad Air, but not the 10th-gen iPad (which has a new Magic Keyboard Folio case instead).
Check out the selections below to find the best iPad for your needs. And then read further for more advice.
We've always appreciated the entry-level iPad for its affordable price. Last year's entry-level model is less expensive than the newer 10th-gen iPad, and is still very functional: Its older A13 chip and Lightning-charger-equipped, Touch ID home button design all feel somewhat out of date but work fine. This iPad's screen size is perfect for everyday work and fun, there's an auto-zooming front-facing Center Stage camera, and unlike the 10th-gen iPad, the first-gen Apple Pencil doesn't need a dongle to work. It's still compatible with a range of keyboard cases, too.
The step-up new entry-level iPad has a whole new design and now has USB-C, a faster A14 chip and a larger display. Its best feature, though, is a repositioned front-facing camera that finally centers video chats properly in landscape mode, which is how most people use their iPads when they're connected to keyboard cases. If you're someone who needs to Zoom a lot on an iPad, this is worth the extra price over the ninth-gen model if you can afford it. The downside is the bizarre lack of support for the Pencil 2, requiring you to use a first-gen Pencil and a USB-C charge dongle (not included) for sketches and note-taking.
The iPad Air costs less ($599) than the iPad Pro, but has less starting storage (64GB). It adds an M1 processor similar to that of the iPad Pro from 2021, a 5G option, and a Center Stage front-facing camera. It doesn't have the better-placed front camera of the 10th-gen iPad, but supports Pencil 2 and has a better processor and display. The only points where it lags compared to the 11-inch Pro are a slightly slower processor, that new Pencil 2 hover support, and faster connectivity. You still might consider the Pro worth it, depending. But keep in mind that the 2021 iPad Pro, if it's on sale for less, is the better buy: It has a faster-refresh display, better rear cameras, Face ID/lidar and a faster Thunderbolt USB-C port.
Apple's 2022 iPad Pro refresh added a more powerful M2 chip, faster Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G connectivity, and a new Pencil 2 "hover" feature that activates the display when the stylus is in close range. Not many apps take advantage of hover, though, and the rest of this iPad design's the same as the previous model. The iPad Pro lineup are still the only models with faster 120Hz variable refresh rate displays, a step-up Mini LED HDR display on the 12.9-inch model, Face ID and depth-sensing lidar cameras and a faster Thunderbolt 4 port. If you don't mind that the front-facing camera isn't landscape-oriented yet like the 10th-gen iPad's -- and you have the money to burn -- this is the most advanced model, but it doesn't get you any closer to being a Mac.
If you don't care about a keyboard case (even though there are some small ones that will work with it), this tinier iPad mini, while expensive, is still a great portable pick. Its newer design supports the Pencil 2, it has USB-C, and its processor is plenty fast enough. For note-taking, reading, games and movies, this is an enticing choice.
What are the differences among the top iPad models?
The 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models now have M2 processors, while the 2022 Air is powered by the M1 processor, the chips found in Apple's latest Macs. Along with the new processors, the iPad Pros have better Wi-Fi 6E and faster 5G mmWave connectivity, Face ID cameras on the front and dual cameras and lidar depth sensors on the back, 120Hz variable refresh rate displays, a Mini LED Liquid Retina XDR display on the 12.9-inch model, a higher-speed Thunderbolt USB-C port, and a new proximity-based Pencil hover feature that could be used to show previews of art tools on compatible apps.
iPad 2022 vs. iPad Air 2022 vs. iPad Pro 2022 specs
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iPad 2022 10.9-inch (10th gen) | iPad Air 2022 10.9-inch (10th gen) | iPad Pro 2022 11-inch (fourth gen) | iPad Pro 2022 12.9-inch (sixth gen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display resolution | 2,360x1,640-pixel resolution | 2,360x1,640-pixel resolution | 2,388x1,668-pixel resolution | 2,732x2,048-pixel resolution |
| Pixel density (pixels per inch) | 264 ppi (Liquid Retina, True Tone) | 264 ppi (Liquid Retina True Tone) | 264 ppi (Liquid Retina True Tone with ProMotion) | 264 ppi (Liquid Retina XDR True Tone with ProMotion) |
| Rear camera | 12-megapixel f1.8 wide | 12-megapixel f1.8 | 12-megapixel f1.8 wide, 10-megapixel f2.4 ultrawide | 12-megapixel f1.8 wide, 10-megapixel f2.4 ultrawide |
| Video recording | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 24, 30 or 60fps; 1080p slo-mo at 120 or 240fps | 4K at 24, 30 or 60fps (wide); 1080p at 24, 30 or 60fps (ultrawide) | 4K at 24, 30 or 60fps (wide); 1080p at 24, 30 or 60fps (ultrawide) |
| FaceTime front-facing camera | 12-megapixel f2.4 ultrawide; 1080p video | 12-megapixel f2.4 ultrawide; 1080p video | 12-megapixel TrueDepth; 1080p video | 12-megapixel TrueDepth; 1080p video |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | M1 | M2 | M2 |
| Dimensions | 9.8x7.1x0.3 inches | 9.7x7.0x0.2 inches | 9.7x7x0.2 inches | 11x8.5x0.3 inches |
| Weight | 1.05 lbs. (Wi-Fi); 1.06 lbs. (5G/LTE) | 1.02 lbs. | 1.03 lbs. (Wi-Fi); 1.04 lbs. (5G/LTE) | 1.5 lbs. (Wi-Fi); 1.51 lbs.(5G/LTE) |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular | Up to 10 hours use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular | Up to 10 hours use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular | Up to 10 hours use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular |
| Headphone jack | No | No | No | No |
| Connector port | USB-C; Apple Smart Connector | USB-C; Apple Smart Connector | USB-C with Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 support | USB-C with Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 support |
| Apple Pencil-compatibility | Yes; first generation | Yes; second generation | Yes; second generation | Yes; second generation |
| Unlock with | Touch ID | Touch ID | Face ID | Face ID |
| Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | 802.11ax; Bluetooth 5.2 | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| SIM card support for cellular model | Nano-SIM; eSIM; 5G NR support | Nano-SIM; eSIM; 5G NR support | Nano-SIM; eSIM; 5G support (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) | Nano-SIM; eSIM; 5G support (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) |
| iPad Keyboard compatibility | Magic Keyboard Folio | Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio | Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio | Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio |
| Audio | Two speakers | Two speakers | Four speakers | Four speakers |
| Capacity and price: Wi-Fi models | $449 (64GB) / $599 (256GB) | $599 (64GB) / $749 (256GB) | $799 (128GB) / $899 (256GB) / $1,099 (512GB) / $1,499 (1TB) / $1,899 (2TB) | $1,099 (128GB) / $1,199 (256GB) / $1,399 (512GB) / $1,799 (1TB) / $2,199 (2TB) |
| Capacity and price: cellular models | $599 (64GB) / $749 (256GB) | $749 (64GB) / $899 (256GB) | $999 (128GB) / $1,099 (256GB) / $1,299 (512GB) / $1,699 (1TB) / $2,099 (2TB) | $1,299 (128GB) / $1,399 (256GB) / $1,599 (512GB) / $1,999 (1TB) / $2,399 (2TB) |
Can I use an iPad instead of a MacBook?
Sort of. Its processor is as powerful as a MacBook Air's, and it works with Bluetooth keyboards and Apple trackpads. But it's held back from acting as a true replacement by iPadOS; that means, among other things, no useful dual-monitor support (it can only mirror, not extend, to a second display) and no support for full desktop applications. Though you might pooh-pooh the latter -- after all, Apple says you can do it all with an iPad -- for most school and work requirements, you'll find at least one thing you need to do on a laptop. For instance, even if I could do my job on an iPad Pro (and it's not even close), in order to access some corporate locations I have to run the VPN, which is only available on company-issued systems.
Many limitations of current mobile apps have carried through into iPadOS. In some cases it may just be because developers are still building out apps and haven't yet gotten them to full feature-dom yet, though there's no guarantee they ever will get there. Adobe Lightroom is a fine "light" Lightroom, but Adobe intended it from the start to be mobile-first, and thus lack some features important to professionals, including wired tethered shooting, optimization for local file storage (rather than cloud) and the ability to intelligently handle raw plus JPEG.
When will new iPads arrive, and should I wait?
Right now, the last new iPads came out in the fall. We usually expect new iPad models in the spring and the fall, although Apple has shifted those time frames in the past. The last few years have seen the iPad Air come in the spring, so you might want to hold off on that one. The entry-level iPad and iPad Pro models tend to arrive in the fall, but not always. Meanwhile, Apple lays out where iPadOS is going at its annual developer conference (WWDC), which usually happens in June. iPads can go on sale at many retailers throughout the year, but the fall shopping season and over the summer tend to be key sale times.
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