Surprisingly, the iPad lineup from Apple in 2025 is significantly clearer than in previous years. While there are four primary models—the iPad (11th Gen), iPad Mini 7, M3 iPad Air, and M4 iPad Pro—it’s essential to understand the nuances to ensure you make an informed decision. However, it’s worth noting that nearly all iPads can perform about 90% of the same tasks, including web browsing, note-taking, streaming, application use, and creative or professional work, all while sharing a similar design aesthetic. It’s the remaining 10%—the added power, display innovations, improved efficiencies, and accessory support—that truly differentiate them.
This guide will highlight the unique strengths of each iPad, identify ideal users, and assist you in making the best decision tailored to your needs!
Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive iPad Buying Guide!
As a note, I acknowledge that more affordable or “better value” iPads can be found in the used and refurbished sectors. This guide, however, will focus exclusively on Apple’s latest iPads.
Understanding the iPad Buying Triangle
To convey the concept that most iPad experiences can be achieved at the entry-level, I’ve introduced the iPad Buying Triangle. The base of this triangle highlights the shared features across all iPads, while ascending the triangle reveals additional software and hardware enhancements gained by selecting a higher-tier iPad. To clarify our iPad lineup, here’s how it looks:
- Base Tier – This tier encapsulates the fundamental attributes shared by all iPads, irrespective of their price. Every iPad operates on iPadOS 18, includes a USB-C port, maintains a similar aesthetic, and is compatible with some form of Apple Pencil and keyboard. Approximately 90% of the iPad experience falls within this tier.
- Mid Tier – This level introduces additional premium features and a marked power boost. These models support advanced multitasking through Stage Manager, offer Apple Intelligence, and provide compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro (including hover support), making them a notable upgrade from the base model, though still not as capable as the Pro lineup.
- Top Tier – At the pinnacle of the pyramid, the iPad Pro possesses unmatched capabilities. It features the M4 chip for unparalleled performance, ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) for pristine display quality, Thunderbolt connectivity, and Face ID.
Each tier builds upon the previous one, meaning while all iPads can manage basic tasks, only the highest-tier models can address them comprehensively. Grasping this framework simplifies the decision-making process for choosing the right iPad for your needs.
Common Features Among All iPads
Before we explore differences, it’s crucial to acknowledge the common features that all iPads share. As emphasized earlier, these attributes constitute the majority of the iPad experience.
- iPadOS 18 – The most recent iteration of iPadOS, available across all models, provides a uniform core software experience.
- USB-C Compatibility – Each iPad now utilizes USB-C, enhancing the universality of charging and accessory compatibility.
- Support for Apple Pencil and Keyboards – Although compatibility may vary, all iPads support the use of an Apple Pencil and some form of keyboard.
- Robust App Ecosystem – Each iPad accommodates powerful applications designed for productivity, creativity, and entertainment.
Now, let’s dive into the distinct features of each model.
Target Audience: Students, casual users, families, educators
- Chip: A16
- Display: 10.9” LCD
- Features: Touch ID, USB-C, iPadOS 18 support
- Options: 4 colors, 3 storage options, WiFi and cellular
- Accessory Compatibility: Apple Pencil Gen 1, Apple Pencil USB-C & Magic Keyboard Folio
- Best Use Cases: Web browsing, academic work, media consumption, light gaming
- Missing Features: Apple Intelligence, Stage Manager, external display support, Thunderbolt, ProMotion, etc.
- Price: Starts at $329
The 11th Gen iPad stands as the most economical choice, making it ideal for students, children, and casual users. It has sufficient power for everyday operations, creative tasks, business activities, and day-to-day management, though it lacks the luxury features found in higher-end models.
M3 iPad Air – Professional power at an accessible price
Target Audience: Professionals, creatives, students requiring additional power
- Chip: M3
- Display: Liquid Retina
- Features: Apple Intelligence, Touch ID, Stage Manager, extended monitor support, hover support
- Options: Two sizes (11in and 13in), four colors, four storage options, Wi-Fi and cellular
- Accessory Compatibility: Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB-C, Magic Keyboard compatibility
- Best Use Cases: Multitasking, moderate creative work, productivity tasks
- Missing Features: High-end hardware like Thunderbolt, Tandem OLED display, ProMotion, LiDAR
- Price: Starts at $549
The M3 iPad Air is an excellent choice for those seeking more power without the premium price of an iPad Pro. Its M3 chip adeptly handles demanding applications like Photoshop, Lumafusion, Affinity Photo, and Final Cut Pro while remaining portable and affordable. This model strikes a remarkable balance between cost and performance.
Target Audience: Power users, photography enthusiasts, professionals, and creative workers
- Chip: M4 with up to 16GB of RAM
- Display: Tandem OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, Nano-textured options available
- Features: Apple Intelligence, Stage Manager, extended monitor support, hover support, Thunderbolt capability, ProMotion, LiDAR
- Options: Two sizes (11in and 13in), two colors, four storage options, two display types, Wi-Fi and cellular variants
- Accessory Compatibility: Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB-C, Magic Keyboard compatibility
- Best Use Cases: Video editing, 3D modeling, high-end creative tasks
- Missing Features: NOTHING
- Price: Starts at $909
The iPad Pro is engineered for professionals who demand the utmost performance. Whether you’re editing 4K video, multitasking with numerous pro applications, or working with 3D models, the M4 chip and ProMotion display deliver the ultimate iPad experience. It’s important to note, however, that most of the functionality can be achieved with an M3 iPad Air from a software perspective. The iPad Pro distinguishes itself with superior hardware. Therefore, if you’re seeking the pinnacle of hardware and software without budget constraints, this is the unparalleled choice!
Target Audience: Travelers, note-takers, handheld users, essentially anyone
- Chip: A17 Pro
- Display: 8.3” Liquid Retina
- Features: Apple Intelligence, Touch ID, Stage Manager, extended monitor support, hover support
- Options: Four colors, three storage capacities, WiFi and cellular
- Accessory Compatibility: Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB-C
- Best Use Cases: Reading, sketching, one-handed operation, portable gaming
- Price: Starting at $399 (now $100 off!)
I haven’t overlooked the iPad Mini! It’s a standout because of its versatility; it’s suitable for any scenario, whether read, game, take notes, engage in creative tasks, or run image playgrounds. There’s virtually no situation where it wouldn’t be useful, except for intensive video editing, where it may lag behind the Air or Pro. In my view, it serves as a versatile addition to anyone’s toolkit, either catering to specific portability needs or enhancing your overall workflow.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, here’s a simplified breakdown to facilitate your decision-making process:
- Need an affordable option for basic tasks? → Go with the 11th gen iPad.
- Desire the most portable and compact option? → The iPad Mini is the perfect choice.
- Looking for an optimal mix of power and price? → Opt for the M3 iPad Air.
- Require the absolute best performance and display? → The M4 iPad Pro is your best bet.
As an iPad Pro user, I find myself dedicated to it, despite not necessarily needing all that power. However, it’s comforting to know that every iPad can manage the essentials, and the right choice will ultimately depend on your individual requirements. I hope this guide makes your decision-making process simpler! Please share in the comments which iPad you’re selecting and your reasoning!
