Apple's current iPad lineup and what changed this year
Apple releases new iPad models on different schedules depending on the line. As of late 2024, the newest models are the iPad Pro (7th generation, released May 2024 with M4 chip), iPad Air (6th generation, May 2024 with M2 chip), and iPad (7th generation, October 2024 with A14 Bionic chip). The iPad mini hasn't had a new release since October 2023. Which one is "new" for you depends on what you actually use an iPad for and what you're comparing it to.
If you own an iPad from 2022 or earlier, any of these current models will feel noticeably faster. The real question isn't whether something new exists — it's whether the changes matter for how you work. A person who reads email and watches video on a 2021 iPad Air will see almost no difference in daily life from a 2024 model. Someone running video editing software or playing demanding games will notice the speed jump immediately.
Key Takeaways
- The iPad Pro (M4, May 2024), iPad Air (M2, May 2024), and iPad (A14, October 2024) are the newest models currently sold by Apple.
- The iPad Pro and Air got major screen upgrades in 2024 — thinner bezels and brighter displays — that matter more than the processor bump for most people.
- The base iPad (7th gen) is the newest entry-level model and works fine for browsing, reading, and light work, but lacks the faster processor of pricier models.
- iPad mini hasn't been updated since October 2023, so if you want the newest small iPad, you're looking at a year-old design.
iPad Pro: the fastest and brightest
The 2024 iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes and uses Apple's M4 chip, the same processor in the latest MacBook Pro. The real upgrade isn't the chip — it's the screen. Apple switched to OLED displays, which means deeper blacks, better contrast, and brightness that reaches 1,000 nits in normal use (3,000 nits in HDR mode). If you've used an older iPad Pro next to this one, the screen difference is immediate and obvious.
The bezels are also thinner, making the 13-inch model feel less like a small laptop and more like a large tablet. The device is thinner overall and weighs slightly less. If you do photo editing, video work, or 3D design, the M4 chip handles it without lag. For most other tasks — email, web browsing, note-taking — the speed difference from a 2022 iPad Pro is invisible in daily use.
The 2024 iPad Pro is expensive: the 11-inch starts around $1,000 and the 13-inch around $1,300. If you're upgrading from a 2020 or earlier model, the screen quality alone justifies the cost. If you have a 2022 or 2023 model, the upgrade is optional unless you specifically need the brighter display or thinner design.
iPad Air: the middle ground with real improvements
The iPad Air (6th generation, May 2024) sits between the base iPad and the Pro. It uses the M2 chip, which is fast enough for video editing, photo work, and demanding apps, but not as powerful as the M4. The screen is still LCD (not OLED like the Pro), but it's bright and sharp. The 11-inch and 13-inch sizes match the Pro's lineup.
The 2024 Air got the same thinner-bezel redesign as the Pro, so it looks more modern than the previous generation. It also supports the same accessories — the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. The price is lower than the Pro: around $600 for the 11-inch and $800 for the 13-inch.
If you're upgrading from a 2021 or 2022 Air, the changes are mostly cosmetic. If you're coming from an older iPad or a different brand, the M2 chip and larger screen will feel like a real jump. The Air is the best choice if you want something faster than the base iPad but don't need the Pro's OLED screen or M4 power.
iPad (7th generation): the newest budget option
Apple's base iPad (7th generation, October 2024) is the newest entry-level model. It uses the A14 Bionic chip, which is older than the M-series chips in the Air and Pro but still handles everyday tasks without strain. The screen is 10.9 inches, the design is straightforward, and the price starts around $330.
The 7th generation iPad is thinner than the previous model and supports the second-generation Apple Pencil. It's fine for reading, web browsing, email, watching video, and light document work. If you need to run heavy apps or do creative work, the base iPad will feel slow compared to the Air or Pro. For casual use, it's plenty fast.
The main reason to buy this model over a used older iPad is that it's new, so you get the current design and the longest software support window. If you're not sure whether you'll use an iPad regularly, the base model is the safest bet because you're not spending Pro money on something that might sit unused.
iPad mini: still the 2023 model
The iPad mini (7th generation) was released in October 2023 and hasn't been updated since. It has an 8.3-inch screen, the A17 Pro chip, and costs around $500. It's still a capable device, but it's not the newest iPad Apple makes.
If you want a small iPad and don't mind waiting, Apple typically updates the mini in the fall, so a new version could arrive in October 2025. If you need a small iPad now, the current model is still solid — the A17 Pro chip is fast, and the 8.3-inch screen is genuinely useful for reading and note-taking. Just know you're buying last year's design.
How to know if you need the newest model
The newest iPad isn't always the right choice. If you own an iPad from 2020 or earlier, any current model will feel faster and have a better screen. If you own a 2022 or 2023 model, the upgrade depends on what you do: if you edit video, do photo work, or run demanding apps, the speed jump matters; if you browse the web and read email, your current iPad is fine.
The screen upgrades in 2024 (especially the OLED on the Pro) are real improvements, but they matter most if you spend hours looking at the display. The design changes — thinner bezels, lighter weight — are nice but not essential. The processor upgrades are the least important change for most people, because the older chips were already fast enough for everyday work.
One practical reason to buy new: software support. A brand-new iPad will receive iOS updates for longer than an older model. If you plan to keep the device for five or more years, buying the newest generation means you won't hit the end of support as quickly.
Where to find the exact specs for each model
Apple's official website lists the full specifications for every current iPad model, including processor, screen size, storage options, and which accessories work with each one. You can compare models side by side there. If you're looking at used or refurbished iPads, the specs page helps you figure out what year a model is from and whether it's worth the price.
Best Buy and other retailers also have comparison tools. If you're in a store, you can hold the current models side by side — the screen quality difference between the base iPad and the Pro is obvious in person, and the weight difference between the 2024 and 2022 models is noticeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2024 iPad Pro worth upgrading to if I have a 2022 model?
Only if you spend significant time editing photos or video, or if you value the OLED screen quality. The M4 chip is faster, but the M1 in your 2022 model is already fast enough for most work. The screen upgrade is the real reason to switch.
What's the difference between the iPad Air and iPad Pro?
The Pro has an OLED screen (brighter, better contrast), an M4 chip (faster), and costs more. The Air has an LCD screen, an M2 chip, and is cheaper. For most people, the Air is powerful enough. The Pro is worth it if you do professional creative work or want the best screen.
Should I wait for a new iPad mini?
The current iPad mini (October 2023) is still fast and capable. If you need a small iPad now, buy it. If you can wait until fall 2025, a new model might arrive with a faster chip and possibly a screen upgrade. There's no way to know until Apple announces it.
Can I use the same accessories on all iPad models?
No. The Apple Pencil Pro works with iPad Pro, Air, and the base iPad (7th gen), but not the iPad mini. The Magic Keyboard works with Pro and Air, but not the base iPad or mini. Check the specs for each model before buying accessories.
Is the base iPad fast enough for schoolwork?
Yes. The A14 chip handles document editing, note-taking, web research, and video calls without problems. If your schoolwork involves video editing or running specialized software, the Air or Pro is better. For typical school tasks, the base iPad is plenty fast.