Which iPad Model Should You Get? Updated With the Latest 2026 Models

[Amir Shoam]

Thanks to its class-leading hardware and software, the Apple iPad lineup has long been the go-to tablet recommendation for most people, but now let us guide you on which model is the best for you.

Read the full article here.

Which iPad Model Should You Get? Updated With the Latest 2026 Models

 

[Theinsanegamer]

The M series is so horribly restricted by iOS.

 

[yRaz]

As a tip for anyone getting an iPad for drawing, you can definitely feel the input lag when using the magic pencil but it's much more manageable on the 120hz display. I intended up selling my iPad and getting the pro because drawing on a regular iPad got to be infuriating. Luckily it held its resale value and got near what I paid for it and put that money towards the pro.

And don't even consider the Galaxy tab with their Galaxy pencil. That's where I started and I wasn't able to get near what I paid for it so I ended up just gifting it to my daughter.

Anyone that knows me knows I run a Linux household so the idea that I'm recommending an Apple product is kind of absurd, but there is really isn't any replacement for drawing. The 60nhz iPads feel like your drawing with frame Gen on so it really is that said, I feel like the iPad Pro is a little on the big side and I was it was smaller. When drawing at a table or desk it is fine, but if I'm anywhere on the go it is uncomfortably large and I'm a big guy. I'd say a 10" iPad with a 120hz would be ideal, but when I was paying that much extra for the pro I talked myswlf into the 13" model and it's just too large to sit with on a bench or lay in bed with and that's basically why I bought it. I have a wacom tablet I can use at my desk.

 

[VitalyT]

People who buy iPad Mini seem to get maximum satisfaction with the product, because portability counts for a lot.

I found it best to own iPad Mini, plus MacBook Air to cover all needs in the best way, and it’s budget-savvy.

 

[Win7user]

Waste of good money!!

 

[VitalyT]

Waste of good money!!

More like waste of comment space.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

People who buy iPad Mini seem to get maximum satisfaction with the product, because portability counts for a lot.

I found it best to own iPad Mini, plus MacBook Air to cover all needs in the best way, and it’s budget-savvy.

That’s because the mini is a niche produce for a niche audience.

It’s pretty good but it keeps getting treated like a budget product when what we really want is an iPad Pro mini.

And while I’m wishing Mac OS support.

 

[LordVile95]

The M series is so horribly restricted by iOS.

Good job they haven’t ran iOS for years then isn’t it

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Good job they haven’t ran iOS for years then isn’t it

ipadOS is iOS with a fancy name. Same code.

 

[Megalomaniac]

Ipad for me is one of those things you buy, use seldomly but you enjoy having it for that moment when you do need it.

My iPhone 17 Pro Max 2TB is my main device. I interface with it 90% of the day and my desktop about 10%. I got the A16 iPad on sale, the keyboard hard case cover and the Apple Pencil USB. All my devices charge on the same USBc 240w Anker hub. I love that my Air Pod Pro 3 can be handed off by my iphone to iPad and I can choose which to use. I love that I can plug a USBC controller or bluetooth in and use it to play games.

I had my girlfriend's parents get themselves the same A16 setup and I may get one for my mother - or a Macbook Neo depending on sales in a month or two.

Excellent device for podcasting, web meetings, and general content consumption.

I don't need the fastest M chip. I don't use it as my main video editor simply because I use my 2TB iPhone for that. apple needs to get less stingy with storage.

 

[MiqWalsh]

Why bother? Apple expects you to sell your soul (to keep Timbo in the style to which he's become accustomed)...

I ain't that daft.

 

[LordVile95]

ipadOS is iOS with a fancy name. Same code.

You mean like iOS and macOS then?

 

[DonquixoteIII]

As one that is pretty much tied to Apple products for their AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) products I have up to now just used iPads. But, as my current iPad is dying, I am re-considering that. I can now get a MacBook Air for about the same price as an iPad, once you add a keyboard and WiFi. I am having a meeting with my supplier soon to see if they will consider it.

 

[LordVile95]

As one that is pretty much tied to Apple products for their AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) products I have up to now just used iPads. But, as my current iPad is dying, I am re-considering that. I can now get a MacBook Air for about the same price as an iPad, once you add a keyboard and WiFi. I am having a meeting with my supplier soon to see if they will consider it.

Neo launched at a perfect time for you as it’s more likely to be accepted

 

[DonquixoteIII]

Neo launched at a perfect time for you as it’s more likely to be accepted

Most AAC programs won't run on a Neo. Wrong OS... An iPad is the AAC dev's fav device, and most will run on a MacBook. I am actually considering a Mac Air, as, like-for-like, it is near an iPad Air in cost (!!!) and certainly cheaper than an iPad Pro.

Don't get a cancer in your tongue unless you REALLY_REALLY want to find out all about the 'Apple Tax'.

 

[LordVile95]

Most AAC programs won't run on a Neo. Wrong OS... An iPad is the AAC dev's fav device, and most will run on a MacBook. I am actually considering a Mac Air, as, like-for-like, it is near an iPad Air in cost (!!!) and certainly cheaper than an iPad Pro.

Don't get a cancer in your tongue unless you REALLY_REALLY want to find out all about the 'Apple Tax'.

The Neo runs the same OS as the air mate.

 

[DonquixoteIII]

I stand corrected... Now I will have to have a deeper look into why several fav AAC programs do not list it as launchable. Probably too neo? (new?)

 

[OortCloud]

For 99.99% of people the Air will do everything you need and a Pro is a waste of money. Unless you are really using an ipad as a workstation and not something you watch youtube, browse internet, message/email etc then only the improved OLED screen is something you might miss (a little - the screen on the Air is very good).

 

[LordVile95]

For 99.99% of people the Air will do everything you need and a Pro is a waste of money. Unless you are really using an ipad as a workstation and not something you watch youtube, browse internet, message/email etc then only the improved OLED screen is something you might miss (a little - the screen on the Air is very good).

Depends really as the Pro Display is actually worse for text due to it being an OLED. It excels in colour Work and HDR video. You’re also getting less camera capability, touch IS vs FaceID, worse speakers and no TB port plus it weighs more. Personally I’d get the air but the pro has nice QoL features if they’re worth it for you

 

[LetTheWookieWin]

For what I need in a tablet (consumption, web, email), the Samsung A9+ for $170 when I bought it has been great with excellent battery life.

I recently added a Dell 14” 2 in 1 Core 7 Ultra for general purpose computing (16 GB/1TB) that Best Buy had for $800. I use it like a tablet for sheet music and as a traditional laptop for work or light gaming. The battery life has been excellent.

I seriously considered an iPad, but $800 for an Air 13” that doesn’t run my regular software library is insane. If I needed a device for both drawing and critical color accuracy, that might be a different conversation.