Everyone wants an iPad, but which one? They come in different sizes, with or without cellular, in a range of storage options, and a variety of specs. Here the basics to help you sort out the iPad model that’s right for you.
iPad Pro
The iPad Pro comes with an 11” display starting at $799 new from Apple, or with a 12.9” display starting at $1,099 new from Apple. Storage options range from 128GB to 2TB. It’s available with WiFi, or WiFi + Cellular connectivity. It features a the M2 chip, Liquid Retina XDR display or Liquid Retina display, ProMotion technology, P3 wide color, antireflective coating12MP ultra wide camera, 12MP wide camera, 4K video, and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanner to optimize augmented reality apps. It supports the Smart Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) (sold separately).
iPad Air
New iPad Air models (5th generation) start at $599 new from Apple. They have a 10.9” Liquid Retina display and are available with 64GB and 256GB storage options, and with WiFi or WiFi + Cellular connectivity. It also features the M1 chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera, 12MP Wide camera, and 4K video. It supports the Smart Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) (sold separately).
iPad
Current iPad models (10th generation) have a 10.9” Liquid Retina display and start at $449 new from Apple. They come with either 64GB or 256GB of storage, and with WiFi or WiFi + Cellular connectivity. It supports the Smart Magic Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil (1st generation) (sold separately). It can even pair an Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth, PlayStation DualShock 4 controller, or MFi game controller.
Older iPad models (9th generation) are also available from Apple new stating at $329. They come with either 64GB or 256GB of storage, and with WiFi or WiFi + Cellular connectivity. It supports the Smart Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil (1st generation) (sold separately).
iPad mini
The iPad mini sports a 8.3” Liquid Retina display iPad mini starts at $499 new from Apple. It has 64GB or 256GB storage options, and WiFi or WiFi + Cellular connectivity. It supports bluetooth keyboards and Apple Pencil (1st generation) (sold separately), and boasts the A15 Bionic chip.
Buying refurbished is a great way to save money on iPads. You can find deals on current and older generation models that are quite functional. DealNews frequently lists refurbished iPad deals from reputable third-party eBay sellers, as well as from other retailers, and even from Apple directly. Be sure to check for warranty information when buying a refurb. Refurbished iPads direct from Apple typically include a 1-year AppleCare warranty, for example.
One thing to keep in mind when buying refurbished iPads is serviceability. Operating systems in older iPad models cannot be updated. Specifically, upgrades are not available past iOS 9.3.5 for the iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPad mini. Updates are not supported for the iPad 4 beyond iOS 10.3. On the other hand, several previous iPad versions can still be updated and still function beautifully. Be sure to check whether Apple is still servicing the specific model when you’re shopping for older iPad versions.
Apple Pencil
The 1st generation Apple Pencil costs $99 new from Apple and is compatible with the 3rd generation iPad Air, 5th generation iPad mini, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generation iPad, 1st and 2nd generation iPad Pro 12.9”, and iPad Pro 10.5” and 9.7” models. It pairs and charges with a Lightning connector.
The 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which pairs and charges wirelessly, is compatible with the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation iPad Pro 12.9”, as well as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation iPad Pro 11” models, iPad Air 4th and 5th generation, and iPad mini 6th generation. It attaches magnetically and allows you to double tap to change tools. Apple will even engrave it for free.
We’ve seen new, refurbished, and open-box versions of both Apple Pencil generations from Amazon, Google Shopping, and Apple.
Keyboards
Apple's Magic Keyboard, starting at $299, and the Smart Keyboard Folio, priced from $179, is compatible with iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation, iPad Pro 11" 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation, and iPad Air 4th and 5th generation models. Finally, Apple's Smart Keyboard, compatible with the iPad, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation, iPad Air 3rd generation, and iPad Pro 10.5", starts at $159. models are compatible with Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio. Apple’s Smart Keyboard is the choice for the 3rd generation iPad Air, 7th generation iPad, and iPad Pro 10.5”. They’re available directly from Apple and other retailers like Best Buy.
After-market iPad keyboard cases are typically a much less expensive option than Apple’s offerings. Search Amazon for brands like Proslife and IVSO, and be sure to check for compatibility with your specific iPad model.
AirPods & AirPods Pro
AirPods (currently in their 3rd generation) go for $179 new from Apple.
The AirPods Pro, 2nd generation, which are noise cancelling as well as sweat and water resistant, retail for $249 new at Apple.
Both offer USB-C charging, but the iPad Pro also supports Thunderbolt charging. iPad Air comes with 6-cores CPU and 4-cores GPU, while Pro has an 8-core CPU and GPU, making the iPad Pro faster than the iPad Air. The Pro comes with Apple's M1 chip and up to 2TB of storage while the Air used the A14 Bionic chip and comes with up to 256GB of storage.
The Air has a 12MP back camera and a 7MP front camera with 5X digital zoom. The Pro has a 12MP back camera and a 12MP front camera with 5X digital zoom plus 2X optical zoom out. Finally, the Air supports touch ID while the Pro uses facial ID.
The WiFi-only iPad is sufficient if you’ll be using your iPad exclusively at home or in office environments where WiFi is accessible. If you’ll be out and about where WiFi isn’t always available, and if you’ll be making phone calls with your iPad, you’ll want to consider the WiFi + Cellular option.
All major cellular networks offer plans for iPads in the U.S.
Apple’s own site is a good place to start, especially if you want to research the features and specs of the various models. Then, check DealNews’ iPads category for the best current deals and sales. Best Buy and Amazon frequently have deals on new iPad models, while eBay frequently lists discounted refurbished and open-box models. Also, shop DealNews’ iPad Accessories category for deals on keyboards, Apple Pencils, cases, and more.
Save on popular tech, including up to $150 off iPads, up to $1,000 off the iPhone 15 Pro, and up to $600 off M1-equipped iMacs and MacBooks. Additionally, My Best Buy Pro and Total members receive extra discounts on select items. (These are paid memberships, which cost $50 and $180 per year, respectively.) Pictured is the Apple iPad Mini WiFi 64GB Tablet for $399.99. ($100 low). Shop Now at Best Buy
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The latest generation of iPad Pro tablets is available in two sizes, each with five storage capacity options. If you don't fancy paying the starting prices above, you can save up to $580 with an eligible trade-in. Shop Now at Apple
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You'd pay $69 more from Walmart and Sam's Club. Buy Now at Amazon
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Get this 2022 release in 64GB or 256GB capacities, with 4G connectivity or without. Plus, you can save extra with an eligible trade-in. Shop Now at Apple
