The very first iPad came out as long ago as 2010, if you can believe it. And over the last 15 years, Apple has constantly evolved its versatile tablet to bring you more power, sharper displays, and handy new features that help you do more.
They've expanded their range with iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models in that time too — offering different sizes and specs. But this means there are now loads of iPad generations out there. Which can make choosing a new one pretty confusing!
That's why we've put together this handy iPad versions guide. Not only have we explained the differences between the current iPad tablets so you can find your perfect match, but we've also listed each iPad model in release order so you can see how far they've come. You're welcome, Apple history buffs...
A quick overview of all iPad generations
Before we look at each iPad line in detail, here's a rundown of all the models Apple has released since its first game-changing tablet:
| iPad | iPad mini | iPad Air | iPad Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st gen (3 Apr 2010) | 1st gen (2 Nov 2012) | 1st gen (1 Nov 2013) | 1st gen (11 Nov 2015) |
| iPad 2 (11 Mar 2011) | Mini 2 (12 Nov 2013) | Air 2 (22 Oct 2014) | 2nd gen (13 Jun 2017) |
| 3rd gen (16 Mar 2012) | Mini 3 (22 Oct 2014) | 3rd gen (18 Mar 2019) | 3rd gen (7 Nov 2018) |
| 4th gen (2 Nov 2012) | Mini 4 (9 Sep 2015) | 4th gen (23 Oct 2020) | 4th gen (25 Mar 2020) |
| 5th gen (24 Mar 2017) | 5th gen (18 Mar 2019) | 5th gen (18 Mar 2022) | 5th gen – M1 (21 May 2021) |
| 6th gen (27 Mar 2018) | 6th gen (24 Sep 2021) | 6th gen (15 May 2024) | 6th gen – M2 (26 Oct 2022) |
| 7th gen (25 Sep 2019) | 7th gen (23 Oct 2024) | 7th gen – M4 (15 May 2024) | |
| 8th gen (18 Sep 2020) | |||
| 9th gen (24 Sep 2021) | |||
| 10th gen (26 Oct 2022) |
Which iPad do I have?
Got an iPad, but not sure which model you own from the list above? No problem — just read our Identify your iPad model guide. It’ll help you find out which Apple tablet you're holding in your hands.
The evolution of iPad models
The iPad has come a long way. From the first-generation 2010 iPad that arguably popularised tablets, to the latest models that are so powerful they rival even some of the best PCs out there. Their evolution has been simply incredible.
Key highlights have included the introduction of vivid Retina displays and smart security features like Touch ID and Face ID. While design-wise, we've seen bezels shrink, home buttons disappear, and the overall iPad form factor become sleeker and more refined.
Here are some of the biggest iPad milestones:
2010: The first ever iPad was released, featuring a 9.7" screen, an A4 chip, and up to 64GB of storage.
2012: The 3rd gen iPad debuted the Retina display, which made images and text look a lot sharper thanks to a higher pixel density.
2015: The iPad Pro was launched, marking the start of a series aimed at professionals. Standout features included a larger 12.9" screen and support for the Apple Pencil stylus.
2018: Face ID arrived with the 3rd gen iPad Pro for a big boost in security. Along with an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display that could provide even more immersive, life-like visuals.
2021: The M1 chip was introduced in the iPad Pro, offering Mac-level performance in a portable tablet.
2024: The latest iPad Pro (7th gen) launched with the lightning-fast M4 processor, built for handling the most demanding apps and supporting new Apple Intelligence Ai features.
Now, let's see how each iPad model has evolved over the years...
Standard iPad generations
The iPad is the most accessible entry point into Apple’s tablet ecosystem, ideal for students and casual users. Here’s a look at every standard iPad model ever released and how their main specs stack up:
| iPad Gen | Release Year | Screen Size | Processor | Storage | RAM | Apple Pencil Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2010 | 9.7" | A4 | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | 256MB | No |
| 2nd | 2011 | 9.7" | A5 | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | 512MB | No |
| 3rd | 2012 | 9.7" | A5X | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | 1GB | No |
| 4th | 2012 | 9.7" | A6X | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | 1GB | No |
| 5th | 2017 | 9.7" | A9 | 32GB, 128GB | 2GB | No |
| 6th | 2018 | 9.7" | A10 Fusion | 32GB, 128GB | 2GB | Yes (1st gen) |
| 7th | 2019 | 10.2" | A10 Fusion | 32GB, 128GB | 3GB | Yes (1st gen) |
| 8th | 2020 | 10.2" | A12 Bionic | 32GB, 128GB | 3GB | Yes (1st gen) |
| 9th | 2021 | 10.2" | A13 Bionic | 64GB, 256GB | 3GB | Yes (1st gen) |
| 10th | 2022 | 10.9" | A14 Bionic | 64GB, 256GB | 4GB | Yes (1st gen and USB-C) |
What's the latest iPad like?
The most recent iPad (10th generation) was released in 2022. It’s great for everyday use and offers a good balance of performance and value. If you see yourself browsing, streaming, and carrying out some light tasks — this is the iPad for you.
Under the hood, you'll find the latest A14 Bionic chip that can run even intensive apps without trouble. Fancy editing some 4K footage you shot using the iPad’s 12MP main camera? No problem. And it supports the Apple Pencil (1st generation) too, so you can easily jot down notes or sketch some cool artwork straight onto the screen.
Whatever you create or stream will look amazing on the iPad’s detailed and vibrant 10.9" Liquid Retina display. And with up to 10 hours battery life, it’ll give you plenty of time for work and fun.
iPad mini generations
The iPad mini is a smaller version of the standard iPad that’s even easier to pop in a bag and take around with you. This first model came out in 2012, with the newest iPad mini generation launched only last year:
| iPad mini Gen | Header 2 | Header 3 | Header 4 | Header 5 | Header 6 | Header 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2012 | 7.9" | A5 | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | 512MB | No |
| 2nd | 2013 | 7.9" | A7 | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 1GB | No |
| 3rd | 2014 | 7.9" | A7 | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 1GB | No |
| 4th | 2015 | 7.9" | A8 | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 2GB | No |
| 5th | 2019 | 7.9" | A12 Bionic | 64GB, 256GB | 3GB | Yes (1st gen) |
| 6th | 2021 | 8.3" | A15 Bionic | 64GB, 256GB | 4GB | Yes (2nd gen) |
| 7th | 2024 | 8.3" | A17 Pro | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 8GB | Yes (Pro and USB-C) |
Why should I buy the new iPad mini?
The 7th generation iPad Mini is a compact powerhouse. Its shrunk down 8.3" Liquid Retina screen makes it a little easier to take with you to school, work, or on holiday. But its other hardware components are mighty. Especially its ultra-fast A17 Pro chip that runs games and creative apps like a dream.
It’s also built for Apple Intelligence — a family of new Ai features that can help boost your productivity and save time. It can assist you with writing emails, organise and edit your photos in seconds, and the Siri voice assistant can even suggest actions based on your habits. Like listening to a motivating playlist so you’re pumped up for the gym!
You also get 8GB of RAM in the latest iPad mini, which is twice as much as what you get in the iPad. This lets you move between apps and multitask without experiencing any lag. And it supports the top-of-the-range Apple Pencil Pro too — making it great if you’re after pixel-perfect precision for your digital masterpieces.
iPad Air generations
Apple’s iPad Air is an all-rounder that bridges the gap between portability and performance. It’s ideal if you’re after a powerful tablet without going all-in on a Pro model, with six generations released since 2013:
| iPad Air Gen | Release Year | Screen Size | Processor | Storage | RAM | Apple Pencil Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2013 | 9.7" | A7 | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 1GB | No |
| 2nd | 2014 | 9.7" | A8X | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 2GB | No |
| 3rd | 2019 | 10.5" | A12 Bionic | 64GB, 256GB | 3GB | Yes (1st gen) |
| 4th | 2020 | 10.9" | A14 Bionic | 64GB, 256GB | 4GB | Yes (2nd gen) |
| 5th | 2022 | 10.9" | M1 | 64GB, 256GB | 8GB | Yes (2nd gen) |
| 6th | 2024 | 11", 13" | M2 | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 8GB | Yes (Pro and USB-C) |
Is the latest iPad Air worth it?
The latest 6th-gen iPad Air offers larger screen sizes than the standard iPad and mini (11” and 13”), so it gives you more real estate for creating and multitasking across different apps. But thanks to its thin and lightweight design, it’s more portable than the iPad Pro. Which makes it a great option if you want a bit more power without the bulk.
The 2024 iPad Air packs the supercharged M2 chip, which is nearly 50% faster than the previous generation’s M1 processor and more efficient for all-day battery life. It can run apps like Microsoft 365, Adobe Photoshop, and graphics-intensive games with ease. And there’s Apple Intelligence onboard to help you tick off your to-do list in less time.
You also get plenty of storage choices, ranging from 128GB all the way up to 1TB. So, whether you need just enough space for a few apps and photos or a hefty amount for videos and large files — you're covered.
iPad Pro generations
iPad Pro tablets are built for professionals as they boast the largest displays and the most powerful processors. Here’s every high-end model Apple has released since its first iPad Pro from 10 years ago:
| iPad Pro Gen | Release Year | Screen Size | Processor | Storage | RAM | Apple Pencil Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (12.9") | 2015 | 12.9" | A9X | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB | 4GB | Yes (1st gen) |
| 1st (9.7") | 2016 | 9.7" | A9X | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB | 2GB | Yes (1st gen) |
| 2nd | 2017 | 10.5", 12.9" | A10X | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 4GB | Yes (1st gen) |
| 3rd | 2018 | 11", 12.9" | A12X Bionic | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 4GB, 6GB | Yes (2nd gen) |
| 4th | 2020 | 11", 12.9" | A12Z Bionic | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 6GB | Yes (2nd gen) |
| 5th | 2021 | 11", 12.9" | M1 | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 8GB, 16GB | Yes (2nd gen) |
| 6th | 2022 | 11", 12.9" | M2 | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 8GB, 16GB | Yes (2nd gen) |
| 7th | 2024 | 11", 13" | M4 | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 8GB, 16GB | Yes (Pro and USB-C) |
Why should I consider the new iPad Pro?
With an insanely powerful M4 processor at its core, the latest iPad Pro (7th gen) is primed to take on the most demanding tasks. In fact, according to Apple, the M4 chip is capable of a whopping 38 trillion operations per second! Which makes it 60 times faster than the first neural engine on the A11 chip from a few years ago.
This means that whether you're a digital artist creating intricate designs, a video editor working on big projects, or just someone who loves a fluid experience when multitasking across apps — the 2024 iPad Pro handles everything with ease. And it has Apple Intelligence running in the background to lend a helping hand whenever you need it.
But one of the coolest things about the 2024 iPad Pro is its Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED tech. This makes it the first iPad to ever come with an OLED screen, which can bring your favourite content to life with richer colours, deeper blacks, and improved contrast. And with a dynamic refresh rate that can ramp up to 120Hz, it’ll also make games look silky smooth.
Accessories for iPad
Want to get more out of your iPad? There are loads of tablet accessories out there that can help you be more productive and creative on your iPad. Plus, others that can keep your device protected and topped up on the go too:
Apple Pencil: This handy stylus lets you jot down notes and draw right onto your iPad’s screen. There are a few versions out there with different features and that will only work with certain iPad generations. So, make sure to read our How to connect an Apple Pencil to your iPad article to check compatibility first.
Magic Keyboard: Apple iPad keyboards can transform your iPad Air or Pro into a nifty laptop-like device. Just attach your tablet to the magnetic stand, adjust the angle for a perfect view, then type away much faster than you would using the touchscreen. iPad keyboard folios fold into a case too — protecting your device as you go about your day.
iPad case: Even if you don’t need a keyboard, a case is still a must-have for guarding your iPad against scratches, dirt and drops. Lots of iPad cases also double as stands, so you can easily prop up your tablet on a table and catch up on your favourite shows hands-free.
USB-C Hub: If you’re using a newer iPad model with a USB-C port, you can plug in an external USB hub to expand your iPad’s connectivity and create a more versatile setup. Plug in external hard drives, SD cards, wired headphones, and even an extra monitor via HDMI.
Power bank: Portable power banks can be lifesavers when your tech’s low on charge when you’re out and about — including your iPad. All you'll need is the power bank and your iPad's charging cable, then you can top up your tablet without having to look for a mains socket.
FAQs
When did the iPad come out?
The original iPad was unveiled by former Apple CEO Steve Jobs on 27 January 2010. It was released later that year on 3 April 2010 in the US, and 28 May 2010 in the UK.
What’s the latest iPad generation?
As of January 2025, the latest iPad generations are:
iPad: 10th gen (released 26 October 2022)
iPad Mini: 7th gen (released 23 October 2024)
iPad Air: 6th gen (released 15 May 2024)
iPad Pro: 7th gen M4 chip (released 15 May 2024)
Need more advice?
We've got loads more content that can help you get to grips with Apple's iPad. Like our article on How to sync your iPhone and iPad, which will make files and photos easily accessible across your iOS devices. Or if you’ve got a little one who needs a great taskmaster for school, we’ve got tips on How to choose a tablet for schoolwork.
