Do you usually use a tablet for your daily needs, for example when studying, working, or doing other activities? Which brand of tablet did you use? Do you know one of the best tablets is from Apple? Yes, Apple has developed its own tablet computers called iPads. 

The original or the first generation of iPad was released on January 27, 2010 with the pre-ordering beginning on March 12. The iPad range consists of the original iPad lineup and the flagship products including iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. In general, there are two variants of iPad; one has only Wi-Fi and one has support for cellular networks. Accessories include the Apple Pencil, Smart Case, Smart Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, Magic Keyboard, and several adapters.

iPads can be used for multiple purposes either for personal use or for activities in business, education, healthcare, creative, and technology sectors. Therefore, along with the development of human needs for technology, Apple also launched diverse iPad models with various specifications from basic to advanced usage. 

With so many iPad models that have sprung up, of course, it will make you confused to find which model or type of iPads is the best and suits your needs. Thus, this article aims to help you choose the iPad model that you need for supporting  your activities.

We have written information about every type of iPad from the first generation to the latest  from all series. The information includes specifications, advantages, and disadvantages. Check it out!

iPad Generations

iPad

First generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	GPU	Storage	Weight
1,024 x 768	Apple A4	PowerVR SGX535	16/32/64 GB	680/730 gram

First generation of the iPad was launched on January 27, 2010. There are two versions of the first generation: a Wi-Fi-capable version that was released in the United States on April 3 and a 3G-capable version on April 30. Apple released iPad models internationally on May 28, July 23, and September 17. The first generation of iPad has a 1 GHz Apple A4 central processing unit (CPU) with 256 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM) and a PowerVR SGX535 graphics processing unit (GPU). It has four buttons; a home button that directs the user to its homepage, a wake-and-sleep button, and two volume-control buttons. Its multi-touch-based display has a resolution of 1,024 by 768 pixels.

The first generation of iPad has two model numbers, they are:

• A1219 on the iPad (Wi-Fi)
• A1337 on the iPad (Wi-Fi + 3G)

After the launch of iPad 2, Apple announced that the original iPad would be discontinued and the device would continue to get software updates until May 2012. 

Second generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	GPU	Storage	Weight
1,024 x 768	Apple A5	PowerVR SGX543MP2	16/32/64 GB	601/607/613 gram

The second generation of iPad was announced on March 2, 2011, and released on March 11. It came with two versions: Wi-Fi capable and 3G capable. The second iPad is 33% thinner and 15% lighter than its predecessor, and uses a dual-core Apple A5 chip consisting of a twice-as-fast CPU and a nine-times-faster GPU. It has one camera each on the front and the back, both of which support Apple’s video-telephony service, FaceTime. Apple slimmed the iPad by eliminating the display’s stamped-sheet-metal frame, using thinner glass for the screen overlay, and eliminating some space between the display and battery.

The second generation of iPad has three model numbers, they are:

• A1395 on the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi)
• A1396 on the iPad 2 (GSM model)
• A1397 on the iPad 2 (CDMA model)

iPad 2 was discontinued on March 18, 2014. Furthermore, on April 30, 2019, Apple added all iPad 2 models to its vintage and obsolete products list which means the device did not receive any software updates anymore. The latest iOS for iPad 2 is iOS 9.3.5.

Third generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	GPU	Storage	Weight
2,048 x 1,536	Apple A5X	PowerVR SGX543MP4	16/32/64 GB	652/662 gram

The third generation of iPad was announced on March 7, 2012, and released on March 16. It has two versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular capable which support 4G LTE. The iPad 3 uses a dual-core Apple A5X chip embedded with quad-core graphics. Its Retina Display is 2,048 by 1,536 pixels and its pixels are 50% denser than those of standard displays. Unlike the iPhone and iPod Touch’s built-in applications, which work in portrait, landscape-left and landscape-right orientations, the iPad’s built-in applications support the upside-down orientation of the device. Consequently, the device has no “native” orientation; only the relative position of the home button changes.

The third generation of iPad has three model number, they are:

• A1416 on the iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi
• A1430 on the iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A1403 on the iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (VZ)

The third generation of iPad was discontinued on October 23, 2012 along with the introduction of iPad 4. The latest operating system for iPad 3 was iOS 9.3.5 for Wi-Fi capable version and iOS 9.3.6 for Wi-Fi + cellular capable version. 

Fourth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	GPU	Storage	Weight
2,048 x 1,536	Apple A6X	PowerVR SGX554MP4	16/32/64/128 GB	652/662 gram

The fourth generation of iPad was announced on October 23, 2012, and released on November 2. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE. iPad 4 has an Apple A6X chip, improved LTE and WiFi connectivity, a five-megapixel, rear-facing camera that is capable of recording 1080p videos, and a 720p front-facing FaceTime HD camera. Its display has a resolution of 2,048 by 1,536 pixels.

The fourth generation of iPad has three model numbers, they are:

• A1458 on the iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi
• A1459 on the iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A1460 on the iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM)

iPad 4 was discontinued on October 16, 2014, with iOS 10.3.4 as the latest operating system. 

Fifth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	GPU	Storage	Weight
2,048 x 1,536	Apple A9	PowerVR GT7600	32/128 GB	469/478 gram

The fifth generation of iPad was announced on March 21, 2017, and released on March 24. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE. iPad 5 uses an Apple A9 chip with an accompanying M9 motion coprocessor, and its cameras can capture low-light and HD-quality shots. Despite using the same Apple A9 and M9 processors as the 2015 iPhone 6S, it lacks support of the always-on “Hey Siri” voice recognition, a feature advertised as being made possible by low-power processing in those chips.

The fifth generation of iPad has two model numbers, they are:

• A1822 on the iPad (5th generation) Wi-Fi
• A1823 on the iPad (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular

iPad 5 was discontinued on March 27, 2018 and still got the latest update for operating system until now. 

Advantages:

iPad 5 is a thin and fast tablet with a good screen compared to the older iPad models. Moreover, it has a better and cheaper price as well as good battery life. 

Disadvantages:

iPad 5 is lacking a laminated and anti-reflective screen, lack of support for the Apple Pencil, and lack of a Smart Connector for accessories such as attachable keyboards. 

Sixth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	Processor	Storage	Weight
2,048 x 1,536	Apple A10	32/128 GB	469/478 gram

The sixth generation of iPad was announced and released on March 27, 2018. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE. iPad 6 uses a dual-core Apple A10 Fusion chip and features a 1080p and 30fps rear mounted 8-megapixel iSight camera, and a 720p Facetime HD camera. It was the first non-Pro iPad to support the Apple Pencil. It also had faster FaceTime HD, LTE connectivity, Touch ID, and multitask functionalities.

The sixth generation of iPad has model numbers, they are:

• A1893 on the iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi
• A1954 on the iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular

iPad 6 was discontinued on September 10, 2019 and still got the latest update for operating system until now. 

Advantages:

iPad 6 has supported Apple Pencil and runs on the powerful A10 chip which makes it faster than previous models.

Disadvantages:

iPad 6 is lacking the Smart Connector as well as not having the same display technology as the iPad Pro.

Seventh generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	Storage	Weight
2,160 × 1,620	Apple A10	32/128 GB	483/493 gram

The seventh generation of iPad was announced on September 10, 2019, and released on September 25. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE. iPad 7 uses a 64-bit Apple A10 Fusion chip, with a 4-core CPU and 6-core GPU. Its slightly larger 10.2-inch Retina Display has a resolution of 2,160 × 1,620 (3.5 million pixels). It added support for the Smart Keyboard accessory.

The seventh generation of iPad has two model numbers, they are:

• A2197 on the iPad (7th generation) Wi-Fi
• A2200, A2198 on the iPad (7th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular

iPad 7 was discontinued on September 15, 2020 and still got the latest update for operating system until now. 

Advantages:

iPad 7 includes 3 GB of RAM, 50% more than the previous model. It also has better battery life. 

Disadvantages:

iPad 7 lacks a processor upgrade compared to the previous model.

Eighth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	Processor	Storage	Weight
2,160 × 1,620	Apple A12	32/128 GB	490/495 gram

The eighth generation of iPad was announced on September 15, 2020, and released on September 18. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE and eSIM. iPad 8 uses an Apple A12 Bionic chip, which has a 40 percent faster 6-core CPU and a 2-times faster 4-core GPU than its predecessor. The Apple A12 also included an embedded Neural Engine, and is capable of processing 5 trillion operations per second. Its Retina Display had a resolution of 1668 by 2388 pixels. 

The eighth generation of iPad has two model numbers, they are:

• A2270 on iPad (8th generation)
• A2428, A2429, A2430 on iPad (8th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular

iPad 8 was discontinued on September 14, 2021 and still got the latest update for operating system until now. 

Advantages:

iPad 8 has improved battery life, enhanced performance owing to the upgrade from the A10 Fusion to the A12 Bionic, better screen sensitivity for Apple Pencil and keyboard cases, and faster charger included in the box. 

Disadvantages:

iPad 8 is lacks of front camera size with only 1.2-megapixel, lacks of support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and newer Magic Keyboard cases, lacks of True Tone color temperature auto-adjustment, and lacks of flash on either rear or front camera would hinder low-light teleconferencing and FaceTime Video use.

Ninth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	Processor	Storage	Weight
2,160 × 1,620	Apple A13	64/256 GB	487/498 gram

The ninth generation of iPad was announced and released on September 14, 2021. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE and eSIM. iPad 9 uses an Apple A13 Bionic chip, which has a 20% faster CPU and GPU and an embedded, artificial intelligence–immersed Neural Engine. Its 12-megapixel ultra wide front camera adds support for Apple’s “Center Stage Mode” technology, which locates people in the frame and tracks the camera view to keep them centered. Its Retina Display added support for the True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the screen color temperature according to the ambient lighting.

The ninth generation of iPad has four model numbers, they are:

• A2602 on iPad (9th generation)
• A2604 on iPad (9th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A2603 on iPad (9th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (North America only)
• A2605 on iPad (9th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)

Advantages:

iPad 9 is called “the best tablet for almost anyone” in 2022, because of its price, performance and features.

Disadvantages:

iPad 9 has no improved design compared to the last model. 

Tenth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	Processor	Storage	Weight
2,360 x 1,640	Apple A14	64/256 GB	477/481 gram

The 10th-generation iPad was announced on October 18, 2022, with pre-orders starting immediately and availability set for October 26. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support 5G and eSIM. iPad 10 uses the Apple A14 Bionic chip, has a larger 10.9-inch screen, and replaces the Lightning connector with USB-C. 

Unlike all previous models in the iPad range, as well as the sixth-generation iPad Pro announced the same day, this model’s front-facing camera is placed along the device’s long edge, making it more suitable for video calling applications. Despite having a USB-C connector, it is not compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil that can be used with all other USB-C iPads, instead using the first-generation Pencil with a USB-C-to-Lightning adapter, which will be included with new Pencil purchases. While lacking the Smart Connector of the Pro and Air lines, it is compatible with a new Magic Keyboard Folio announced alongside the device. This model did not immediately replace the 9th-generation iPad; Apple will continue to sell the older model at the same price, while the price for the newer 10th generation model was increased.

The tenth generation of iPad has three model numbers, they are:

• A2696 on iPad (10th generation)
• A2757 on iPad (10th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A2777 on iPad (10th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)

Advantages:

iPad 10 has a better front camera suitable for video calling apps, enough power for complex tasks, and compatible with a new Magic Keyboard Folio.

Disadvantages:

iPad 10 is sold at a fairly high price, not compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil,  and lacking the Smart Connector.

iPad Mini

First generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	GPU	Storage	Weight
1,024 x 768	Apple A5	PowerVR SGX543MP2	16/32/64 GB	308/312 gram

The first generation of the flagship, smaller iPad Mini was announced on October 23, 2012, and released on November 2. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE. iPad Mini 1 uses a dual-core Apple A5 chip, and has hardware resembling that of the second generation of iPad. It has a FaceTime HD camera, a 5-megapixel iSight camera, an ultrafast wireless LTE range, and 802.11a/b/g/n standard Wi-Fi connectivity. It targets the emerging sector of mini tablets, such as Kindle Fire and Nexus 7.

The first generation of iPad Mini has three model number, they are:

• A1432 on the iPad mini Wi-Fi
• A1454 on the iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A1455 on the iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM)

iPad Mini 1 with 32 and 64 GB was discontinued on October 22, 2013 while the one with 16 GB discontinued on June 19, 2015. This model still got a software update until iOS 9.3.6. 

Second generation

Specifications
Resolutions	Processor	Storage	Weight
2,048 x 1,536	Apple A7	16/32/64/128 GB	331/341 gram

The second generation of iPad Mini was announced on October 22, 2013, and released on November 12. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE. iPad Mini 2’s hardware resembles that of the first generation of iPad Air.  It used an Apple A7 chip with an embedded Apple M7 Motion coprocessor; the chip included over a billion transistors and comprised a 2x faster CPU and GPU. It debuted the 80211n-based MINO technology used in its Wi-Fi connectivity, and it had an extended range of LTE telecommunication. It also came with a Retina Display.

The second generations of iPad Mini has three model number, they are:

• A1489 on the iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi
• A1490 on the iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A1491 on the iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular (TD-LTE)–released early 2014

iPad Mini 2 was discontinued on March 21, 2017 but still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages:

iPad Mini 2 design is the best in the tablet category. It has powerful and faster speed in processing.

Disadvantages:

iPad Mini 2’s price is quite expensive for some and still lacks camera quality.

Third generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	GPU	Storage	Weight
2,048 x 1,536	Apple A7	PowerVR G6430	16/64/128 GB	331/341 gram

The third generation of iPad Mini was announced on October 16, 2014, and released on October 22. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE. iPad Mini 3 uses an Apple A7 chip with an embedded M7 motion coprocessor, and its 7.9-inch Retina screen display has a resolution of 2048 by 1536 pixels. It includes a 1080p HD camera, a FaceTime HD camera, and a 5-megapixel iSight camera.

The third generation of iPad Mini has two model number, they are:

• A1599 on the iPad mini 3
• A1600 on the iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular

iPad Mini 3 was discontinued on September 9, 2015 but still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages:

iPad Mini 3 has added Touch ID and the availability of the gold color. It is cheaper than the previous model.

Disadvantages:

iPad Mini 3 has identical design with the previous model and features the same screen and internals.

Fourth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	GPU	Storage	Weight
2,048 x 1,536	Apple A8	PowerVR GX6450ios	16/32/64/128 GB	298/304 gram

The fourth generation of iPad Mini was announced and released on September 9, 2015. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE. iPad Mini 4 uses a dual-core Apple A8 chip with an embedded Apple M8 motion coprocessor. Its headphone jack was re-positioned with the removal of a mute switch.

The fourth generation of iPad Mini has two model number, they are:

• A1538 on the iPad mini 4
• A1550 on the iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular

iPad Mini 4 was discontinued on March 18, 2019 but still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages:

iPad Mini 4 has a more vivid display, slim design, fast performance, and great camera.

Disadvantages:

iPad Mini 4 comes with a more expensive price compared to other 8-inch tablets and the multitasking features not working as well on the smaller screen.  It lacks speaker quality and still runs on Apple A8 processor while other models that released in the same year have already integrated Apple A8X processor. 

Fifth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	Processor	Storage	Weight
2,048 x 1,536	Apple A12	64/256 GB	300/308 gram

The fifth generation of iPad Mini was announced and released on March 18, 2019. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE and eSIM. iPad Mini 5 uses an Apple A12 Bionic chip, with a 3-times faster CPU and a 9-times faster GPU than its predecessor. It features a Truetone-based Retina screen display with 25% wider Color and higher pixel density.

The fifth generation of iPad Mini has three model number, they are:

• A2133 on iPad mini (5th generation)
• A2124, A2126 on iPad mini (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A2125 on iPad mini (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)

iPad Mini 5 was discontinued on September 14, 2021 but still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages:

iPad Mini 5 has the same specs as the larger iPad Air and had solid performance while noting that it had a “seven-year-old exterior design with huge bezels” and uses a Lightning port instead of USB-C.

Disadvantages:

iPad Mini 5 has not supported Smart Keyboard.

Sixth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	Processor	Storage	Weight
2,266 x 1,488	Apple A15	64/256 GB	293/297 gram

The sixth generation of iPad Mini was announced and released on September 24, 2021. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support 5G and eSIM. iPad Mini 6 uses an Apple A15 Bionic chip, with a 40% faster 6-core CPU and 80% faster 5-core GPU. Its 16-core Neural Engine and AI accelerators within the CPU delivers a 2x boost of AI performance. Its 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front camera featured Apple’s “Center Stage Mode” technology, while its 12-megapixel back camera had larger apertures, True Tone flash, and Smart HDR automatic shadow and highlight recovery. It includes a USB-C port, capable of transferring up to 5 gigabits per second of data; improved landscape stereo speakers; and a brighter Liquid Retina Display.

The sixth generation of iPad Mini has three model number, they are:

• A2567 on iPad mini (6th generation)
• A2568 on iPad mini (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A2569 on iPad mini (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)

Advantages: 

iPad Mini 6 has a new design, improved technology, and already supports 5G. It was called “Apple’s most exciting new product in years.”

Disadvantages:

iPad Mini 6 is only compatible with the second generation of Apple Pencil and has not support Magic Keyboard for iPad. 

iPad Air

First generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	GPU	Storage	Weight
2,048 x 1,536	Apple A7	PowerVR G6430	16/32/64/128 GB	469/478 gram

The first generation of iPad Air was announced on October 22, 2013, and released on November 1. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE. iPad Air 1 used an Apple A7 chip with an embedded Apple M7 Motion coprocessor; the chip included over a billion transistors and comprised a 2x faster CPU and GPU. It debuted the 80211n-based MINO technology used in its Wi-Fi connectivity, and it had an extended range of LTE telecommunication. It also came with a Retina Display. 

The first generation of iPad Air has three model number, they are:

• A1474 on the iPad Air Wi-Fi
• A1475 on the iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A1476 on the iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular (TD-LTE)—released early 2014

iPad Air 1 was discontinued on March 21, 2016 but still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages:

iPad Air 1 is slim and light and has a balance of features, design and ergonomics. It has better camera quality as well as a crisp and colorful display. iPad Air 1 features high-definition video streams and gaming animations are smooth and stutter free. 

Disadvantages:

iPad Air 1 lacks a fingerprint reader.

Second generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	GPU	Storage	Weight
2,048 x 1,536	Apple A8X	PowerVR GXA6850	16/32/64/128 GB	437/444 gram

The second generation of iPad Air was announced on October 16, 2014, and released on October 22. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE. iPad Air 2 used an Apple A8X chip with a 2.5x faster CPU. Its 8MP iSight Camera had 1.12-micron pixels and a f/2.4 aperture, while its FaceTime Camera had f/2.2 aperture and 81% light capacity. Its display had a revised 56% lower reflective rate. It also had an extended range of LTE telecommunication service.

The second generation of iPad Air has two model number, they are:

• A1566 on the iPad Air 2
• A1567 on the iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular

iPad Air 2 was discontinued on March 21, 2017 but still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages:

iPad Air 2 has faster processing speed compared to the previous model. 

Disadvantages:

iPad Air 2 has no improved design. 

Third generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	Storage	Weight
2,224 x 1,668	Apple A12	64/256 GB	456/464 gram

The third generation of iPad Air was announced on March 18, 2019, and released on March 25. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE and eSIM. iPad Air 3 used an Apple A12 Bionic with an embedded Neural Engine, 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU. Its 866 Mbit/s WiFi connectivity is LTE-based, and it is equipped with a 1080p HD video camera.

The third generation of iPad Air has three model number, they are:

• A2152 on iPad Air (3rd generation)
• A2123, A2153 on iPad Air (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A2154 on iPad Air (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)

iPad Air 3 was discontinued on September 15, 2020 but still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages: 

iPad Air 3 has a laminated screen, Smart Keyboard case capability, as well as a speedy SoC. 

Disadvantages:

iPad Air 3 only supports the first-generation Apple Pencil and only has two speakers compared to four on the Pro models.

Fourth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	Storage	Weight
2,360 x 1,640	Apple A14	64/256 GB	458 gram

The fourth generation of iPad Air was announced on September 15, 2020, and released on October 23. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE and eSIM. iPad Air 4 used an Apple A14 Bionic chip, which comprised 11.9 billion transistors, a 40% faster 6-core CPU, a 30% faster 4-core GPU, and an embedded Neural Engine that can process 11 trillion operations per second. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Screen display has a resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels (3.8 million pixels). Its front 7-megapixel Facetime Camera is of 1080p and 60 fps, while its 12-megapixel webcam features 8 aperture, 4K, 60fps, and video stabilization.

The fourth generation of iPad Air has two model number, they are:

• A2316 on iPad Air (4th generation)
• A2324, A2325, A2072 on iPad Air (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular

iPad Air 4 was discontinued on March 8, 2022 but still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages: 

iPad Air 4 has faster processing speed and better camera quality. 

Disadvantages:

iPad Air 4 is way more expensive. It does not support the Face ID feature.

Fifth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	Storage	Weight
2,360 x 1,640	Apple M1	64/256 GB	461/462 gram

The fifth generation of iPad Air was announced on March 8, 2022, and released on March 18. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support 5G and eSIM. iPad Air 5 used an Apple M1 chip. It is available in five colors: Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, and Blue.

The fifth generation of iPad Air has two model number, they are:

• A2588 on iPad Air (5th generation)
• A2589, A2591 on iPad Air (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular

Advantages:

iPad Air 5 has supported the second generation of Apple pencil and runs on the same processor as iPad Pro. It comes with a stunning display, fast performance, and great camera quality.

Disadvantages:

iPad Air 5’s price is quite expensive. 

iPad Pro

First generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	GPU	Storage	Weight
2,732 x 2,048 (12.9-inch)	Apple A9X	PowerVR Series 7XT	32/128/256 GB	713/723 gram
2,048 x 1,536 (9.7-inch)				437/444 gram

The first generation of the high-end and professional flagship iPad Pro was announced on September 9, 2015, and released on November 11, (12.9-inch version) and March 31 (9.7-inch). It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE. iPad Pro 1 used an Apple A9X chip, with a 2x higher memory bandwidth and a 1.8x faster CPU than its predecessor. Its audio system consisted of 4 audio ports and its volume was more than 3x more efficient than the second generation of iPad Air, and its 12-inch screen display had a resolution of 2732 by 2043 pixels.

The first generation of iPad Pro has two model number for 12.9-inch and two model number for 9.7-inch, they are:

• A1584 on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch
• A1652 on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A1673 on the iPad Pro 9.7-inch
• A1674 or A1675 on the iPad Pro 9.7-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular

iPad Pro 1 was discontinued on June 5, 2017 but still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages:

iPad Pro 1 has a faster processor and new accessories available. It comes with a large 256 GB configuration, True Tone display, as well as better audio quality. 

Disadvantages:

iPad Pro 1’s starting price is quite expensive.

Second generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	GPU	Storage	Weight
2,732 x 2,048  (12.9-inch)	Apple A10X	PowerVR Series 7XT	64/256/512 GB	677/692 gram
2,224 x 1,668 (10.5-inch)				469/477 gram

The second generation of iPad Pro was announced on June 5, 2017, and was released on June 13. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support LTE. iPad Pro 2 used an Apple A10X chip, with a 6-core CPU and 12-core GPU. It can process 120 Hz HDR quality media, 2x higher quality than its predecessor. Its ultra-low reflective Retina Display featured a 50% optimized True Tone technology (which automatically adjusts the screen according to its ambient color and brightness rates), Wide Color Integration, and up to 500 nit brightness rates. It also had a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 7-megapixel front-facing camera.

The second generation of iPad Pro has three model number for 11-inch and three model number for 12.9-inch, they are:

• A2228 on the iPad Pro 11-inch
• A2068, A2230 on the iPad Pro 11-inchWi-Fi + Cellular
• A2231 on the iPad Pro 11-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)
• A1670 on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch
• A1671 on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A1821 on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)

iPad Pro 2 was discontinued on October 30, 2018 for the 12.9-inch model and on March 18, 2019 for 10.5-inch model. This generation still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages:

iPad Pro 2 has a large screen size, high-quality audio, great camera, and fast performance.

Disadvantages:

iPad Pro 2 has a high propensity of experiencing a “backlight bleed” failure, manifested as brighter halos of light bleeding through one edge of the screen. The price is also expensive. 

Third generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	Storage	Weight
2,388 x 1,668 (11-inch)	Apple A12X	64/256/512 GB  1 TB	466/468 gram
2,732 x 2,048 (12.9-inch)			631/633 gram

The third generation of iPad Pro was announced on October 30, 2018, and released on November 7, and it is the first iPad to support 1 TB of storage. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support 5G and eSIM. iPad Pro 3 used a 7 nm Apple A12X Bionic chip, which comprised 11 billion transistors, an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU and an embedded Neural Engine capable of processing 5 trillion operations per second. Apple replaced the Touch ID fingerprint recognition biometric authentication with its facial counterpart, Face ID.

The third generation of iPad pro has four model number for 11-inch and three model number for 12.9-inch, they are:

• A2377 on the iPad Pro (11-inch)
• A2459 on the iPad Pro (11-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A2301 on the iPad Pro (11-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular with mmWave
• A2460 on the iPad Pro (11-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)
• A1876 on the iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
• A2014, A1895 on the iPad Pro (12.9-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A1983 on the iPad Pro (12.9-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)

iPad Pro 3 was discontinued on March 18, 2020 but still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages:

iPad Pro 3 has better displays, slimmer bezels, the addition of Face ID and general speed improvements. It comes with more responsive and larger screen size as well as more storage capacity. 

Disadvantages:

iPad Pro 3 device is easily bending and breaking. The price for this model is highly increased. 

Fourth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	Storage	Weight
2,388 x 1,668 (11-inch)	Apple A12Z	128/256/512 GB  1 TB	466/468 gram
2,732 x 2,048 (12.9-inch)			641/643 gram

The fourth generation of iPad Pro was announced and released on March 18, 2020. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support 5G and eSIM. iPad Pro 4 used an Apple A12Z chip, with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. Its Gibt-class Wi-Fi connectivity is 60% faster than that of its predecessor. It introduced a 10-megapixel ultra-wide camera, alongside its 12-megapixel wide camera, capable of capturing 4k video. These cameras allow it to capture media with wider visibility, and its audio system automatically detects and attracts any orientation nearby.

The fourth generation of iPad Pro has four model number for 11-inch and three model number for 12.9-inch, they are:

• A2759 on iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)
• A2435 on iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A2761 on iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular with mmWave
• A2762 on iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)
• A2229 on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch
• A2069, A2232 on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A2233 on the iPad Pro12.9-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)

iPad Pro 4 was discontinued on April 20, 2021 but still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages:

iPad Pro 4 has LiDAR sensor for increased AR capability and new camera setup.

Disadvantages:

iPad Pro 4 has minor improvements compared to previous models and the device lacks a tool for video conferencing.

Fifth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	Storage	Weight
2,388 x 1,668 (11-inch)	Apple M1	128/256/512 GB  1/2 TB	466/470 gram
2,732 x 2,048 (12.9-inch)			682/685 gram

The fifth generation of iPad Pro was announced on April 20, 2021, and released on May 21. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support 5G and eSIM. iPad Pro 5 used an innovative desktop-class Apple M1 chip, which comprised a 40% faster 8-core CPU, a 4x faster 8-core GPU, and a 4x higher bandwidth. It featured a ƒ/1.8 aperture 12-megapixel wide-angle pro camera (captures high quality shots) and a ƒ/2.4 aperture 10-megapixel ultrawide camera (captures enhanced Augmented Reality interactive experience). It debuted Apple’s “Center Stage mode” technology, which pinpoints the positions of the users and automatically tracks the camera view accordingly to perspectivally centralize them. The 12.9-inch version had a mini LED-based Liquid Retina XDR display, compared to the 11-inch model’s lesser IPS LCD-based Liquid Retina display.

The fifth generation of iPad Pro has four model number, they are:

• A2378 on the iPad Pro
• A2461 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A2379 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular with mmWave
• A2462 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)

iPad Pro 5 was discontinued on October 18, 2022 but still got the latest update for the operating system until now.

Advantages:

iPad Pro 5 has better camera quality, vivid display, fast performance, and large storage capacity. 

Disadvantages:

iPad Pro 5 lack of professional macOS applications and lack of multiuser support like the Mac.

Sixth generation

Specifications
Resolutions	CPU	Storage	Weight
2,388 x 1,668 (11-inch)	Apple M2	128/256/512 GB  1/2 TB	466/470 gram
2,732 x 2,048 (12.9-inch)			682/685 gram

The sixth generation of iPad Pro was announced on October 18th, 2022, and released on October 26th. It came with 2 versions: Wi-Fi capable and cellular which support 5G and eSIM. iPad Pro 6 used an Apple M2 chip, with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Internal storage options include 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB.[1] The 128, 256, and 512 GB versions include 8 GB of RAM, while the 1 and 2 TB versions are bundled with 16 GB of RAM.

The 11-inch model has a Liquid Retina display with a peak brightness at 600 nits, which is the same as the 11-inch model of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations. The 12.9-inch model, in contrasts, boasts mini LED HDR display called the Liquid Retina XDR display built in with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, full screen brightness of 1000 nits and a peak brightness of 1600 nits (HDR), which is the same as the 12.9-inch model of the 5th generation. Both models support True Tone, ProMotion, 120 Hz variable refresh rate, and P3 wide color gamut.

The sixth generation of iPad Pro has four model number, they are:

• A2436 on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)
• A2764 on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• A2437 on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular with mmWave
• A2766 on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only)

Advantages:

iPad Pro 6 supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, the Magic Keyboard, the Magic Trackpad, the Magic Mouse, Smart Keyboard Folio, and USB-C accessories. Moreover, it has faster performance, longer battery life, and better display.

Disadvantages:

iPad Pro 6’s price is highly expensive and the front-facing camera is not in a landscape position, compared to the 10th-generation iPad.

Which iPad is the Best?

After reading the information about iPad series, including their specifications, advantages and disadvantages, you might be able to decide which iPad is the best and suitable for your needs. 

If we look together, it can be said that the iPad Pro 6 is the best iPad because it has the most up-to-date specifications at this time. It will be able to help you do various jobs easier and quicker.

However, it is undeniable that other iPad models are also good with their respective specifications and functions. In fact, some models are still receiving the latest iOS updates even though their production has been discontinued.

You can choose the best version of the iPad that suits your needs and budget. If you are looking for a tablet only for basic use such as internet browsing, doing assignments in docs, checking emails, watching movies,  or listening to music, you really do not need an iPad from the latest generation with more advanced specifications; you can save more money by buying the iPad from an earlier generation.

However, if you are looking for a more powerful device for work such as editing video, drawing, and other complex tasks, you will probably want to consider the latest or at least the second-to-latest generation.

Therefore, choosing the best iPad that is right for you is only based on your needs and budget. 

Moreover, if you still want and need to buy an iPad with the latest specifications, but do not have enough budget to afford it, you can consider buying the second-hand version.

Beneko: Save Money, Save Environment

If you are looking for the best iPad, whether new or used, you can buy it at Beneko for the best price and great deals. At Beneko, we provide you with detailed descriptions and specifications for each product that can help you compare one product to another. We also have customer support that can help answer all your questions; thus, you have better consideration for buying an iPad with the specifications you need.

Beneko also helps you save money because when you buy a new device, you only pay for what you use. Since you can return the device to us, you actually only pay for the difference in cost between the new product and the resale price of the second-hand product.

Besides, you also can save the environment by returning your old electronic devices to Beneko to avoid them becoming waste.

You can enjoy a new iPad and save more money and the environment with Beneko.