Which iPad Should You Buy in 2026? iPad vs Air vs Pro vs mini
Every current iPad with its new price after Apple's June increase, what each is best at, and which one makes sense for students, artists and families.
Apple raised iPad prices in June 2026, some by $100 to $200, citing the global memory chip shortage. That makes picking the right model more important. Here's the current lineup and who each one is for.
Current prices (US, after June 2026)
| Model | Chip | Screen | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad | A16 | 11 in | $449 |
| iPad mini | A17 Pro | 8.3 in | $599 |
| iPad Air 11-in | M4 | 11 in | $749 |
| iPad Air 13-in | M4 | 13 in | $899 |
| iPad Pro 11-in | M5 | 11 in | $1,199 |
| iPad Pro 13-in | M5 | 13 in | $1,499 |
iPad (A16): best for most families
Streaming, browsing, homework, video calls, reading and casual games all run smoothly. It works with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and keyboard cases.
Best for: kids, families, students on a budget and anyone wanting a "couch tablet".
iPad mini: best for one-handed use
Small enough for a jacket pocket, with the A17 Pro chip. Pilots, doctors, readers and gamers love it.
Best for: reading, note-taking on the go and travel.
iPad Air (M4): best for students and creatives
The M4 chip makes the Air fast enough for serious work: drawing, photo editing, note-taking with Apple Pencil Pro and multitasking with Stage Manager. The 13-inch model gives you a big canvas without Pro pricing.
Best for: university students, illustrators and anyone who wants a laptop-like iPad.
iPad Pro (M5): best screen, most power
The Pro has the M5 chip and Apple's best display. It's built for pro artists, video editors and people using it as a main computer.
Best for: professionals whose work pays for it. For most people, the Air does nearly everything for much less.
Quick picks
| You want... | Buy |
|---|---|
| A family tablet for streaming and homework | iPad (A16) |
| Something small to read on and carry | iPad mini |
| To take handwritten notes at university | iPad Air 11-in |
| A big screen for drawing | iPad Air 13-in |
| The best iPad money can buy | iPad Pro |
Accessories add up
Budget for accessories before you buy:
- Apple Pencil (USB-C or Pencil Pro, depending on the model)
- A keyboard case if you'll type a lot
- A case, especially for kids
An iPad Air with a Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard can cost as much as a MacBook. If you mainly want to type, a laptop might be the better buy. See MacBook Neo vs MacBook Air.
Tips to save
- Last year's models are often discounted at retailers.
- Apple Certified Refurbished iPads come with a full warranty.
- Education pricing is available for students and teachers.
Using it for school notes? See the best note-taking apps for students.
