Computers, Laptops & Tablets > Apple 440 440 people found this article helpful What Is the Newest Generation of iPad? The ultimate guide to the latest iPad versions (and older ones, too) By Daniel Nations Daniel Nations Twitter Writer University of Texas at Arlington Daniel Nations has been a tech journalist since 1994. His work has appeared in Computer Currents, The Examiner, and other publications. He is a developer who has published apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play marketplace and Amazon Appstore; he also has worked as a data analyst and DB administrator. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 18, 2022 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email In the market for an iPad? The newest generations from Apple give you all of the latest features, and mean your tablet will receive software support and updates for years to come. With so many types and sizes of iPads to choose from, it's hard to know which are the newest models and what they really offer. Here's your quick rundown of the latest versions of every type of iPad. iPad Pro The iPad Pro is Apple's most technologically advanced tablet, and it was the first to use the company's stylus, the Apple Pencil. The latest iPad Pro versions come in two sizes. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is currently in its fifth generation, and the 11-inch iPad Pro is in its third. Other than those roughly two inches of real estate, the hardware is the same. Both tablets got a performance boost with Apple's new M1 processor and an improved camera that includes Center Stage technology. They're also missing the same features that other tablets have. Specifically, neither has a Home button, which means you can't secure it with a fingerprint using Touch ID. However, both models support Face ID, which locks your iPad until the camera sees your face. The iPad Pro doesn't have a headphone jack, either, so you'll need an adapter or a set of Bluetooth headphones to listen to music privately. But for speed, storage, and overall performance, these are the most heavyweight tablets Apple sells. iPad Air The iPad Air is currently in its fifth generation, released in 2022. The iPad Air 5 is the first non-Pro model to include Apple's M1 chip, which means it's just as fast as the larger offerings. It's compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which means you can make full use of some of the advanced creativity apps that the stylus was made for. It also has a True Tone display, which adjusts the color and brightness of the screen based on ambient conditions. Like the fourth-generation model, the iPad Air 5 doesn't have a Home button. Instead, it integrates Home's functionality, including Touch ID, into the Sleep/Wake button at the top of the device. This model also has a 10.9-inch display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640, which brings it even closer in size to the Pro. The fift-generation iPad Air supports USB-C, so you can use USB-C storage devices and chargers. iPad Mini The newest iPad Mini is the sixth generation of the small-sized Apple tablet. The Mini is the choice for people who want a smaller, more portable tablet. Its screen is 8.3 inches, which is smaller than the ones on other models. But it's compatible with the Apple Pencil and packs a powerful A15 Bionic chip with a 16-core Neural Engine. The Mini is similar to the larger tablet; the only significant difference is its size. iPad 2021's model is the ninth version of the iPad. It's the most affordable version of the tablet, cheaper than the Mini despite its larger, 10.2-inch screen. But it's also the least powerful iPad currently available. This iPad model supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. It carries an A13 Bionic processor, promises up to 10 hours of battery life from its 32.4-watt-hour cell battery, and has seen a huge camera upgrade over its predecessor, with an 8 MP rear camera and a 12 MP Ultra-Wide setup in the front. Apple aimed this less-featured iPad toward casual tablet users and educators. It's the best pick for people who want an Apple tablet but don't need all of the features and performance of the other models.