What Is the Newest Version of the iPad?

If you're in the market for an iPad, you probably want to get the newest one Apple has to offer. Not only will this get you all of the latest features, but it means that 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. Here's a quick rundown of all the latest versions of every type of iPad.

iPad Pro (3rd-generation)

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 versions come in two sizes: One has an 11-inch screen, and the bigger one has a 13-inch display.

Other than those two inches of real estate, the hardware is the same. Both tablets use the same processor and the same cameras (a 12-megapixel rear-facing one and a 7-megapixel front-facing).

They're also missing the same features that other tablets have. Specifically, neither has a Home button, which means that you can't secure it with a fingerprint using Touch ID. It does, however, 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 (2019)

The third generation of the iPad Air isn't as fast as the Pro, but it's more affordable and has some of the same features. It's compatible with the first-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 boasts a True Tone display, which adjusts the color and brightness of the screen based on ambient conditions.

This new iPad Air keeps the Home button and headphone jack, however, so it supports both Touch ID and Face ID.

iPad Mini (2019)

This year's iPad Mini is the fifth generation of the small-sized Apple tablet. The Mini is the choice for people who want a smaller, more portable tablet.

Its screen is 7.9 inches, which is significantly smaller than the ones on other models. But it's also compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the same processor as the Air 3. It is, in fact, practically identical to the larger tablet; the only significant difference is its size.

iPad (2019)

2019's model is the seventh version of the iPad. It's the most affordable version of the tablet, cheaper even than the Mini despite its larger, 10.2-inch screen. But it's also the least powerful iPad currently available.

Like the other current versions, the base iPad supports the Apple Pencil. It has the slowest processor, however, and the lowest resolution cameras (1.2 MP/8 MP). Apple has 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.