In May 2024, Apple unveiled an impressive range of new iPad models at its latest event, pushing both technical capabilities and design further. The updates include both the iPad Air and iPad Pro, which come with more advanced chips, improved displays, and new interactive features that usher in a new era for Apple's tablet offering. In addition to the innovations in the high-end models, the iPad mini and standard iPad remain staples in Apple's portfolio, offering solid features at an attractive price. In this article, we take a closer look at all current models, compare their specifications and uses, and help you find the perfect iPad for your needs.
The new iPad Air and iPad Pro models (2024)
iPad Air 6th generation (2024) – a powerful all-rounder:
The newly redesigned iPad Air comes in two versions - 11-inch and 13-inch - offering more flexibility for users looking for a powerful but portable tablet. Both sizes feature a lightweight design and strong performance, made possible by the use of the latest M2 chip. The improved screen technology ensures vivid colors and excellent brightness, making the iPad Air particularly suitable for media enjoyment and creative work.
In addition to the hardware upgrades, the iPad Air offers support for the new Apple Pencil Pro, which expands the tablet's creative and interactive potential with new gesture controls such as squeeze and barrel roll. The haptic feedback of this pen significantly improves the precision and feel when drawing and writing.
The iPad Air's accessories have also been upgraded. The Magic Keyboard now features a floating design and an integrated trackpad, making working on the go more convenient. The new Smart Folio covers are not only available in a variety of colors, but are also magnetic, allowing for a variety of viewing angles and improving device protection.
With the introduction of iPadOS 17, iPad Air brings new personalization options, including interactive widgets and improved messaging and FaceTime features, making it an even more powerful tool for communication and productivity.
iPad Pro 7th generation (2024) – the thinnest Apple product:
The iPad Pro continues to set the standard for professional tablets with its 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes and the new Apple M4 chip - and at around 5 mm, it is probably the thinnest Apple product ever introduced. The chip not only offers increased computing power, but also supports the new Ultra Retina XDR display, which has a refresh rate of 120 Hz and optionally features nano-textured glass to minimize reflections and improve visibility in different lighting conditions.
The camera features of the iPad Pro have been optimized specifically for professional use. The new positioning of the 12 MP Ultra Wide front camera improves the user experience during video conferences in landscape mode. The rear camera focuses on a high-quality 12 MP main camera with an improved adaptive True Tone flash, ideal for photography and video production on the go.
Overall, the updates to the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air models offer significant improvements in performance, display, and user experience, making them ideal options for both professional users and everyday use. In the next section, we'll take a look at the other models that continue to play an important role in Apple's current portfolio.
The existing models: iPad mini and standard iPad
iPad mini (6th generation, 2021):
The iPad mini maintains its compact and portable design, making it the ideal choice for those looking for an ultra-portable device. With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display that supports P3 color space and True Tone technology, it offers impressive image quality for its size. Under the hood is the powerful Apple A15 Bionic chip, which guarantees fast performance for apps and games.
The iPad mini's camera setup is also impressive: a 12 MP wide-angle rear camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle front camera, both of which support 4K video recording. The front camera also offers Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps users in the center of the frame during video calls, which is particularly useful for dynamic meetings or family chats.
The iPad mini's design is modern and similar to the higher-end models, with flat edges and available in a range of attractive colors. It supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet, making it easier to create on the go.
The iPad mini, despite its many advantages, is not without its flaws. One known issue is what is known as "jelly scrolling," which causes uneven scrolling on the display. This is due to the different refresh rate on different parts of the display. Recent reports suggest that this issue is unlikely to be fixed until the next hardware iteration of the iPad mini, meaning users may have to wait until the next model release to get a fix.
Standard iPad (2022):
The standard iPad continues to offer excellent value for money. After the iPad series was updated in May 2024, the price in Germany has now dropped to €429.00. Equipped with a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the Apple A14 Bionic chip, it delivers solid performance for everyday tasks such as surfing, email and video streaming.
The standard iPad's camera setup is similar to that of the iPad mini, with a 12MP wide-angle rear camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle front camera, both of which support 4K video recording. This makes it a great option for users who want a device for entertainment and basic productivity tasks but don't have the budget for a Pro model.
The standard iPad's design is also modern, with an all-screen design and various color options. It supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil as well as Apple Pencils with USB-C, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of accessories and applications.
While the standard iPad offers many attractive features for its price, there are some aspects that could be improved. The iPad's display is not laminated, resulting in a small but visible gap between the display and the protective glass.This can have a detrimental effect on the visual quality and feel of the touchscreen, especially when using the stylus. There is also a chance that the A14 Bionic chip will be phased out sooner than the more powerful chips in future iPadOS updates, which could limit the device's lifespan and usefulness compared to newer models. Nevertheless, this iPad can be recommended as it is the cheapest iPad of all current iPads, making it ideal for anyone who needs a device for browsing, video streaming, or casual gaming.
Apple Pencil: An overview of the different models
The range of Apple Pencils has also expanded and now offers four different models, each offering different features and being compatible with different iPad models:
- Apple Pencil Pro: The top model among the pens with gesture control such as squeeze and barrel roll as well as haptic feedback, compatible with the latest Pro and Air models.
- Apple Pencil USB-C: A more affordable option that offers pixel-perfect precision and is compatible with iPads that have a USB-C port.
- Apple Pencil (2nd generation): Offers features like magnetic attachment and double-tap for tool changing, compatible with newer Air and Pro models.
- Apple Pencil (1st generation): The original model, compatible with older iPad models, a solid choice for users with basic needs.
Conclusion: It is also worth comparing the older iPad models
The current range of Apple iPads offers a variety of options for a wide range of users. From high-performance models like the iPad Pro, which is ideal for professionals and creatives, to more budget-friendly options like the standard iPad and iPad mini that cover everyday use, there is a model to suit every need and budget. The inclusion of advanced features like the Apple Pencil Pro and improved displays ensures that the iPads remain at the forefront of tablet technology.
Additionally, it is important to note that many of Apple's older but still powerful iPad models, such as the iPad Air M1 and iPad Pro M1, are no longer offered new as they have been replaced by newer models. These devices still offer impressive performance and can be an attractive option, especially when purchased at a reduced price as refurbished products. The robust construction and powerful specifications of these older models continue to make them a worthwhile investment for users who do not necessarily need the latest model but still value high quality and performance. Refurbished iPads offer a cost-effective way to access powerful technology while conserving resources and contributing to sustainability. That's why it is often worth it to to buy these iPads used.
