In May 2024, Apple introduced an impressive range of new iPad models at its latest event, further advancing both the technical capabilities and the design. The updates include both the iPad Air and iPad Pro, which feature more advanced chips, improved displays and new interactive features, ushering in a new era for Apple's tablet offering. In addition to the innovations in the high-end models, the iPad mini and the standard iPad remain fixed sizes in Apple's portfolio, offering solid functions at an attractive price. In this article, we take a close look at all current models, compare their specifications and possible 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 handy 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 of 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. In addition to being available in a variety of colors, the new Smart Folio covers 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 communication and productivity tool.
iPad Pro 7th generation (2024) – the thinnest Apple product:
The iPad Pro continues to set the standard for professional tablets with sizes 11 inches and 12.9 inches and the new Apple M4 chip - and at around 5 mm is probably the thinnest Apple product ever introduced . In addition to providing increased processing power, the chip also supports the new Ultra Retina XDR display, which features a 120 Hz refresh rate and optional nano-textured glass to minimize reflections and improve visibility in various lighting conditions.
The camera functions 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 12MP 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 gamut and True Tone technology, it offers impressive image quality for its size. The powerful Apple A15 Bionic chip works under the hood, guaranteeing 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 image during video calls, which is particularly useful for dynamic meetings or family chats.
The design of the iPad mini is modern and similar to the higher model series, with flat edges and available in a variety of attractive colors. It supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side of the tablet, making it easier to create on the go.
Despite its many advantages, the iPad mini is not without its flaws. A well-known problem is the so-called "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 likely won't 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. Because after the update of the iPad series in May 2024, the price in Germany has now fallen 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 design of the standard iPad 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, which results in a small but visible gap between the display and the protective glass.This can adversely affect the visual quality and feel of using the touchscreen, especially when using the stylus. There is also the possibility that the A14 Bionic chip will drop out of future iPadOS updates sooner than the more powerful chips, which could limit the device's lifespan and usefulness compared to newer models. Nevertheless, this iPad can be recommended because it is the cheapest iPad of all current iPads. So it's ideal for anyone who needs a device for surfing, 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 functions and being compatible with different iPad models:
- Apple Pencil Pro: The top of the range pencils with gesture controls 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 such as 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 user groups. From high-performance models like the iPad Pro, ideal for professionals and creatives, to more budget-friendly options like the standard iPad and iPad mini that cover everyday use, there's a model to suit every need and budget. The integration of advanced features like the Apple Pencil Pro and improved displays ensures that iPads continue to be at the forefront of tablet technology.
In addition, it should be noted that many of the older, but still powerful iPad models such as the iPad Air M1 and the iPad Pro M1 are no longer offered by Apple 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 don't 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's often worth to buy these iPads used.
