The iPad landscape has evolved dramatically since Steve Jobs first introduced the original tablet in 2010. What started as a single device designed to sit between a smartphone and a laptop has expanded into a complex ecosystem comprising four distinct lines: the standard iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.

As of early 2026, Apple has released over 45 different iPad iterations. Navigating this list is essential whether you are a collector, a second-hand buyer checking compatibility, or a professional looking for the latest M5-powered hardware.

Quick Reference: The Current iPad Lineup

For those looking for the most recent versions available in 2025 and 2026, here is the current status of the four main categories:

  • iPad (Standard): The 11th Generation (2025) is the entry-level flagship, featuring the A16 chip and an 11-inch display.
  • iPad mini: The 7th Generation (2024) remains the portability king with the A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support.
  • iPad Air: The 8th Generation (11-inch) and 3rd Generation (13-inch) models released in early 2026 are powered by the M4 chip.
  • iPad Pro: The absolute high-end features the M5 chip (2025/2026 models) with Ultra Retina XDR (OLED) displays.

The Standard iPad Series: The Original Evolution

The "regular" iPad is Apple’s most popular model, primarily targeted at students and general consumers. It has seen the most significant design shift, moving from the chunky bezels and 30-pin connectors of the early 2010s to the sleek, all-screen USB-C designs of today.

Generation Release Year Chip Screen Size Major Features
iPad (1st) 2010 A4 9.7" The original tablet; no cameras.
iPad 2 2011 A5 9.7" Dual cameras; thinner design.
iPad (3rd) 2012 A5X 9.7" First Retina display; 30-pin dock.
iPad (4th) 2012 A6X 9.7" Transition to Lightning connector.
iPad (5th) 2017 A9 9.7" Affordable reboot of the main line.
iPad (6th) 2018 A10 9.7" First standard iPad with Apple Pencil (1st Gen) support.
iPad (7th) 2019 A10 10.2" Increased screen size; Smart Connector for keyboards.
iPad (8th) 2020 A12 10.2" Significant CPU boost with Neural Engine.
iPad (9th) 2021 A13 10.2" True Tone display; 12MP Ultra Wide front camera.
iPad (10th) 2022 A14 10.9" Redesign: No Home Button; USB-C; Landscape camera.
iPad (11th) 2025 A16 11.0" Current entry model; better efficiency and modern bezels.

The transition from the 9th to the 10th generation marked the end of the "classic" iPad look. While the 9th generation was the last to feature the physical Home Button and a headphone jack, the 11th generation has solidified the move toward a unified, gesture-based interface across the entire catalog.

iPad mini: Maximum Portability

The iPad mini was created for those who found the 9.7-inch form factor too bulky. After a long hiatus between the 4th and 5th generations, Apple revitalized this line for power users who need a digital notebook that fits in a pocket.

  • iPad mini (1st Gen, 2012): Essentially a shrunken iPad 2. It lacked a Retina display, which was its biggest criticism at launch.
  • iPad mini 2 (2013): A massive upgrade, bringing the Retina display and the A7 chip, matching the power of the iPad Air of that year.
  • iPad mini 3 (2014): A minor update that only added Touch ID and a Gold color option.
  • iPad mini 4 (2015): Thinner and lighter, with a fully laminated display that improved outdoor visibility.
  • iPad mini (5th Gen, 2019): After four years of silence, this model added the A12 chip and Apple Pencil support, making it a favorite for pilots and medical professionals.
  • iPad mini (6th Gen, 2021): The biggest redesign in the series' history. It introduced the 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, USB-C, and the A15 Bionic chip.
  • iPad mini (7th Gen, 2024): This model introduced the A17 Pro chip specifically to enable "Apple Intelligence" (AI) features, providing the necessary RAM and NPU power for on-device processing.

iPad Air: The High-Performance Middle Ground

The iPad Air was originally the flagship "thin" model. Today, it serves as the "Pro-lite," offering the powerful M-series chips found in MacBooks but omitting some of the Pro's most expensive features like ProMotion (120Hz) or OLED displays.

The Early Air Years

The first iPad Air (2013) replaced the heavy 4th-gen iPad, weighing just one pound. The iPad Air 2 (2014) introduced a laminated screen and Touch ID, becoming so iconic that it was supported by software updates for nearly eight years.

The Modern M-Series Era

  • iPad Air (4th Gen, 2020): Adopted the Pro-style design with thin bezels and the A14 chip.
  • iPad Air (5th Gen, 2022): The first Air to get the M1 chip, making it as powerful as many laptops at the time.
  • iPad Air 11" & 13" (M2, 2024): Apple introduced two sizes for the Air for the first time, mirroring the Pro lineup strategy.
  • iPad Air 11" & 13" (M3, 2025): A performance refresh to keep up with demanding iPadOS tasks.
  • iPad Air 11" & 13" (M4, 2026): The current flagship of the Air line. By moving to the M4 chip, these tablets offer exceptional power for creative work while maintaining a more accessible price than the OLED Pro models.

iPad Pro: The Professional Powerhouse

The Pro line is where Apple debuts its most advanced technology. It is split into two sizes, traditionally a "large" (12.9 or 13-inch) and a "small" (originally 9.7, then 10.5, now 11-inch) version.

12.9-inch (and 13-inch) Generations

  1. 1st Gen (2015): The first iPad with the 4-speaker system and Apple Pencil support.
  2. 2nd Gen (2017): Introduced ProMotion (120Hz) technology.
  3. 3rd Gen (2018): The revolutionary redesign with Face ID and USB-C.
  4. 4th Gen (2020): Added the LiDAR scanner and A12Z chip.
  5. 5th Gen (2021): Transitioned to the M1 chip and Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED) display.
  6. 6th Gen (2022): Updated to the M2 chip and added Apple Pencil hover.
  7. 7th Gen (2024): Renamed to iPad Pro 13-inch. It introduced the "Ultra Retina XDR" OLED display and the M4 chip.
  8. 8th Gen (2025/2026): Powered by the M5 chip, focusing on AI-driven workflows and even higher peak brightness.

11-inch (and 9.7/10.5-inch) Generations

The smaller Pro has undergone several size changes:

  • 9.7-inch (2016): The first "small" Pro.
  • 10.5-inch (2017): Reduced bezels to fit a larger screen in a similar footprint.
  • 11-inch (1st to 4th Gen, 2018–2022): Mirroring the internal specs of the 12.9-inch models but often sticking to standard LCD/Liquid Retina displays.
  • 11-inch (5th Gen, 2024): Finally received the OLED display upgrade alongside the M4 chip.
  • 11-inch (6th Gen, 2025/2026): Currently running on the M5 chip, representing the peak of portable computing.

How to Identify Which iPad You Own

Because Apple often reuses the same "marketing name" (e.g., there are multiple generations simply called "iPad Air"), the most reliable way to identify a version is by its Model Number.

Method 1: Check the Back Cover

Look at the bottom of the aluminum back. You will see "Model A" followed by four digits (e.g., A2925).

Method 2: Use iOS Settings

If the device powers on:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to General > About.
  3. Look for the Model Number entry.
  4. If the number shown starts with "M" (e.g., MHQR3LL/A), this is the Part Number. Tap it once to reveal the Model Number starting with "A".

Key A-Number Reference (Modern Models)

  • A2925 / A2926: iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024)
  • A2836 / A2837: iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024)
  • A3268 / A3269: iPad Air 13-inch (M3, 2025)
  • A1584 / A1652: The original iPad Pro 12.9 (2015)

Hardware Evolution: From A-Series to M-Series

One of the most critical aspects of the iPad versions list is the shift in processor architecture. This change dictates which features (like Stage Manager or Apple Intelligence) your device can run.

The A-Series (2010–Present)

Used in the standard iPad and iPad mini. These are mobile-first chips. While efficient, they lack the high-performance media engines and massive RAM capacities of the M-series. The A17 Pro (in the iPad mini 7) is the first A-series chip to support the full suite of modern Apple AI features.

The M-Series (2021–Present)

Starting with the 2021 iPad Pro, Apple began using "desktop-class" silicon.

  • M1 & M2: Enabled "Stage Manager" for advanced multitasking and external display support.
  • M4 & M5: Designed with a focus on Thermal efficiency (to allow for the ultra-thin 2024 Pro chassis) and enhanced Neural Engines for AI processing.

Port and Accessory Compatibility

  • 30-Pin (2010–2012): Found on iPad 1, 2, and 3.
  • Lightning (2012–2022): Used on almost all iPads until the transition to USB-C began.
  • USB-C (2018–Present): Now standard across all new models, allowing for faster data transfer and dongle-free connections to cameras and monitors.

Conclusion

Understanding the iPad versions list requires looking past the names and into the generations. Since 2010, the iPad has transformed from a simple media consumption device into a professional tool capable of rivaling laptops.

In the current market of 2026, the distinction is clearer than ever: the Standard iPad and mini are for consumption and light productivity, the Air is the versatile choice for most users, and the Pro is a specialized tool for those who demand the best display and processing power available. When identifying a device for sale or for software compatibility, always rely on the "A" model number located in the settings or on the back of the device.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about iPad Versions

Which iPads support Apple Intelligence?

As of iPadOS 26, Apple Intelligence requires a device with at least an M1 chip (iPad Air 5th Gen or later, iPad Pro 5th Gen 12.9" or later) or the A17 Pro chip (iPad mini 7th Gen or later). The standard iPad 10th and 11th Gen have limited support for these features.

What is the latest version of iPadOS?

The latest operating system is iPadOS 26 (released in late 2025). Apple has moved to a yearly nomenclature that aligns more closely with the calendar year for easier version tracking.

Which is the oldest iPad that still supports modern apps?

Generally, iPads with the A12 Bionic chip or newer (such as the iPad 8th Gen or iPad mini 5th Gen) are still highly functional in 2026, as they can run the latest iPadOS versions with reasonable performance.

Is the iPad Air 13-inch the same as an iPad Pro 13-inch?

No. While they share the same screen size, the iPad Pro 13-inch features a Tandem OLED display (Ultra Retina XDR), 120Hz ProMotion, and the M5 chip. The iPad Air 13-inch uses a standard Liquid Retina LCD and typically lags one generation behind in processor power.