Apple’s lineup has something for everyone, but with different chips, screen sizes, and price points, picking the right one can get a little overwhelming.
No worries I’ve got you covered. Today, we’re breaking down all the current iPad models as of March 2025. We’ll talk about budget options, the power of Apple’s M-series chips, what works best for creators versus everyday users, and where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. Let’s dive in!”
Current Lineup
Alright, first up—what’s on the table in 2025? Apple’s current lineup includes the entry-level iPad, the iPad mini, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro. Prices start at 349 dollars for the base iPad and climb all the way to 1,299 dollars for the top-tier 13-inch iPad Pro before you even add accessories.
Each model has its own strengths, so the right one for you depends on what you need and what you’re willing to spend. We’ll start with the budget-friendly options and work our way up.”
Budget Picks
If you’re looking at your wallet, the 11th-gen iPad is the best place to start. It’s Apple’s most affordable tablet at 349 dollars for the 128 gigabytes Wi-Fi model, and it just got an upgrade in March 2025 with the A16 chip.
What does that mean for you? Well, it’s got an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, a sleek design with slimmer bezels, and USB-C charging. It’s great for everyday stuff watching Netflix, scrolling the web, checking emails, or even handling schoolwork.
For creators, though, it has some limitations. The A16 chip is solid, about 30% faster than the previous A14, but it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence Apple’s fancy new AI features in iPadOS 18. Plus, it only works with the first-gen Apple Pencil or the USB-C version, not the pro-level Pencil Pro. So while you can sketch and take notes, it’s not the most seamless experience.
Bottom line? If you need a reliable, no-frills iPad, this is a steal at 349 dollars. Just keep storage in mind—128 gigabytes is decent, but if you’re planning to store a lot of files or apps, the 256 gigabytes model at 449 dollars might be a smarter buy.
Portability
Next, we’ve got the iPad mini Apple’s smallest iPad, refreshed in October 2024 with the A17 Pro chip. It starts at 499 dollars for 128 gigabytes and features an 8.3-inch display, making it the ultimate pick if you need something compact.
If you love reading, gaming, or watching videos on the go, this little guy is fantastic. It’s more powerful than the base iPad, supports Apple Intelligence, and works with the Apple Pencil Pro so for creators, it’s a step up in responsiveness and precision.
The only downside? The screen size. At 8.3 inches, it’s not ideal for multitasking or serious creative work like video editing. But if portability is your top priority, the iPad mini is a powerhouse in a small package.”
Mid Tier Options
Now, let’s talk about what might be the best value for most people the iPad Air. Updated in March 2025 with the M3 chip, it comes in two sizes: 11-inch for 599 dollars and 13-inch for 799 dollars.
The M3 chip is a big deal it’s the same one that powered MacBooks in 2023. That means it’s crazy fast, handling everything from AI features to graphics-heavy apps with ease. For general use, it’s overkill in the best way multitasking, streaming, and browsing all feel effortless.
Creators, you’re gonna love this one. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro, making it great for digital art, photo editing, and even light video work. Plus, it pairs with the Magic Keyboard, so it’s a solid laptop alternative.
The only catch? The display is still 60 hertz, not the 120 hertz ProMotion you get on the iPad Pro. But at 599 dollars or 799 dollars, you’re getting near-Pro power for hundreds less. If you want future-proof performance without spending a fortune, this is your sweet spot.
For Creators
Finally, at the top of the food chain, we’ve got the iPad Pro. Last updated in May 2024, it packs the M4 chip and starts at 999 dollars for the 11-inch model or 1,299 dollars for the 13-inch.
This is the first iPad with an OLED display, which means deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a buttery-smooth 120 hertz refresh rate. Watching movies or gaming on this thing is next-level. But where it really shines is for creators. The M4 chip makes 4K video editing, 3D modeling, and pro-level art a breeze.
If you’re thinking of replacing your laptop, this is the one to get. It even supports Thunderbolt via USB-C for fast data transfers. The downside? Price. By the time you add the Pencil Pro for 129 dollars and Magic Keyboard for 299 dollars, you’re looking at a serious investment. For most people, it’s overkill—but for pros, it’s worth every penny.
Verdict
So, which iPad should you get? If you’re on a tight budget, the 11th-gen iPad is your best bet. At 349 dollars it offers solid performance at a great price. If portability is your main concern, the iPad mini is the way to go. Priced at 499 dollars, it’s compact, powerful, and AI-ready, making it perfect for reading, gaming, and on-the-go use.
For most people, the best value lies in the 11-inch iPad Air with M3. At 599 dollars, it delivers pro-level power at a mid-tier price, making it an excellent choice for both casual users and creators who want future-proof performance. However, if you’re a creator looking for the absolute best, the iPad Pro with M4 is the ultimate powerhouse. Starting at 999 dollars, it’s ideal for 4K video editing, design work, and even replacing a laptop.
When it comes to storage, 128 gigabytes is fine for light use, but if you plan to work with large files, aim for 256 gigabytes or more. And don’t forget about accessories adding the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard can completely change how you use your iPad, especially for creative work.
And that’s a wrap on the 2025 iPad Buying Guide! Hopefully, this helps you find the perfect iPad for your needs.
