How to pick the best Apple tablet for you

The iPad has lengthy been the best tablet for most individuals, however determining which mannequin to truly purchase right this moment isn’t so simple. Do you simply desire a factor for sometimes streaming Netflix and looking the online? Do you want a tool that may get precise work carried out? Does display screen measurement matter? How about these AI features the corporate’s been occurring about? When you’re trying to purchase an Apple pill however not sure the place to begin, allow us to assist. We at Engadget have examined and reviewed nearly each iPad ever made, together with all six fashions within the present lineup, so we’ve damaged down which of them ought to swimsuit most individuals finest.

One of the best iPads for 2024

iPad FAQs

How lengthy do iPads sometimes final?

If historical past is any indication, anticipate Apple to replace your iPad to the most recent model of iPadOS for at the least 5 years, if not longer. The forthcoming iPadOS 18 update, for instance, will be available on iPad Professionals relationship again to 2018 and different iPads relationship again to 2019. How lengthy your iPad’s {hardware} will final depends upon which mannequin you purchase and the way properly you keep it (when you’re significantly clumsy, think about an iPad case). A extra highly effective iPad Professional will really feel quick for an extended time than an entry-level iPad, however every mannequin ought to stay at the least serviceable till Apple stops updating it, at minimal.

What’s the distinction between the iPad and the iPad Air?

In comparison with the Tenth-gen iPad, the iPad Air runs on a stronger M2 chip (as a substitute of the A14 Bionic) and has twice as a lot RAM (8GB) and default storage (128GB). It’s additionally obtainable in two sizes, 11 and 13 inches, whereas the Tenth-gen iPad would not supply the bigger display screen choice. The M-series SoC offers the Air higher long-term efficiency, plus entry to sure iPadOS options reminiscent of Stage Manager. Its show helps a wider P3 shade gamut, has an anti-reflective coating and is absolutely laminated. The latter means there’s no “air hole” between the show and the glass masking it, so it feels extra such as you’re immediately touching what’s on display screen as a substitute of interacting with a picture under the glass. The Air additionally works with the newer Pencil Professional stylus and a extra comfy Magic Keyboard, and its USB-C port helps sooner information switch speeds. It technically helps faster Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connections as properly; the lower-cost iPad makes use of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

Beginning at $349, the Tenth-gen iPad is $250 cheaper than the iPad Air. It has a equally elegant design with flat edges, skinny bezels, USB-C port, and a Contact ID reader. Battery life is rated on the similar 10 hours, and each gadgets have their front-facing digicam on their lengthy edge, which is a extra pure place for video calls. The cheaper iPad works with the first-gen and USB-C Apple Pencils – that are more convoluted to cost – and a singular keyboard accent referred to as the Magic Keyboard Folio.

How do I take a screenshot on an iPad?

As we notice in our screenshot how-to guide, you possibly can take a screenshot in your iPad by urgent the highest button and both quantity button on the similar time. When you’ve got an older iPad with a House button, concurrently press the highest button and the House button as a substitute.

Latest updates

October 2024: We up to date our information to incorporate the brand new iPad mini 7.

June 2024: We’ve touched up this information to mirror a few of the new iPadOS options Apple introduced at WWDC, although our picks stay the identical.

Could 2024: After reviewing Apple’s latest crop of iPads, we’ve overhauled our information with new suggestions. The iPad Air M2 is now our high choose, whereas the 10th-gen iPad and iPad Pro M4 slot into our finances and energy consumer spots, respectively. You possibly can try our critiques of the brand new iPad Air and iPad Pro for extra on these gadgets.

Nathan Ingraham contributed to this report.