Sussing out the best iPad for you can be a little more daunting than it needs to be. With the most recent refresh to its iPad lineup, Apple now sells three 11-inch tablets and two 13-inch slates, each with key differences in terms of features, specs and accessory support. (The aging iPad mini is still hanging around, too.) With the new AI (or “Apple Intelligence”) features set to arrive in the next major iPadOS update, some of these differences will become even more stark. If you’re looking to buy a new Apple tablet but aren’t sure which to get, let us help. We’ve tested just about every iPad ever made, including all of the models on sale today — below, we’ve broken down which ones should fit your priorities best.

iPad FAQs

How long do iPads typically last?

If history is any indication, expect Apple to update your iPad to the latest version of iPadOS for at least five years, if not longer. The forthcoming iPadOS 18 update, for example, will be available on iPad Pros dating back to 2018 and other iPads dating back to 2019. How long your iPad’s hardware will last depends on which model you buy and how well you maintain it (if you’re particularly clumsy, consider an iPad case). A more powerful iPad Pro will feel fast for a longer time than an entry-level iPad, but each model should remain at least serviceable until Apple stops updating it, at minimum.

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

Compared to the 10th-gen iPad, the iPad Air runs on a stronger M2 chip (instead of the A14 Bionic) and has twice as much RAM (8GB instead of 4GB) and default storage (128GB instead of 64GB). It’s also available in two screen sizes, 11 and 13 inches, while the 10th-gen iPad is only available with the former. The M-series SoC gives the Air better long-term performance, plus access to certain iPadOS features such as Stage Manager. Its display supports a wider P3 color gamut, has an anti-reflective coating and is fully laminated. The latter means there’s no “air gap” between the display and the glass covering it, so it feels more like you’re directly touching what’s on screen instead of interacting with an image below the glass. The Air also works with the newer Pencil Pro stylus and a more comfortable Magic Keyboard, and its USB-C port supports faster data transfer speeds.

Starting at $349, the 10th-gen iPad is $250 less expensive than the iPad Air. It has a similarly elegant design with flat edges, thin bezels, USB-C port, and a Touch ID reader. Battery life is rated at the same 10 hours, and both devices have their front-facing camera on their long edge, which is a more natural position for video calls. The cheaper iPad works with the first-gen and USB-C Apple Pencils – which are more convoluted to charge – and a unique keyboard accessory called the Magic Keyboard Folio.

How do I take a screenshot on an iPad?

As we note in our screenshot how-to guide, you can take a screenshot on your iPad by pressing the top button and either volume button at the same time. If you have an older iPad with a Home button, simultaneously press the top button and the Home button instead.

Recent updates

June 2024: We’ve touched up this guide to reflect some of the new iPadOS features Apple announced at WWDC this week, though our picks remain the same.

May 2024: After reviewing Apple’s newest crop of iPads, we’ve overhauled our guide with new recommendations. The iPad Air M2 is now our top pick, while the 10th-gen iPad and iPad Pro M4 slot into our budget and power user spots, respectively. You can check out our reviews of the new iPad Air and iPad Pro for more on those devices.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-ipads-how-to-pick-the-best-apple-tablet-for-you-150054066.html?src=rss

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