With a range of screen sizes and more power than ever, there’s now an iPad to suit everyone’s needs

Written by Cliff Joseph >

Whenthe iPad first launched in 2011, it was very much intended as a device for entertainment, rather than work, with a focus on web browsing, music, video and FaceTime.

More recently, Apple has attempted to position the iPad – especially the iPad Pro – as a versatile and lightweight alternative to a laptop, providing enough graphical horsepower for serious design and video-editing work.

Last year’s adoption of the M1 processor in the 11-and 12.9-inch iPad Pro – and now the 10.9-inch iPad Air in 2022 – takes the iPad into entirely new territory. A decade on from the iPad’s inception, these three iPad models now provide the same levels of power as the M1-based 13-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini or 24-inch iMac, making them a genuine alternative to a MacBook Pro or even a larger desktop Mac.

2021 saw the continuing convergence of iPadOS and macOS, with features such as Universal Control promising to make the iPad a versatile companion for your Mac. Admittedly, Universal Control only arrived with the macOS Monterey 12.3 update in March 2022, but your Mac and iPad can now share the same mouse and keyboard while you work, and even enable you to quickly drag and drop files from one device to the other.

Of course, not everyone needs a top-of-the-range iPad with M1 chip; the standard 10.2-inch iPad still provides an affordable option for entertainment and web browsing. And, for people who need to opt for an ultra-portable device, there’s the iPad mini, with its 8.3-inch screen and max 297g weight.

The current iPad range really does have something for everyone, so read our Ultimate Guide to find the iPad that’s right for you.

Choose your size

The iPad now comes in four models with five different screen sizes

Thereare now four different iPad models available, ranging from the 8.3-inch iPad mini to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. So the first thing to do when buying a new iPad is simply to decide on the screen size that you need.

The iPad mini’s compact design is ideal for travelling, and the A15 Bionic chip provides plenty of power. However, the 8.3-inch display doesn’t lend itself to precise graphics or video-editing work, and the small on-screen keyboard isn’t ideal for typing anything longer than a few emails. It’s a great option for entertainment on the go, though, from simple web browsing and ebooks, to gaming or watching a few films on a long journey.

Portable pad

If you don’t need an ultra-portable design, the 10.2-inch iPad is the most affordable option. The size and weight means it’s still very portable, and is great for most forms of entertainment, and it’ll enable you to type up a storm in Pages, Mail or other apps. Its A13 Bionic chip is a few years old, though, and doesn’t have the graphical horsepower needed for the latest games or top-level graphics apps.