It seems that the speculation and rumors surrounding a 14.1-inch iPad Pro have finally come to an end, as it has been confirmed by a reliable source that the device will not be released in 2023.

As reported by MacRumors, display analyst Ross Young says that Apple has canceled its plans to release a 14.1-inch iPad Pro in the first quarter of 2023. According to Young, "Apple is no longer planning to launch the new 14.1-inch form factor. Young suggests the device has been canceled entirely or significantly delayed."

The funny thing here is that Young was one of the sources who originally talked about the company planning the 14.1-inch iPad Pro. Granted, it's likely that Apple was truly testing and looking to release such a device, but it appears that the prototype stage will be where that screen size dies...for now.

Many iPad fans had been eagerly anticipating the release of a larger iPad Pro, as it was thought that the increased screen size would make the device more suitable for productivity tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and anyone who is on the eternal quest to replace their Mac with an iPad.

Could we ever see a 14-inch iPad Pro?

While it doesn't seem that the huge iPad Pro is in the cards for 2023, that doesn't mean Apple will never release such a screen size to the lineup. Mark Gurman, who originally reported on the company's work on the larger model, said that the larger tablet could "hit stores a couple of years down the road at the earliest."

So, it sounds like those hoping for an iPad Pro Max can still hope. However, if you're in the market for an iPad Pro now, it seems that you may want to opt into the existing 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Apple is also rumored to be working to move the iPad Pro lineup from mini-LED to OLED displays. That might be an even bigger change for most users than an extra inch of the display.

Apple released a handful of new iPads in the last 12 months along with the long-anticipated iPadOS 16. But was it a good year for iPad? 

It's hard to believe that we're already at the end of 2022. However, the end is indeed near and as such it's a good time to look back on all of the things that happened this year. We'll go over everything big that happened this year in the world of iPads and discuss how well Apple's tablet did  — and in 2022, there was one clear winner...

iPadOS 16 brought brand new features to iPad

The latest operating software for iPad was announced in June and finally released on October 24 after being available in free public beta for a while. With this launch, iPadOS 16 brought several updates and new features to compatible iPads, such as Stage Manager, Live Text, Family Sharing, and more. The most important additions were:

• Stage Manager — Makes it easier to multitask by letting users resize windows, overlap windows, and jump between different windows and apps faster. It's a step in the right direction for multi-tasking on iPad: some people loved it, but not everyone is convinced by its sometimes-inconsistent functionality. It also comes to Mac, too.
• Desktop-Class Apps — These are the simple tools we take for granted on desktop such as consistent undo, redo, find and replace, multiselect, column autocompleting numbers, and additionally similar functions. 
• Collaboration and the 'Freeform' app — Allows multiple users within groups to communicate while sharing and editing documents in real-time. As Apple describes it, "you can view others’ contributions as they add content and make edits, just as if you were together, standing in front of a real whiteboard." At the heart of this is a new cross-device app called Freeform, a shared digital worksheet.

• Live Text — AI makes any text that appears on the iPad interactive. For instance, if you took a picture of a pamphlet and are viewing it on iPad or you are watching a video that scrolls through a webpage, the Live Text ability allows users to Select, Select All, Copy, Translate, Look Up that text, and more. 
• Message editing — Users can edit messages up to 15 minutes after sending them and recipients can see a record of edits. You can also undo send up to two minutes after sending a message. 
• Weather app — An app specifically designed for iPad that offers animated backgrounds, provides severe weather notifications, and interactive elements that reveal additional information. 
• iCloud Shared Photo Library — Lets users share an iCloud photo library with up to five others. Settings allow users to determine which images automatically get added and each member has equal collaboration abilities when it comes to editing, deleting, or adding captions. 
• New Home app —  HomeKit's core app received an overhaul with improved tile design, camera view options, and categories to help find specific smart devices faster. 
• SharePlay — Compatible Game Center multiplayer games can now be played with friends and family during FaceTime calls. 

Is iPadOS 16 good, though?

Our own Bryan M Wolfe was able to preview iPadOS 16 in September before its official launch and pointed out the best features made available through the latest version. However, with the good came controversy and plenty of disappointment too, including the fact that many iPadOS 16 features cannot be accessed depending on what iPad you're using. 

One of the biggest iPadOS 16 letdowns was learning that Stage Manager, which was toted as being a game changer for iPad that would allow Apple's tablet to act more like a Macbook and multitask easier, ended up falling incredibly short. First off, it's only available for the latest (and most expensive) iPads on the market that feature the M1 or M2 chip: The iPad Air (5th gen), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd gen), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th gen), and iPad Pro 11-inch (4th gen). This leaves out many iPad owners who have previous models. 

Additionally, while the idea of Stage Manager with its multitasking and window resizing abilities is good, the actual experience is buggy and limited at best. Users cannot freely resize windows and instead must stick to predetermined window sizes and placements  — That is, if the app they're using even supports the resizing feature. Plus, only being able to flit through a max of up to four open apps at once is rather restraining. Many people working on a project will want access to more tabs than that. 

So while iPadOS 16 is a step in the right direction in terms of turning the iPad into more of a Macbook, it isn't anywhere near where users hoped it would be. Of course, this might be by design rather than oversight. The last thing Apple wants to do is cannibalize its own products by introducing an update that makes another product obsolete. So keeping the iPad's features limited and decidedly below the Macbook's capabilities prevents the iPad from upstaging Apple's laptop. 

iPad Pro with M2 launches but doesn't introduce much

It might feel like iPads with the M1 chip only just released, but the first one actually came out in 2020 and was superseded this October by the newly released iPad Pro with M2 chip. The M2 boasts faster performance and greater power thanks to its improved CPU and GPU, but as of yet, there doesn't really seem to be many use cases for this increased power. 

In our iPad Pro M2 review review, our old pal Luke Filipowicz walked away feeling relatively unimpressed. Of course, it's still a superb tablet in general, as most iPads are. However, there aren't enough new features to really make it worth purchasing over older versions. As Luke said, "as fast and powerful as the M2 is, it's just not the shining star Apple wants you to think it is. I suspect it won't be noticeable or necessary for 99% of users." Perhaps this is why Apple decided to gatekeep one of its most important new features behind M2 chip iPads; to make them stand out more.

iPad 10 releases with new colors and some drawbacks

The 10th generation iPad with a 10.9-inch liquid retina display and A14 Bionic chip released in October with four brand new color options: Silver, pink, blue, and yellow. This tablet does away with the Lightning connector in favor of the more universal USB-C port and offers 5G. However, despite being a newer iPad, it only works with the Apple Pencil (1st generation) — and since the iPad 10 has that new USB-C port, it awkwardly requires that users purchase an additional Apple Pencil adapter in order for the iPad to work with it. This feels like a step backward and doesn't help the new iPad stand out enough from the previous model. You might as well buy the iPad (9th gen) and save some money. 

iPad Air 5 is a breath of fresh... air

Apple's best iPad of 2022 (by far) released back in March. As we said in our iPad Air 5 review, "if you want the best iPad performance at the best price, the iPad Air 5 is the tablet you should buy."  

That's because the iPad Air 5 uses the M1 chip that boasts fast processing power and smooth usage. While not as powerful as the newer M2 chip, it works almost just as well while not costing as much as the latest M2 iPads. 

Additionally, it's compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and allows for magnetic charging on the side of the tablet so you don't have to worry about plugging the stylus in, not suffering from the dongle debacle that plagues the 10th-gen regular iPad. What's more, it uses a USB-C port connection, keeping pace with the way that Apple's products are moving forward now. 

In my personal opinion, there's currently no need to go with the M2 iPads and so the iPad Air 5 is king this year. 

What happened to iPad Mini?

While looking at everything iPad-related that released in 2022, you probably noticed something missing. There was no new iPad Mini. This isn't too surprising given that the iPad Mini 6 came out in September 2021 and a new version tends to come out every 12 to 18 months. It's very possible that Apple could reveal its next iPad Mini early next year. Perhaps it will include the M1 chip or maybe even the latest M2 chip, when it finally launches, but for now we're left to dream of what may come. 

Was this a good year for iPad?

If I was to describe iPad 2022 in one word it would be, "meh." There was no new iPad Mini and it's feeling apparent that Apple is intentionally limiting the latest M2 iPads — from a software and multitasking point of view — so that they don't overtake the MacBook. This in turn leads the latest iPads to hitting unnecessary walls and falling short of expectations. Additionally, the best features of iPadOS 16 are only available on the latest Apple silicon iPads, but even that isn't tempting enough to purchase the latest 2022 iPad Pros. If you're going to get any iPad, you're good to stick with that previous generation for each model for now. 

The one glimmering highlight for iPad in 2022 was the release of the iPad Air 5. I personally own this tablet and use it every day. It costs less than the iPad Pro M2, but still offers a wide array of features and excellent processing power. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) works beautifully with it and it features the USB-C port for the latest charging connection. While the M2 iPad Pros are technically faster and more advanced, you'll save money and still be able to access the most important features with the iPad Air 5. It's made the iPad line up this year feel a bit confused — why buy either the 10th-gen iPad or an M2 iPad Pro when the iPad Air 5 sits happily in the middle, capable of filling both roles? It's starting to feel like the one iPad to rule them all.

So, it hasn't been a banger year for iPad, but there's definitely something good that has come from it. We'll have to see what Apple has in store for its tablets in 2023. Hopefully, it will be better than this year. 

I can't say I was excited when Apple announced the iPad Pro (M2, 2022). After all, there didn't seem to be much that was new. Same sizes (and the differences that come with them), the same cameras, same displays; the only difference was the M2 chip powering the whole thing.

In many ways, the iPad Pro was outshined by the introduction of the 10th-gen iPad 2022, not because it's an inferior tablet but because nothing of significant importance changed — for most people, anyways. The standard iPad had intriguing changes to its design at least.

The good news is all the changes that have been made to the iPad Pro, few as they are, make it a better tablet. And if you're the type of person who wants or needs the performance it offers, you'll be very pleased.

iPad Pro (M2, 2022): Price and availability

The iPad Pro doesn't rock the boat at all regarding your options. The sizes are still the 11-inch or 12.9-inch options that we've seen for a few iterations now, and you can still only get the two color options — Space Gray and Silver.

The iPad storage options (on both sizes) start at 128GB and go up to 2TB if you're willing to spend more money. Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular models are available, and the prices of the iPad Pro (2022, M2)  have stayed the same (in the U.S.) as last year. That means the cheapest iPad Pro you can snag is $799, which would be the Wi-Fi-only 11-inch model with 128GB of storage. The 12.9-inch tablet starts at $1,099 in its cheapest configuration.

You can order the iPad Pro now from most retailers where you like to get your tech — Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, etc. The official launch date is October 26th, 2022. 

iPad Pro (M2, 2022): Hardware and design

Same as the iPad Pro (2021). Next.

Although I'm being facetious, I'm not wrong regarding the actual device itself. Ignore the M2 chip powering the whole thing, and you have the same tablet you did in 2021 with all the same pros and cons as before.

The annoying differences in the display between the 11-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch version still exist, meaning you only get the absolutely stunning mini-LED display if you opt for the larger tablet. I can attest that the screen on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is very good. With a far better dynamic range, thanks to the 1600 nits at peak brightness, it makes viewing HDR content an absolute pleasure. Of course, remember that when you are just milling about on your iPad, you'll get the same 600 nits that you can expect all the time on the 11-inch model. Add in ProMotion for a viable refresh rate of up to 120Hz and the wide color gamut (p3) on board, and you have yourself a fantastic display for whatever you're trying to accomplish. 

The same design, of course, means the same measurements and weight. The larger iPad Pro is noticeably heavier than the 11-inch version, but even at a max weight of 1.51 pounds (for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular), no model is going to feel too bulky. The good news about having the same design is any old cases or accessories you have lying around for last year's iPad Pro will work with the 2022 version. Apple is still selling the same Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, even though the base iPad (2022) got a semi-upgraded one. 

iPad Pro (M2, 2022): Cameras

You're looking at the same camera array on the rear of the iPad Pro that we have had on the last two generations of the device. A 12MP wide and 10MP Ultra-wide with a LiDAR scanner is what you'll find on the camera bump, and all of them live up to their reputations. Even with a flash on board, low-light photos are just not the strong suit of any iPad, but for family photos, filming 4K videos, or anything else you'd want the camera to do, it will perform solidly. Plus, the LiDAR scanner works great for scanning in 3D models using apps like Polycam, which is necessary for some pros workflows.

What's more surprising than the rear camera staying the same is that the front-facing system didn't change. On the iPad (2022), Apple made the smart decision to move the front-facing camera to the landscape edge of the device, meaning when you turn your iPad into landscape orientation for a FaceTime call, the camera is at the top. Weird that Apple didn't take the opportunity to do the same on the iPad Pro this year, instead opting to keep it at the top of the device in portrait landscape. Maybe Apple figures the iPad Pro is more of a work device, and fewer people use the front-facing camera on it? In any case, the camera isn't bad at all. It still has the same 12MP ultra-wide lens with the ability to use Center Stage to keep you in the center of the frame as best as it can. Plus, Face ID is here again and works just as well and the same as ever. 

iPad Pro (M2, 2022): Connectivity

Lastly, when it comes to the iPad Pro (2022), don't expect any changes in connectivity either, but that isn't bad. The 5G options support both sub-6 and mmWave technology, meaning it outperforms the 5G on the lower-end iPads in the lineup and provides a ton of speed if you have a 5G network. Plus, the iPad now supports Wi-Fi 6E with speeds up to 2.4Gbps, meaning if you have a great internet connection at home, the iPad Pro will be able to take full advantage of that speed.

The Thunderbolt/USB 4 port is still here in all its glory, making it easier to attach and take advantage of powerful peripherals like USB-C hubs, external displays, the best external hard drives for iPad Pro, and more.  

iPad Pro (M2, 2022): Software and performance

This is where the iPad Pro starts to differ from the last generation of the device, albeit in some pretty minor ways.

First off, let's talk iPadOS 16. In many ways, the iPad Pro (2022) is the ultimate way to experience iPadOS 16. The premiere feature of Apple's newest tablet software has mostly been kept to the iPad Pro due to the fact that the new multitasking feature, Stage Manager, needs a lot of power. Apple stated it would only be available on iPads with an M-series chip, but it later brought a slightly less powered version of the feature to earlier iPad Pro models.

Apple has been having problems with Stage Manager since it was in beta earlier this year, so much so that they even took it out of one of the beta releases to work on it more. And now that I have had a chance to test it out on the newest iPad Pro, I finally understand why it's so controversial. 

It gives us a glimpse of what the iPad Pro could do with proper bespoke software support — a true multitasking experience that rivals any laptop out there. When it works, it feels great. Having a few windows open on my iPad Pro open as I'm working throughout the day has helped me maximize my time and productivity; however, I've still run into bugs along the way, even with the M2 chip powering this thing. Of course, even with Stage Manager being a little lackluster, you have to remember that's a specific software problem and not actually a problem of the iPad Pro itself.

iPad Pro (M2, 2022): Let's talk about power

I won't bury the lede here; the M2 chip is impressive, super responsive, can handle anything you want to throw at it, and basically, none of that matters.

When announcing this year's iPad Pro, Apple was quick to throw out just how much better the M2 is over the previous M1 chip. Apple claims its 8-core CPU is up to 15% faster, and the graphics performance should be about 35% quicker. To top that all off, Apple states that the 16-core Neural Engine can process 15.8 trillion operations per second, which is about 40% more than the M1. That's all great, but what does it mean for you? Not much.

The M1iPad Pro wasn't suffering from a power problem, so it shouldn't be a surprise when I say that the M2 iPad Pro makes doing anything feel super smooth. Want to edit some 4K videos? No problem. Transferring large files to an external device? Done in an instant. Producing music with as many tracks as you can think to throw into a project? Easy as pie. This isn't new. 

A very small number of people currently have the M1 iPad Pro and are pushing it to its limits so that the M2 will actually benefit them. If that is you, then great, the iPad Pro (2022) will likely feel like a worthy upgrade to you. For most other people, the power isn't what keeps them from making the iPad Pro the best that it can be.

The biggest wish for many people regarding iPad Pros was never something like Stage Manager. People want the ability to run desktop-level pro apps like Final Cut Pro, Xcode, Logic Pro, complete Photoshop, Blender, Cinema 4D, and more. If the M2 doesn't provide that ability, what's the point in upgrading?

I know I'm likely coming off a bit harsh, but the reality is regardless of what Apple says about the M2 in the iPad Pro, it just doesn't make a big difference over the M1 for 99% of its users.  

iPad Pro (M2, 2022): Apple Pencil Hover

The iPad Pro (2022, M2) does have one specific new feature with the Apple Pencil 2, and that's Appel Pencil Hover. The M2 iPad Pro can sense where your Apple Pencil is in relation to the iPad and can detect it just above the screen — up to 12mm — meaning it doesn't have to be touching the screen for the Apple Pencil to do something.

Naturally, Apple mentioned how your favorite drawing apps would be able to make use of this by showing you exactly where your Apple Pencil would touch the screen before you make contact with your canvas — useful when you want to be extra precise with your pencil marks of brush strokes. 

Although I don't think Apple Pencil Hover is a complete game-changing feature, it has more applications than just making the drawing experience on the iPad Pro even better. In fact, I would argue that the UI interactions it can enable are more impressive than its drawing abilities; however, I'm not really an artist so take that statement with a big heaping of salt.

Basically, Apple Pencil Hover will interact much like hovering something would with a mouse or trackpad.

For example, if you're scrolling through videos on YouTube's home page in Safari and you want to preview the video, just hover over it with your Apple Pencil, and it will start playing. Plus, as you hover with your Apple Pencil across your screen, it will highlight icons or tappable buttons and menus like any mouse would. It's a really cool way of giving you some extra functionality when you're just using your iPad Pro as a tablet instead of strapped into a Magic Keyboard or some other accessory.

It's a quirky little feature, likely too quirky to really be a major draw for most people, but it certainly is more enjoyable than I thought it would be. I can only imagine how Apple Pencil Hover will involve and become even more helpful once developers start getting the functionality into their apps. 

iPad Pro (M2, 2022): Competition

The iPad Pro (2021) is the biggest competition to the newest generation because I suspect people will be looking at the M2 iPad Pro, and wondering if it's a worthy upgrade. Frankly, if you have last year's iPad Pro, I see no reason to update to the new one unless you really think the M2 chip will help with your workflow. Otherwise, the iPad Pro (2021) has the same design, cameras, and connectivity as the iPad Pro (2022).

With the holiday season coming up, and the fact that the 2022 model will be replacing it, now would be a good time to hunt for some of the best iPad deals on last year's iPad Pro to save yourself some money. 

The iPad Pro hasn't really become the "laptop killer" everyone expected it to be by now, and if that's what you're looking for, you're likely better off just getting the MacBook Air (M2, 2022).

It's got the same M2 processor, so you aren't going to be missing any power, and you don't have to buy a bunch of extra expensive accessories to get that laptop experience you crave. Add in the fact that you have access to the full desktop version of all your favorite apps and programs, and it's arguably way more "pro" than the iPad Pro anyways. 

iPad Pro (M2, 2022): Should you buy?

You should buy the iPad Pro (M2, 2022) if...

• You need the power the M2 chip provides in a tablet

If you're in the part of the pack that loves the iPad Pro in your workflow, but the M1 chip doesn't have enough power, this is the tablet you should get. No other iPad has an M2.  

• You want the absolute best drawing experience on an iPad

Digital artists who love the iPad as a medium to create are likely best off with the iPad Pro (2022). It has the best screen (if you get the 12.9-inch model), compatibility with the best stylus for iPad, and Apple Pencil Hover, which enables more precision when making marks on your canvas.

• You're upgrading from the iPad Pro (2020) or earlier

If you have been planning to upgrade from your iPad Pro (2020) or earlier and want the absolute best machine you can get right now, this is it. Of course, looking into sales on the M1 iPad Pro from last here is also a good idea. 

You shouldn't buy the iPad Pro (M2, 2022) if...

• You have the M1 iPad Pro already

I can't see the need for someone with an iPad Pro (2021) to upgrade to the 2022 version. You're likely getting plenty of power from the M1 already; wait until Apple comes out with a vastly better performance.

• You don't need a pro-level tablet

The best way to save money when buying new products is to make sure you purchase the best product that suits your needs. Many people don't need an iPad Pro; if that sounds like you, save some cash, and go with something else.

• You don't have at least $800 to spend

Speaking of saving cash, the iPad Pro (2022) is expensive; the cheapest one is $800. once you upgrade the storage and add in an Apple Pencil, maybe a keyboard case, you're looking at close to, if not over, $1,000. 

iPad Pro (M2, 2022): Verdict

For all the grief I have given the iPad Pro (2022) in this review, I can't sit here and say it's not a superb tablet. 

The screen on the 12.9-inch is absolutely stunning for watching content and both iPad Pro sizes are amazing for creating artwork or just even browsing the web thanks to the Pro Motion display and Apple Pencil 2 support. Throw in the fact that the Apple Pencil Hover lets you interact with your iPad's screen without even touching it, and you have one heck of a tablet. It is the best Apple has to offer.

With all that said, I have to take some points off for lack of any major updates. Even as fast and powerful as the M2 is, it's just not the shining star Apple wants you to think it is. I suspect it won't be noticeable or necessary for 99% of users. If a significant upgrade has such a limited audience, is it really a big upgrade?

Nevertheless, the iPad Pro (2022) is the best iPad that money can buy. Whether you want to spend at least $800 (or potentially much more) is a question you really need to ask yourself. 

Cyber Monday is just hours away, but there are deals to be had all through Black Friday weekend on all the latest Apple tech.

And when we say latest, we mean latest, with the iPad Pro 12.9-inch with Apple M2 chip that launched last month already reduced by $200 in Amazon's array of deals.

For a very limited time (and likely until stocks last) you can purchase the entry-level 128GB iPad Pro version for just $999. That's $200 off of the MSRP. The iPad Pro M2 doesn't do a lot that its M1-packing predecessor can't do, but artists will love the new "hover" functionality when using an Apple Pencil.

The 4-star rated iPad Pro (2022) offers an Apple M2 chip for the first time. It's the same one found in the 2022 MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro (2022). 

Once again, Apple has saved the best display for only the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It's a Liquid Retina XDR display with a 2D backlighting system with 2596 full array local dimming zones and 2732-by-2048-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch (PPI).

We continue to find Cyber Monday deals and strongly suggest checking in often as they are found and we highlight them.

It's only been out for a couple of weeks, but the iPad Pro (2022) deals are already starting to roll in. This iPad deal is on the 11-inch variant and chops a meaty $50 off full price. It might not look too different from its predecessor, but the iPad Pro (2022) brings the mighty M2 to the fold, increasing the tablet's performance by the bucket load. This now marks the tablet's lowest price since release - and we can't promise that stock will last forever, so make sure you get in there quick!

The latest iPad Pro savings

• Best iPad deals: Amazon | Best Buy | B&H Photo

These are big, expensive devices, too - don't forget one of the best iPad Pro cases to keep that new tablet in good condition.

Black Friday is not far off, but the deals have already started. This particular deal is a great saving off one of the best iPads, the iPad Pro (2022). Bringing the extremely powerful M2 chip to the iPad lineup, the new iPad Pro is a great option if you're looking for a laptop replacement tablet - particularly if you pair it with something like the Apple Magic Keyboard accessory.

The iPad Pro M2 scored well in our review, although its update is far more iterative than the previous version. It's still the most powerful iPad ever, but some of the shine of that accolade is starting to wear off now as the rest of the line broadens. Either way, the 11-inch iPad Pro is still an excellent tablet at now an excellent price.

Looking to save on one of Apple's other tablets? We have all the best iPad deals and sales, and it's well worth checking out what to expect with the best iPad Black Friday deals. 

With Apple's May iPad refresh for 2024, the question of what is the best iPad is more pertinent than ever. With new models, price cuts, and more, the lineup is more stacked (and confusing) than ever. So what's the best iPad in 2024?

Well, now we have a brand new iPad Pro M4 and a new iPad Air 6 to choose from. There's a much cheaper 10th-generation model for budget users and the mini remains in the lineup. However, the super-cheap iPad 9 is no more, and Apple's iPad Pro is much more expensive than it used to be. 

As is often the case, the best iPad depends on your needs. So whether you're a power user, need something portable, or you've got a tight budget, we've got the best iPad for you. Take a look!

Quick list

The best iPad for most people

• iPad Air 6 hands-on review

Unveiled in May of 2024, the brand-new iPad Air builds on the extremely successful formula of the previous model with a few distinct tweaks. First up, and most obvious, is a brand 13-inch size for people who want a larger, more expansive display without all of the bells, whistles, and cost of the iPad Pro. 

The new iPad Air for 2024 comes with the M2 chip for powerful processing, making light work of even the most power-hungry apps, and beefing up AI performance thanks to the power of the Neural Engine. The new model also has faster Wi-Fi 6E for better connectivity compared to the old model. 

The front-facing camera was upgraded to landscape orientation, too. Despite all of these upgrades, the iPad Air 6 holds the same starting price of $599 as its predecessor while offering twice as much storage (128GB) as standard. There are now more options too with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options to choose from. 

Apple's new Apple Pencil Pro is also compatible with the new iPad Air, giving you access to the new haptic sensor and the gyroscope-powered gestures that make drawing and creating on iPad more intuitive than ever before. 

The iPad Air 6 for 2024 is the perfect combination of power, a great design, and a price tag that isn't too expensive compared to the iPad Pro. With the cheaper iPad 10 now even cheaper, and iPad Pro $200 more expensive, it sits in a much clearer position in the lineup, even at $799 for the larger model. If you want an iPad that is perfect for content consumption, a bit of creation, and is future-proof, then this is the iPad for you, and probably everyone else too. However, the iPad Air 6 misses out on the M4 chip of the Pro, and more importantly that stunning OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. With the Air limited to 60Hz, the cheaper price tag comes with a distinct display trade-off. 

The best value iPad

• iPad 10 (2022) review

The iPad 10 has been our best-value iPad pick for some time, and now it's even cheaper. Alongside the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models for 2024, Apple unveiled a significant price drop for the base model in the lineup. It came at the expense of the iPad 9, but the iPad 10 is now just $349, arguably the price it should have always been. At that price, it's not only the best value pick, but also the best budget pick, as the cheapest iPad in Apple's lineup. 

Apple redesigned the base iPad so you can say goodbye to bezels and hello to rounded corners. It also said goodbye to the Home button with a USB-C port instead of the Lightning port. It's all great to see but it's what's under the hood that's perhaps most important.

Powering the entire iPad (10th generation) is the A14 Bionic, an upgrade of the A13 Bionic found in the 9th-gen iPad. This marks a 20% increase in CPU and a 10% improvement in graphics compared to the iPad (9th generation). There's no doubt the M-series chips that you find in higher-end iPads are more powerful, but for 90% of users, the A14 will pack enough punch to get through everything you can throw at it.

There's also a better rear camera compared to its predecessor, now sporting a 12MP lens compared to the 7MP camera on the back of the iPad (2021). Apple Pencil (1st-generation) support is useful for drawing, sketching, painting, or taking notes.

However, there are issues for the iPad (10th generation). For instance, you need to decide between a USB-C Apple Pencil or the 1st generation with a dongle; there is no 2nd generation support here. Also, the non-laminated display isn't ideal. The familiar hollow sound when you tap on the display may be a fairly minor inconvenience, but it still exists. Also, Apple has removed the headphone jack, so wireless headphones are essential.

Overall, the iPad (2022) was a welcome change from the stagnant design of the iPad for the past decade, but that change comes with growing pains for both old and new users alike. A new price point makes this a much more enticing choice for 2024, and with no budget iPad 9 in the lineup, it's going to be the only option for a lot of people. 

The best small iPad

• iPad mini 6 review

The iPad mini 6 was the most significant update to the iPad mini line since the introduction of the first-generation model. In 2024, it is still a no-brainer pick for the best small iPad, mostly because it's the only small iPad. 

Pretty much everything about it has been improved and the entire team at iMore is impressed with its portability and power blend. It has a larger display than before, a huge processor boost, and much more.

The tablet also has Apple Pencil 2 support so the iPad mini 6 is a fantastic drawing tablet. It's simple to take notes or sketch something out, while you can always merely control the tablet with the stylus. Alongside that, its 8.3-inch screen is a beautiful and larger display than an iPhone, making it excellent for watching videos or playing Apple Arcade titles on the goal.

With upgrades to the camera, storage options, and the updated design, it's impossible to pass up on the iPad mini 6 if you're a fan of small tablets. A word to those with an eye on the future, however. The iPad mini 7 is a rumored upgrade expected in the second half of 2024. If having the latest and greatest means anything to you, you might want to wait a few more months for that new tiny tablet. 

The best iPad for power users

• iPad Pro M4 hands-on review

With an absolutely mind-boggling update for 2024, the new M4 iPad Pro 13-inch is absolutely the best iPad for power users. It comes with a brand new OLED display that leverages two displays in a tandem stack, creating what Apple calls the Ultra Retina XDR Display. The best tablet display on the market, the new display gives out 1000 nits of brightness, 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness, brighter specular highlights, more detail in shadows, and better low-light performance than ever before. True professionals can get a nano-texture glass option for $100 extra.

Under the hood, the iPad has Apple's most advanced mobile chip ever, the M4. Built on the second generation of the 3nm process, it features four CPU performance cores and up to six efficiency cores, as well as next-generation machine learning powered by the Neural Engine. Apple says the M4 is 1.5 faster for CPU performance over the M2. The GPU is the same 10-core beast from the M3, so the iPad Pro for 2024 now supports hardware-accelerated accelerated ray-tracing and mesh shading. Compared to M2, M4 uses half the power to deliver the same performance, delivering staggering efficiency. 

The new Neural Engine is capable of 38 trillion operations per second, 60x more than the first ever Neural Engine from the A11. All of this is to say the new iPad Pro for 2024 will power wild levels of pro app usage, such as the new Final Cut 2 for iPad and Logic Pro 2 for iPad. 

While you won't be taking photos on your iPad, the rear camera upgrade is nice. More importantly, the front-facing camera is now landscape-oriented for FaceTime and video conferencing. The iPad Pro M4 is also complemented by the new Apple Pencil Pro and a new Magic Keyboard. The former has new gestures, a haptic engine, and a gyroscope, while the latter is more premium and aluminum than ever before. This is hands down the best power-use iPad on the market, but you'll pay for the privilege. The new iPad Pro models are $200 more expensive than their predecessors across the board, starting at $1,299 for this larger model. 

The best iPad for those who want Pro but smaller

• iPad Pro M4 hands-on review

An obvious pick, the best Pro iPad but smaller is the smaller version of the Pro iPad. The new 11-inch model for 2024 boasts one huge advantage over its predecessor. It's identical to the larger model in every way. Where the M2 iPad Pro 11-inch lacked the mini-LED display of its big brother, the M4 iPad Pro shares the same feature set across the board. That means you get the same M4 chip and the same OLED display no matter what size you choose. 

The iPad Pro 13-inch is 0.2 mm thinner than the smaller model, but otherwise, the two are identical. They offer the same storage, display, chip, Apple Pencil Pro support, and even the same battery life and performance. For the first time ever the 11-inch iPad Pro is not a compromise compared to the 13-inch model. As such, the only consideration for prospective customers is its smaller size and its cheaper price point. That latter one is incredibly important given this model is $200 more than the old one cost, just like the 13-inch model. 

How to choose the best iPad for you

For nearly everyone, the iPad Air 6 (2024) is the perfect blend of power, performance, price, and size. It's got the potent M2 chip, but it doesn't have the ProMotion OLED display of the Pro. It's much more capable than the base-model 10th generation, but it's not nearly as cheap. 

If you want a budget iPad, or the best value for money, the 2022 iPad 10 is an easy winner thanks to its new price tag for 2024. The iPad mini 6 remains the only choice for those who want a small tablet, despite a potential looming iPad mini 7 on the horizon. 

The Pro lineup is more powerful than ever thanks to the M4 iPad Pro, and the choice between the two sizes is much more straightforward now that there's no display divide between them. The only consideration you have to make is price and size. 

Remember, the best iPad is almost always the one that suits you best, so think about your needs and what you'll be using your iPad for on a day-to-day basis. Better yet, get into your nearest Apple store and go hands-on with one so you can see for yourself the differences in size, weight, display, and responsiveness. 

Q&A

• iPad Pro M4 hands-on review

Apple's new M2 iPad Pro is the first to support recording ProRes video, but as people are finding out, it doesn't actually work. At least, not with the built-in Camera app.

While iPhones like the iPhone 14 Pro support ProRes video recording from Apple's Camera app, that doesn't seem to e the case with the iPad right now. It isn't yet clear whether that's a bug or a feature, but it's an odd situation.

Pro video

The new M2 iPad Pro is beginning to land on the doorsteps of people who placed their pre-orders, so more people are spending time getting acquainted with their new tablets. One of those people is the folks at MacOtakara, and their new report confirms that while ProRes support is indeed present, owners need to use a third-party app like FiLMiC Pro actually to use it.

It is, of course, possible that this is a bug that Apple can fix with a future release of iPadOS 16, and we know that iPadOS 16.2 is already being tested by developers and those on the public beta program. We've yet to hear whether the same ProRes situation presents itself when using the latest beta, so this may have already been fixed.

Apple didn't make any mention of this specific limitation when it announced the new M2 iPad Pro last week, but it didn't really say much at all. ProRes video capture was only mentioned in passing when outlining some of the features the new tablet offers. Other features were Apple Pencil's new hover support, superfast wireless, and improved performance thanks to that M2 chip.

This quirk aside, the new model is the best iPad to date. At least until next year's iPad Pro refresh, that is.

The iPad Pro M2 has arrived, bringing that super M2 chip to the iPad line. 

Now, at this point, you're likely wondering where to find one of the new iPad Pro 2022 (M2) models. Well, worry not - we know all the best places to get a hold of the latest additions to the iPad family, how much it will cost you, and when it's going to be shipped to your door.

You're now probably wondering where to find one of the new iPad Pro 2022 (M2) models. Don't fret - we know exactly where to grab yourself a new iPad Pro, how much it will cost you, and when it is likely to arrive at your door.

The design hasn't changed much from the Pros that came before, but things have drastically changed under the hood. With the M2 chip, Apple says there's going to be a 15 percent increase in CPU performance and up to 35 percent faster graphics. What this means in the real world no one knows as yet, but they certainly sound like impressive specs. There are still those two screen options too, in the form of the 11-inch and 12.9-inch liquid retina XDR displays. Prices haven't changed from the previous version either, so if you've been looking at a Pro for while, this is the tablet to go for - with a little waiting.

The new iPad Pro is out now, and these are the best places to pick one up.

Where to buy an iPad Pro M2

• Find iPad Pro M2 preorders: Walmart

Preordering an iPad Pro M2 — what you need to know

• It is available from the 26 October.
• The 11-inch iPad Pro M2 will cost $799
• The 12.9-inch iPad Pro M2 will cost $1099
• Watch out for stock - other Apple product launches this year have quickly sold out.

Some lucky preorder customers are close to already seeing UPS or FedEx lose their new iPad.

As reported by 9to5Mac, some customers who have placed early preorders for the 2022 iPad or M2 iPad Pro are already seeing Apple change their order status from simply processing the order to "preparing to ship."

The new 10th generation iPad, the Magic Keyboard Folio, and the M2 iPad Pro models will all launch next week on Wednesday, October 26th. It's common for Apple to prepare new products for shipment up to a week before they officially launch. Preorders customers will likely see their orders start to ship over the weekend or early next week.

The 10th generation iPad features a brand-new design, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, the A14 Bionic chip, USB-C, and support for the new Magic Keyboard Folio. The new iPad Pro models feature the M2 chip, a new Apple Pencil hover experience, ProRes video, and Wi-Fi 6E.

Apple also announced a new Apple TV 4K

In addition to announcing a number of new iPad models this week, the company also revealed the next generation of the Apple TV 4K. In addition to adding a USB-C port to the Siri Remote, the new $129 set-top box features the A15 Bionic chip and support for HDR10+. The $149 version goes even further by getting a storage boost to 128GB, Gigabit Ethernet, and Thread support.

Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, says that the new Apple TV 4K "offers something for everyone in the family to love.”

“Apple TV 4K is the ultimate way for Apple users to enjoy their favorite entertainment on the biggest screen in the home, and now it is more powerful than ever. The new Apple TV 4K is unlike anything else out there, given its seamless connection to other Apple devices, ease of use, and access to amazing Apple content. It offers something for everyone in the family to love.”

The new Apple TV 4K starts at $129 and is available to order now. It will officially release on Friday, November 4. The new iPads are also available to order now and will launch on Wednesday, October 26.

On Tuesday, Apple announced the next-generation iPad Pro models. As expected, this year's models feature the same display specs as the previous ones. The 12.9-inch model comes with a Liquid Retina XDR display, while the 11-inch version has a Liquid Retina display. 

When might an OLED iPad Pro finally make its debut? Once again, we might have the answer. According to Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), Apple won't improve the display on the iPad Pro until 2024 at the earliest. 

This opinion, which was mentioned on Twitter, aligns with similar pronouncements we've heard over the past few months. 

2024 OLED iPad

In June, The Elec noted that Samsung would likely provide Apple with OLED for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models in 2024. One month later, ET News said thinner iPad Pro models would arrive in 2024, featuring OLED to deliver "unrivaled image quality" using per-pixel illumination. According to that report, LG could join Samsung as an OLED supplier. 

The 2022 iPad Pro with M2 models announced this week are noted for being strikingly similar to the ones released last year, except that they contain the Apple M2 chip. As you can read in our iPad Pro (2021) review we loved last year's tablet for its mini-LED display and M1 power, and this new iPad Pro promises to be the company's best iPad yet despite the small upgrades. 

And yet, because Apple elected to make few changes between the previous- and current-generation iPad Pro models, attention will quickly turn to what the future holds. In this case, it's becoming increasingly clear Apple will steer clear of offering an iPad Pro update in 2023 and focus instead on releasing something significantly different a year later. 

In addition to announcing new iPad Pro models this week, Apple revealed the 10th-gen new iPad 2022. The tablet features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, an A14 Bionic chip, and, for the first time for the model, a Touch ID built into the top button.

The new iPad Pro and iPad models are available for pre-order now; they arrive on Wednesday, October 26. 

The 2022 iPad Pro is finally here. Like the previous series, there are two models to choose from, an 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad. While there's no doubt the 2022 offerings best the ones from 2021, the changes aren't nearly as significant as you might imagine. So few changes were made this year that Apple didn't even announce the new tablets at a press conference. Instead, it sent out a press release. No worry, you can find out the differences between this year's and last year's iPad Pro lineup here. 

iPad Pro (2021) vs iPad Pro (2022): Few differences, more similarities

Once again, the newest iPad Pro models come in Space Gray in silver and are available with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage. The differences between the generations come down to the processor, camera, networking, and Apple Pencil. The iPad Pro (2022) is the first to feature an M2 process, which Apple says offers 15% faster performance and a 10-core GPU that provides up to 35% faster graphics performance. Additionally, its Neural Engine is rated 40% faster, which means accelerated machine learning. There's also 50% more memory bandwidth this time around. 

Once again, the iPad Pro models feature 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras, although two features have been tweaked. The 2022 iPad Pro offers Smart HDR 4 for photos and ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB capacity). 

Meanwhile, the newer model supports Wi-Fi 6E (versus Wi-Fi 6) for speeds up to 2.4 Gbps.

Finally, no, Cupertino hasn't released a new Apple Pencil. Instead, it exclusively allows the current Apple Pencil 2 to support "Apple Pencil hover" on the 2022 iPad Pro models. The hover technology means your Apple Pencil always knows where it will be placed next, which should make for an even smoother drawing experience.

As you can see, more often than not, the iPad Pro (2021) and iPad Pro (2022) are nearly identical:

The iPad Pro (2022) is nearly a carbon copy of the earlier model. Among the impressive features that we highlighted in our iPad Pro (2021) review carry over here. These include the stunning Mini LED display found on the 12.9-inch model, Center Stage on the camera, the best speakers and mics on a tablet, and a terrific Magic Keyboard (sold separately) that feels close to a laptop. 

Unfortunately, the duplicate negatives also carry over from one generation to the next. Once again, mediocre battery life is found on both models and ages. Additionally, the 11-inch model still lacks a Mini LED display. And finally, like the device itself, iPad Pro accessories are expensive. 

iPad Pro (2021) vs iPad Pro (2022): Which one should you get?

Strangely, it's a toss-up between the iPad Pro (2021) and the iPad Pro (2022) if the price is the most critical factor. Assuming the older models will get cheaper in time, your best bet might be to go with the discount and get an older iPad Pro. 

When money is less of an issue, you should always use the newer model. 

Do you have an iPad Pro (2021)? The answer is a simple one on whether you should upgrade: no. Because there are so many similarities between this year's iPad Pro and the 2021 version, it's nearly sure that next year's model will offer significant improvements. Therefore, we see no reason to jump from the 2021 model to the 2022 model. 

Apple has unveiled its new iPad Pro tablet today, sporting the M2 Apple silicon chip. 

The new M2 has an 8-core CPU, which Apple says is up to 15% faster than the previous M1 chip in last year's model. According to Apple's press release, the chip also features upgrades to its efficiency cores and 10-core GPU, which should equal about 35% faster graphics performance. Lastly, the 16-core Neural Engine can process about 40$ more operations per second than the M1 iPad Pro could, so the iPad Pro (2022) should be much better and handling machine learning tasks. 

More Apple pencil functionality 

The second-generation Apple Pencil is still the only one that works with iPad Pro (2022), but thanks to iPadOS 16 it now has some new functionality.

Apple has introduced hover with Apple Pencil which allows the iPad to detect the Apple Pencil up to 12mm above the display, previewing their mark before they actually make it.
"
This also allows users to sketch and illustrate with even greater precision and makes everything users do with Apple Pencil even more effortless. For example, with Scribble, text fields automatically expand when the pencil gets near the screen, and handwriting converts to text even faster."

The current lineup

Apple's new iPad Pro supplants the previous generation of iPad Pro released in April of 2021, as the company's best iPad. 

That was the first iPad Pro to debut the new range of Apple silicon with the M1 chip, as featured in both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models. It also featured 5G, and the bigger 12.9-inch model came with a Liquid Retina XDR display powered by mini-LED for better dynamic range, brightness, and viewing. Both came with a 120Hz ProMotion display, up to 2TB of storage, Thunderbolt through its USB-C, LiDAR, and more. 

The new iPad Pro will be able to make full use of iPadOS 16 which is going to be released this month alongside the new iPad. The biggest update in iPadOS 16 is a new Stage Manager feature that has caused some controversy because it wasn't supported by lots of older devices. Apple has taken steps to bring the feature, which brings new multitasking to iPad, to older models without support for an external display, but this won't hold back the new Pro. 

Reports continue to swirl that Apple has a new larger iPad form factor underway. For a while, such rumors suggested that Apple has been working on a new 14.1-inch iPad with an M2 processor for a while now with it looking likely to release sometime in 2023.

The purported device sounded like it would be akin to an iPad Pro but would actually miss out on key features on the Pro model like ProMotion and mini-LED display tech. Basically, it sounds a lot like a larger iPad without the 'Pro' moniker.

However, in recent times, that's all changed with the 14-inch iPad potentially being delayed or even canceled outright. 

With the likelihood of a big new iPad arriving in 2023, we've still taken a look at how things have changed and which rumors could be reliable. Here's everything we know about the rumored 14-inch M2 iPad so far.

14-inch M2 iPad: Is it coming this year?

2022 offered a steady stream of tidbits and information about the chances of a larger iPad being on its way. Hints were even offered by Mark Gurman with a release window looking likely for the first quarter of 2023. That was according to analyst Ross Young.

However, in December of 2022, Young spoke to MacRumors to retract his earlier claim. He added that the larger iPad was no longer rumored for a 2023 launch. Following that, another report suggested that the tablet was either shelved indefinitely or canceled outright.

Since then, no further information about a release date has been forthcoming. However, it's still worth remembering that this is simply the latest in a long line of rumors. A lot can change over the coming months.

14-inch M2 iPad: Processor

One thing that seems fairly certain with a new 14-inch iPad, if it's a reality, is its use of the M2 chip. The chip was first announced as part of the latest MacBook Air reveal, but we've since seen it on the 2022 iPad Pro and the latest Mac Mini.

The chip now forms the foundations of many of the best Macs.

14-inch M2 iPad: Display

A new 14-inch display would make the model the largest iPad so far. The current iPad Pro maxes out at 12.9 inches, while using mini-LED technology and ProMotion to give super smooth scrolling performance. According to display analyst Ross Young, neither feature will make it to this new iPad, however. That's one of the reasons why we think the 14-inch model will be a non-Pro iPad, although it could still be one of the best iPads for artists thanks to its massive display.

If the 14-inch iPad is a traditional iPad, we're curious to know if it will have a Home button or if it'll be like the iPad Air where the Home Button is replaced in favor of Touch ID. We don't know yet but we're keen to learn more.

14-inch M2 iPad: Storage and RAM

There isn't much information about what kinds of storage options are likely on the new and larger tablet. We're hopeful that Apple will finally skip the 64GB option that's looking pretty dated now. One early report suggests that the tablet may start at 512GB which seems overly ambitious unless it's actually an iPad Pro revision.

The same report from leaker Majin Bu also suggests that the tablet will get 16GB of RAM. That would be in line with the iPad Pro M2 1TB or 2TB models but would be twice as much compared to the lower storage options.

14-inch M2 iPad: Price & availability

No leaks or rumors have suggested a likely price for the large iPad. All we have is guidance based on existing models. The current 10.2-inch iPad starts at $449 for a 64GB model while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099. That's a big window for pricing options but it seems likely the new product would cost somewhere between those two values.

There's no denying 2021 was a stellar year for iPad. Though Apple has several iPad products lines to maintain these days, the company pushed out updates across almost all of them this year with some breakthrough new technologies.

The iPad faithful, myself included, will be hoping this pace of innovation is maintained through 2022 as the Cupertino giant continues to shape what the iPad is. So, with 2021 about to fade away in the rearview mirror, we turn our attention to what the year ahead has in store for Apple's tablet lineup.

iPad in 2022: What I expect to see

Apple is nothing if not a company of patterns, especially in the last decade. The best way to get a feel for what the future will bring is to look at the past. There are a few glaring areas of opportunity for Apple regarding the iPad, which I expect will be addressed in the coming year.

Apple's iPad Air 4 is now the oldest tablet in Apple's current lineup, released in fall 2020. That's not to say it's a bad device. On the contrary, thanks to its careful balance between power and price, we still list it as the best iPad for most people. And yet, it's no doubt the device in the lineup that is the most likely candidate for an update.

Design-wise, the iPad Air still looks the part with its edge-to-edge display, which is unlikely to change significantly on the next revision. More likely upgrades include camera specs closer to those in the 2021 iPad Pro and a boosted processor. Though it's still powerful today, the 4th-gen iPad Air runs Apple's A14 Bionic chip from 2020, which will likely be outpaced substantially by an as-yet-unannounced A16 by the fall of next year.

Rumors had previously suggested the iPad Air might be the first to adopt an OLED display, though more recent reports indicate iPad Air will get OLED in 2023 at the earliest. In addition, face ID is expected to remain an iPad Pro-exclusive feature next year, though the iPad Air is usually the first to gain these Pro-level features.

Mini-LED proved to be a tremendous upgrade for the 2021 iPad Pro, but only the larger and more expensive, 12.9-inch model benefitted from it this year, with its smaller counterpart sticking with LCD.

Since the differently-sized iPad Pro models have been essentially the same in all but size since they first launched, it was a curious decision to bifurcate the product line in this way. Still, we expect Apple will rectify this at the next opportunity, perhaps as soon as next year. Unfortunately, OLED seems to be a way off still, so we expect Apple will continue with mini-LED at least in the short term.

It remains to be seen if the iPad Pro will see other fundamental changes next year, though reports suggest it may feature wireless charging and have improved 5G. A processor bump is likely, too.

The M1 chip can already be found in the iPad Pro, and it is astonishingly powerful. With M1 Pro and M1 Max chips shipping with Apple's latest 2021 MacBook Pro models, 2022 will hopefully continue the trend of moving the latest M-series of chips down to the iPad.

It's possible a 2022 iPad Pro would adopt the M1 Pro chip (less likely that it would use the iPad to debut an M2 chip before it appears in a Mac), and we may see the M1 make its way down the iPad line by taking the place of the A-series chip in the next iPad Air. Apple might choose to keep the M-series chips as an iPad Pro-exclusive selling point, but the Air line tends to be next in line for previously top-tier features.

Apple has to walk a fine line with iPadOS. For every iPad power user wanting to get more out of the OS running on their souped-up iPad Pro, there are dozens of average Joes and Janes just wanting an easy way to browse the web, read their email, or watch a movie.

In my iPadOS 15 review, I wrote that the 2021 update improved foundational experiences while offering just a few new features. That's not to say it was a bad or disappointing update — it certainly makes using an iPad more pleasant for power users with better Multitasking and keyboard shortcuts without reinventing the wheel for everyone else.

However, Apple hasn't yet shown the reasoning behind splitting out iPadOS into its own thing, in name at least, from iOS. While iPadOS 15 was light on standout new features, Apple touched almost the entire OS with 2021's update and made it more usable for more people and polished off any rough edges.

In my opinion, 2022 is the year Apple takes iPadOS to the next level with some fundamental changes. Whether it's proper external monitor support, M1-native apps, more floating windows à la Quick Note, more Home screen customization options, multi-user support, or something else, iPadOS seems primed for significant changes.

iPad in 2022: What I want to see

We're certainly likely to see much of the above next year, if not all of it, but with strong momentum behind the iPad from 2021, I'd like to see Apple push the envelope even further next year.

Apple's 2021 iPad is now the only current device in Apple's tablet lineup, outside of the iPhone SE, that maintains the 'forehead-and-chin' design. While base-level iPad buyers are likely familiar with the Home button, it anchoring their one-app-at-a-time user experience, it's time that the iPad moved away from a design language that harkens back to the first-ever iPad from 2010.

I'm not sure it will happen next year, but the next update to the affordable iPad should look more like the rest of the iPad and iPhone lineup. That's not just for consistency in terms of the physical design but also for UI and app experiences across the lineup.

Amazon just launched its Echo Show 15, a stupendously large tablet aimed squarely at smart home users. It's certainly not going to appeal to everyone, but at the very least, it is a proof of concept for the large tablet in the home.

An iPad in the region of 15 inches would break new ground for Apple. In addition, it could potentially be a boon for HomeKit users who prefer visual information rather than relying solely on Siri voice commands via HomePods.

If you want a larger screen for getting work done, Apple has a clear advantage in software with iPadOS and the App Store — areas in which Amazon certainly doesn't compete.

Sure, an Apple-designed iPad of this size would be niche and expensive, but it would be welcomed by those it suits.

Though there are rumors that wireless charging is coming to iPads next year for the first time, this is said to work much like Qi charging on an iPhone, requiring a glass back and wireless charging pad. Personally, it would make much more sense to see Mac-like MagSafe charging appear on iPad, at least on the Pro models.

For many iPad Pro users, these devices are used as laptop replacements or in desk setups where a snag-free MagSafe cord would make much more sense than a puck attached to the back of the device. Apple has already shown how willing it is to use magnets in its iPad accessories, but I'm not sure quite how open it would be to have an additional port on the side of the device solely for MagSafe charging.

With Apple's Mac lineup moving to Apple-designed ARM-based chips, there's a common architecture that allows M1 Macs to run iOS and iPadOS apps. While some app developers have updated their apps to optimize them for use on macOS, most haven't, but the apps can still be used in this way.

The problem is that the experience differs significantly from app to app, with many iPadOS apps loaded up on the Mac still looking and feeling like iPad apps. While it got better with macOS Monterey, I'd love to see true feature parity between iPad and Mac apps and a great, platform-specific experience no matter what device I pick up.

As always, we'll wait and see

With no official Apple announcements likely until spring, we're in the dark about what the future of the iPad looks like.

Looking at previous patterns and rumors from reliable sources, we can piece together some of what is coming, but, as always, nothing is official until Apple stands on the stage and says so. 2021 was an exciting year for the iPad, especially in terms of the hardware. Let's hope 2022 keeps up that pace.