The launch of the iPad in 2010 was a pivotal moment in the evolution of electronic devices, introducing a new tablet whose success was initially in doubt. However, the iPad eventually cemented its position as a breakthrough product, leading to four separate product lines within 14 years: iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini. Apple adopted a unique naming concept, abandoning annual model names in favor of generational identifiers. The company introduced the eighth-generation iPad in 2020, the ninth-generation iPad in 2021, and the tenth-generation iPad in 2022. This approach to product naming has piqued the interest of many potential buyers, especially in the aftermarket, where understanding the nuances of each series and generation is critical. It is important to note that within each line, there are differences in the amount of RAM and storage, which requires a careful approach when choosing a particular model.
iPad tablet lineup
Each Apple iPad lineup offers a distinct set of features tailored to different user needs:
- iPad (Standard): The standard iPad series serves as the entry-level option, offering a balance of performance and affordability. It features a robust A-series chip, supports the Apple Pencil (1st generation), and has a 10.2-inch Retina display in its latest generations. Suitable for everyday tasks, education, and entertainment.
- iPad Mini: Compact and portable, the iPad Mini boasts a smaller screen size, currently 8.3 inches, making it ideal for reading, browsing, and on-the-go use. Despite its size, it packs a powerful A-series chip and supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, catering to those who need performance without the bulk.
- iPad Air: Positioned between the standard iPad and the iPad Pro, the iPad Air offers a thinner design, powerful chipsets like the latest M-series in its 5th generation, and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, making it a choice for creative professionals and users seeking a balance between performance and portability.
- iPad Pro: The premium offering in the lineup, the iPad Pro, is designed for power users and professionals. It features the most advanced technology, including M-series chips, ProMotion technology for smoother display performance, and support for the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Magic Keyboard. Available in two sizes, 11-inch and 12.9-inch, the iPad Pro caters to users requiring high performance.
List of iPad generations from 2010 to today (iPad, iPad mini. iPad pro, iPad Air)
Finding out the iPad generation is easy: Apple tells you which iPad you’re holding; go to Settings and click About this device. You’ll see the iPad name, generation, model number, and part number. I’ve gathered all the iPad lines and generations in one table; you can compare by the year the device was released. This is very handy; for example, the iPad 10 generation with a 10.9-inch screen came out in 2022, the same year the iPad Air 5 / 10.9″ iPad Pro 6 / 12.9″ iPad Pro 4 / 11″ came out. So you have a lot to choose from: the most common iPad 10 generation or the larger and more powerful iPad Pro 6 with a 13-inch screen.
| year/model | iPad/size inch | iPad mini/size inch | iPad Air/size inch | iPad Pro 12.9" | iPad Pro/size inch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | iPad / 9.7" | ||||
| 2011 | iPad 2 / 9.7" | ||||
| 2012 | iPad 3 / 9.7": iPad 4 / 9.7" | iPad mini / 7.9" | |||
| 2013 | iPad mini 2 / 7.9" | iPad Air/ 9.7" | |||
| 2014 | iPad mini 3 / 7.9" | iPad Air 2 / 9.7" | |||
| 2015 | iPad mini 4 / 7.9" | iPad Pro / 12.9" | |||
| 2016 | iPad Pro / 9.7" | ||||
| 2017 | iPad 5 / 9.7" | iPad Pro 2 / 12.9" | iPad Pro / 10.5" | ||
| 2018 | iPad 6 / 9.7" | iPad Pro 3 / 12.9" | iPad Pro / 11" | ||
| 2019 | iPad 7 / 10.2" | iPad mini 5 / 7.9" | iPad Air 3 / 10.5" | ||
| 2020 | iPad 8 / 10.2" | iPad Air 4 / 10.9" | iPad Pro 4 / 12.9" | iPad Pro 2 / 11" | |
| 2021 | iPad 9 / 10.2" | iPad mini 6 / 8.3" | iPad Pro 5 / 12.9" | iPad Pro 3 / 11" | |
| 2022 | iPad 10 / 10.9" | iPad Air 5 / 10.9" | iPad Pro 6 / 12.9" | iPad Pro 4 / 11" |
If you need to know not only the release date, but also the date of the end of production of the model, then below you will see tables in which all tablets iPad, Air, Pro, Mini are categorized by line, and in each line models by generation and year, which makes it easier to study the information.
How many generations of iPads have been released:
You should know that there are 33 different generations of iPads in all four lines today. Taking a closer look, here’s how many generations of iPad there are today across all tablet lines.
- iPad – there are ten generations of iPad as of today
- iPad mini – there are six generations of iPad
- iPad Air – there are five generations of Air tablets.
- iPad Pro – the iPad Pro line of tablets has 12 generations, but it can be divided into two more development branches. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro lineup has six generations, and the Pro lineup for other screen sizes has six generations.
List of iPad models 2010-2024
The first line of iPad tablets was released in 2010. In 2013, Apple began calling all of its tablets by big names to make them more appealing to customers, adding the names iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro. So, in 2012, Apple introduced the iPad Air and discontinued the standard iPad models. However, in 2017, after five years, Apple decided to resume production of tablets under the standard iPad name. A possible reason is the memorability of the brand, because most people say “I have an iPad”, omitting the series and number of the tablet.
| model iPad (generation) | model | Release Date | size screen inch | Processor | production status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad / 9.7" | A1219 on the iPad (Wi-Fi) A1337 on the iPad (Wi-Fi + 3G) | 2010 | 9.7 | A4 | Discontinued 03/2011 |
| iPad 2 / 9.7" | A1395 on the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi) A1396 on the iPad 2 (GSM model) A1397 on the iPad 2 (CDMA model) | 2011 | 9.7 | A5 | Discontinued 03/2014 |
| iPad 3 / 9.7" | A1416 on the iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi A1430 on the iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular A1403 on the iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (VZ) | 2012 | 9.7 | A5x | Discontinued 10/2012 |
| iPad 4 / 9.7" | A1458 on the iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi A1459 on the iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular A1460 on the iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM) | 2012 | 9.7 | A6x | Discontinued 10/2014 |
| iPad 5 / 9.7" | A1822 on the iPad (5th generation) Wi-Fi A1823 on the iPad (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular | 2017 | 9.7 | A9 | Discontinued 03/2018 |
| iPad 6 / 9.7" | A1893 on the iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi A1954 on the iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular | 2018 | 9.7 | A10 | Discontinued 09/2019 |
| iPad 7 / 10.2" | A2197 on the iPad (7th generation) Wi-Fi A2200, A2198 on the iPad (7th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular | 2019 | 10.2 | A10 | Discontinued 09/2020 |
| iPad 8 / 10.2" | A2270 on iPad (8th generation) A2428, A2429, A2430 on iPad (8th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular | 2020 | 10.2 | A12 | Discontinued 09/2021 |
| iPad 9 / 10.2" | A2602 on iPad (9th generation) A2604 on iPad (9th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular A2603 on iPad (9th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (North America only) A2605 on iPad (9th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2021 | 10.2 | A13 | In production |
| iPad 10 / 10.9" | A2696 on iPad (10th generation) A2757 on iPad (10th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular A2777 on iPad (10th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) A3162 on iPad (10th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2022 | 10.9 | A14 | In production |
- iPad (1st generation, 2010): Introduced the concept of tablet computing with a 9.7-inch display and Apple’s A4 chip.
- iPad 2 (2011): Featured a slimmer design, dual-core A5 processor, and front and rear cameras.
- iPad (3rd generation, 2012): Brought the Retina display, A5X chip with improved graphics, and a 5MP camera.
- iPad (4th generation, 2012): Updated with a faster A6X processor and the introduction of the Lightning connector.
- iPad (5th generation, 2017): Marked a return to the non-Air branding with an A9 chip and a 9.7-inch display, focusing on educational and entry-level markets.
- iPad (6th generation, 2018): Added support for the 1st generation Apple Pencil and featured an A10 Fusion chip.
- iPad (7th generation, 2019): Introduced a larger 10.2-inch Retina display, Smart Connector for keyboard accessories, and the A10 Fusion chip.
- iPad (8th generation, 2020): Updated with the A12 Bionic chip, enhancing performance and graphics capabilities.
- iPad (9th generation, 2021): Featured an A13 Bionic chip, True Tone display, and improved front camera with Center Stage.
List of iPad mini models 2012-2021
The iPad mini lineup with small screens was actively produced until 2015. Such a tablet is slightly larger than a phone; in 2015, Apple stopped producing new iPad mini. In 2019, it was decided to revive this lineup. In 2021, the last for the beginning of 2024, the sixth line of iPad mini was released, whether it will be continued further is unknown, it all depends on the demand for such devices, apparently, they are not in great demand.
| model iPad mini (generation) | model | Release Date | size screen inch | Processor | production status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad mini / 7.9" | A1432 on the iPad mini Wi-Fi A1454 on the iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular A1455 on the iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM) | 2012 | 7.9 | A5 | Discontinued 06/2015 |
| iPad mini 2 / 7.9" | A1489 on the iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi A1490 on the iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular A1491 on the iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular (TD-LTE)–released early 2014 | 2013 | 7.9 | A7 | Discontinued 03/2017 |
| iPad mini 3 / 7.9" | A1599 on the iPad mini 3 A1600 on the iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular | 2014 | 7.9 | A7 | Discontinued 09/2015 |
| iPad mini 4 / 7.9" | A1538 on the iPad mini 4 A1550 on the iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular | 2015 | 7.9 | A8 | Discontinued 03/2019 |
| iPad mini 5 / 7.9" | A2133 on iPad mini (5th generation) A2124, A2126 on iPad mini (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular A2125 on iPad mini (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2019 | 7.9 | A9 | Discontinued 09/2021 |
| iPad mini 6 / 8.3" | A2567 on iPad mini (6th generation) A2568 on iPad mini (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular A2569 on iPad mini (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2021 | 8.3 | A15 | In production |
- 2012: iPad Mini (1st generation) – Launched as the first 7.9-inch iPad, featuring the Apple A5 chip, making it the most portable iPad at the time.
- 2013: iPad Mini 2 – Introduced the Retina display and the Apple A7 chip, significantly enhancing screen resolution and performance.
- 2014: iPad Mini 3 – Added the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, with minor updates over its predecessor.
- 2015: iPad Mini 4 – Brought a thinner and lighter design, improved performance with the Apple A8 chip, and better camera capabilities.
- 2019: iPad Mini (5th generation) – Updated after a significant hiatus, featuring the Apple A12 Bionic chip, support for the 1st generation Apple Pencil, and enhanced display technology.
- 2021: iPad Mini (6th generation) – Represented a major redesign with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, the Apple A15 Bionic chip, USB-C connectivity, and support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, marking a significant leap in performance and functionality.
List of iPad Air models 2013-2022
The iPad Air echoes the marketing strategy of the iPad Mini, demonstrating a significant five-year pause between releases of models in the series. This strategic pause likely reflects Apple’s shift in focus to the iPad Pro lineup amid broader market demand when iPhone sales were rising and iPad sales were falling – a trend for Apple and the entire smartphone and tablet industry. Even though tablets represent only 3-5% of all devices people use to access the Internet, their market remains viable, albeit overshadowed by the overwhelming demand for smartphones. In response to the diverse needs of consumers, Apple has expanded its iPad lineup. The Pro series has become a premium offering aimed at home and business users, with its advanced features and a higher price point. The Air Series, which occupies the space between the standard iPad and iPad Pro, offers a balance between performance and affordability, aiming to appeal to consumers looking for a balance between speed and cost.
| model iPad Air (generation) | model | Release Date | size screen inch | Processor | production status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air/ 9.7" | A1474 on the iPad Air Wi-Fi A1475 on the iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular A1476 on the iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular (TD-LTE)—released early 2014 | 2013 | 9.7 | A7 | Discontinued 03/2016 |
| iPad Air 2 / 9.7" | A1566 on the iPad Air 2 A1567 on the iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular | 2014 | 9.7 | A8x | Discontinued 03/2017 |
| iPad Air 3 / 10.5" | A2152 on iPad Air (3rd generation) A2123, A2153 on iPad Air (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular A2154 on iPad Air (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2019 | 10.5 | A12 | Discontinued 09/2020 |
| iPad Air 4 / 10.9" | A2316 on iPad Air (4th generation) A2324, A2325, A2072 on iPad Air (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular | 2020 | 10.9 | A14 | Discontinued 03/2022 |
| iPad Air 5 / 10.9" | A2588 on iPad Air (5th generation) A2589, A2591 on iPad Air (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular | 2022 | 10.9 | M1 | In production |
- 2013: iPad Air (1st generation) – Introduced as a lighter, thinner version of the iPad, featuring a 9.7-inch display and the Apple A7 chip.
- 2014: iPad Air 2 – Enhanced with a laminated display, the Apple A8X chip, and improved cameras, becoming the first iPad to feature Touch ID.
- 2019: iPad Air (3rd generation) – Marked the revival of the Air series with a 10.5-inch display, the Apple A12 Bionic chip, and support for the 1st generation Apple Pencil.
- 2020: iPad Air (4th generation) – Featured a major redesign to align with the iPad Pro’s aesthetic, introducing a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, the Apple A14 Bionic chip, USB-C connectivity, and support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil.
- 2022: iPad Air (5th generation) – Updated with the Apple M1 chip, further bridging the gap between the Air and Pro lines in terms of performance, while maintaining features like the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and USB-C port.
List of iPad Pro models 2015-2022
From its introduction in 2015 until 2022, Apple has not stopped updating the iPad Pro lineup with different models. Below is a list of iPad Pro models released during this period.
| model iPad Pro (generation) | model | Release Date | size screen inch | Processor | production status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro / 12.9" | A1584 on the iPad Pro A1652 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular | 2015 | 12.9 | A9x | Discontinued 06.2017 | |
| iPad Pro / 9.7" | A1673 on the iPad Pro A1674 or A1675 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular | 2016 | 9.7 | A9x | Discontinued 06.2017 | |
| iPad Pro 2 / 12.9" | A1670 on the iPad Pro A1671 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular A1821 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2017 | 12.9 | A10x | Discontinued 10.2018 | |
| iPad Pro / 10.5" | A1701 on the iPad Pro A1709 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular A1852 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2017 | 10.5 | A10x | Discontinued 10.2018 | |
| iPad Pro 3 / 12.9" | A1876 on the iPad Pro A2014, A1895 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular A1983 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2018 | 12.9 | A12x | Discontinued 03.2020 | |
| iPad Pro / 11" | A1980 on the iPad Pro A2013, A1934 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular A1979 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2018 | 11 | A12x | Discontinued 03.2020 | |
| iPad Pro 4 / 12.9" | A2229 on the iPad Pro A2069, A2232 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular A2233 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2020 | 12.9 | A12z | Discontinued 04.2021 | |
| iPad Pro 2 / 11" | A2228 on the iPad Pro A2068, A2230 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular A2231 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2020 | 11 | A12z | Discontinued 04.2021 | |
| iPad Pro 5 / 12.9" | A2378 on the iPad Pro A2461 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular A2379 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular with mmWave | 2021 | 12.9 | M1 | Discontinued 10.2022 | |
| iPad Pro 3 / 11" | A2377 on the iPad Pro A2459 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular A2301 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular with mmWave A2460 on the iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2021 | 11 | M1 | Discontinued 10.2022 | |
| iPad Pro 6 / 12.9" | A2436 on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) A2437 on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular A2764 on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular with mmWave A2766 on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2022 | 12.9 | M2 | In production | |
| iPad Pro 4 / 11" | A2759 on iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) A2761 on iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular A2435 on iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular with mmWave A2762 on iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (China mainland only) | 2022 | 11 | M2 | In production |
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation, 2015) – The original iPad Pro, which introduced a large display and powerful computing capabilities aimed at professionals and power users.
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch (2016) – a smaller and more portable version of the iPad Pro, offering similar advanced features in a smaller package.
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation, 2017) and iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) – these models feature improved display technology, increased processing power, and ProMotion technology for smoother scrolling and moving content.
- iPad Pro 11″ (1st generation, 2018) and iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd generation, 2018) – an update to the iPad Pro lineup with Liquid Retina edge-to-edge displays, Face ID, and the introduction of the A12X Bionic chip.
- iPad Pro 11″ (2nd generation, 2020) and iPad Pro 12.9″ (4th generation, 2020) – improved A12Z Bionic chip, better cameras and a new LiDAR scanner for augmented reality apps.
- The iPad Pro 11″ (3rd generation, 2021) and iPad Pro 12.9″ (5th generation, 2021) are the first iPads to feature the M1 chip for unprecedented performance in the iPad lineup, as well as a mini-LED display in the 12.9″ model for improved brightness and contrast.
New iPad 2024 release date
Anticipation for the next generation of iPads is building, with new devices scheduled for release in the spring of 2024. This comes after a notable lack of iPad updates in 2023, marking the first year without new models since the iPad was introduced in 2010. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to introduce new iPads, including the M3 MacBook Air, by the end of March 2024, with production of new iPads reportedly already underway ahead of the March launch. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo adds to the speculation by expecting all four iPad lines – standard, mini, Air and Pro – to be refreshed in 2024, with the new iPad Pro also expected to debut at the March event. Display industry analyst Ross Young hints at a spring release, noting that shipments of display panels for the new 12.9-inch Air model began in December.
