Wondering which iPad you should buy? Here’s the lowdown:
An iPad is a portable touchscreen device by Apple, designed to sit somewhere between a smartphone and a laptop in both size and functionality. Like their other products, these tablets run on Apple’s own highly rated and super-secure operating system (iOS), which keeps all your apps stored and organised ready to go. Whether you’re streaming films, playing games, reading e-books, or just browsing the internet, the iPad’s big screen and slim design make it a versatile companion—perfect for propping up on a stand or relaxing with in your lap.
Each iPad model is re-released every few years with updated features such as an improved camera or a sharper display screen. Deciding whether to go for one of these new generation iPad’s or stick with an older one mostly depends on your budget, usage needs, and how important having the latest features and longest support lifespan is to you.
Buying a newer generation iPad means it will have the latest hardware and software improvements, better performance and security and will be compatible with upcoming apps and technologies for a longer time. But if you don’t plan on using your iPad for much more than browsing the internet, watching videos and using standard apps, then an older generation model at a lower price point might be a better fit for you.
You can also choose between WiFi-only and WiFi & Cellular models of each iPad. With cellular you have the option of also adding a SIM card so you can access the internet from anywhere without depending soley on WiFi connectivity. Perfect for working remotely on train journeys or keeping the kids entertained on long travel days!
Ultimately this depends on what you’re wanting to use an iPad for and how often you’ll be using it. If you’re a creative professional editing videos every day then investing in the iPad Pro is likely worth it for the powerful hardware and precision of the Apple pencil. Whereas if you’re only looking to use an iPad for basic use then there are plenty of other alternatives at a lower price point such as tablets, laptops or 2-in-1 devices. However if safety and speed is what you’re after combined with portability and ease of use, then the iPad is definitely hard to beat.
Apple’s iOS is known for being super secure and easy to use. It’s tightly controlled, meaning your device is well protected from viruses and malicious software. Regular security updates and strong encryption help keep your personal info safe, while still letting you share files across your Apple devices with ease. You can start a document on your Mac, switch to your iPad to keep going, or even edit photos on your iPad and see them instantly on your phone—perfect for prepping those Instagram posts!
Overall, Apple products are loved for their stylish design, great quality, and how easy they are to use. Plus, they work seamlessly with other Apple gadgets like iPhones and Macs, making life that little bit smoother if you’re already a part of the Apple family.
The price of an iPad depends on the model, size, and how new it is. For example, iPad A16 (2025) can start around £309, while the top-of-the-line iPad Pro 13 can cost over £1,400. The price difference comes down to features such as display quality, design, storage, optional cellular connectivity and camera options.
When choosing an iPad, it’s worth thinking about how much you plan to store on it - because that’ll determine how much storage you really need. The smallest option, 128GB, will be plenty for most people, especially if you regularly back up your photos and videos to a laptop or the cloud to free up space. But if you’re planning to use your iPad for more than everyday tasks, there are larger storage options to suit heavier use.
The iPad Pro models start at 256GB and go all the way up to a massive 2TB, giving you loads of room for apps, creative projects, and media. If you’re a photographer, designer, or content creator, extra storage makes it easy to keep your entire portfolio or video library on hand without worrying about running out of space.
You can also take advantage of Apple iCloud, Apple’s online storage service, to keep your files, photos, and videos safely backed up and synced across all your devices. That means if you organise your photo albums or documents on your iPhone, they’ll automatically update on your iPad - so your latest edits are always right where you need them.
The iPad Air sits nicely between the standard iPad and the high-end iPad Pro in terms of capabilities and cost. In short it’s a lighter, thinner version of the iPad with a better processor (the ‘brain’ that processes all your commands), making it ideal for creative projects and professional-grade apps like Photoshop. You’ll feel the full benefit of the iPad Air in the speedy way it handles heavy-duty tasks such as video editing. The Air’s fully laminated display is also brighter and clearer and works well with the Apple Pencil Pro if you’re wanting to sketch or make notes.
Display: 8.3-inch 2266 x 1488 (326ppi) with True Tone
Processor: A17 Pro
Cameras: 12MP (front) and 12MP (rear)
Up to 10 hours of battery life
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Dimensions: H 13.5, W 19.5, D 0.8cm
Weight: 293g
If you’re looking for a device for your kids that provides entertainment and education, the iPad mini is a great choice. The mini’s compact size makes it the smallest in Apple’s line-up, which means it’s easier for little hands to handle. You’ll still get all the benefits of the rest of the iPad line-up though, including a clear, crisp display for videos and plenty of storage space for games and learning apps. An iPad mini also gives youngsters access to TV shows, books and music, all in one place, including programmes only available on Apple TV+ such as Camp Snoopy and Harriet The Spy. The 10-hour battery life is ideal for long car journeys too! Kids can also check out new artists and old favourites on Apple Music and access an entire library of Apple Books. Enjoy peace of mind with the Screen Time function which lets you manage what they can download or view, as well what content and apps you want them to access. For older kids, the iPad 10th Gen (10.2-inch) can be a good choice as it offers a bigger screen while still being easy to handle.
Display: Ultra Retina XDR in 11-inch (2420 x 1668) or 13-inch (2752 x 2064)
Processor: M5 with Neural Accelerators
Camera: 12MP (front) and 12MP (rear)
RAM: 12/16GB
Weight: 444g / 579g
If you’re after an iPad that works like a laptop, the M5 iPad Pro is your perfect match. Launched in October 2025, it’s powered by Apple’s lightning-fast M5 chip, which breezes through demanding tasks such as video and photo editing with ease. It also handles AI-powered tools up to 3.5x faster than before, so multitasking, creative apps and big projects feel effortless. The stunning Ultra Retina XDR display is ideal for creative projects and graphic design work. The larger, 13-inch model offers incredible resolution at 2752 x 2064 for pixel-perfect precision - while the 11-inch model keeps things ultra-portable without sacrificing power. Add a magnetic Magic Keyboard to transform the iPad Pro into a laptop for emails, writing, or spreadsheets - or pair it with the Apple Pencil Pro for sketching and note-taking. With super-fast Wi-Fi 7 and up to 2TB of storage, you can carry your entire digital world -photos, videos, files, and games - wherever you go.
Display: 11-inch 2360 x 1640 (264ppi)
Processor: A16 Bionic
Cameras: 12MP (front) and 12MP (rear)
RAM: 6GB
Up to 10 hours of battery life
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Dimensions: H 248.6, W 179.5, D 7 mm
Weight: 477g
If you’re new to the Apple universe, the iPad (A16) is the perfect way to dive in, offering amazing tech at an excellent price. The 11-inch Liquid Retina screen is ideal for streaming, surfing and video chats due to the vibrant colours, sharp clarity and wide viewing angles. The 2360 x 1640 resolution lets you see down to the smallest details while the edge-to-edge screen design makes the whole experience that much more immersive. With a 10-hour battery life, you can stream, read, or plan your next holiday all day long. It’s also compatible with the Magic Keyboard Folio for typing on the go and the Apple Pencil (Gen 1) for sketching or taking notes. Plus, the cellular version has a SIM card slot so you can stay connected and stream entertainment wherever you are. Touch ID also ensures secure authentication and makes transactions with Apple Pay super quick and safe. The iPad (11th Gen) is ideal for everything from web browsing to staying in touch with friends and managing your day-to-day tasks. It offers smooth, reliable performance at an affordable price, all wrapped up in a sleek, user-friendly design. It's the ideal choice for anyone looking for a solid, no-fuss tablet experience!
Display: Liquid Retina in 11-inch (2360 x 1640) or 13-inch (2048 x 2732)
Processor: M3
Cameras: 12MP (front) and 12MP (rear)
RAM: 8GB
Weight: 461g / 617g
The new iPad Air (M3) is a versatile mid-range option, offering a nice balance between power, portability and price. The powerful M3 chip gives the iPad Air access to all the benefits of AI-driven Apple Intelligence for the first time, helping you to create images, write descriptive texts and search the web faster and more effectively. The iPad Air (M3) can handle any task quickly and smoothly, from streaming to graphic design projects, and is also compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Magic Keyboard so you’re truly ready for anything! Its Liquid Retina display has ultra low reflectivity that brings everything to life in rich, vivid colour and ensures you can see clearly in any light. The 12MP ultra-wide front camera supports Centre Stage; a feature that uses the front-facing camera to automatically keep you centered in the frame during video calls, making for a more natural and seamless experience as you move around the room. And all at only 6.1mm wide, making it so much lighter to carry around campus than your laptop!
iPad Model | Display | Processor | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
iPad Pro | 11-inch Liquid Retina XDR display or 13 inch Liquid Retina XDR display | Apple Silicon M4 | 444g / 579g |
iPad | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone | A16 | 477g |
iPad Air | 11-inch Liquid Retina display or 13-inch Liquid Retina display | Apple Silicon M3 | 461g / 617g |
iPad mini | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display | A17 Pro | 293g |
While preferences for different iPad generations vary based on feature needs, we recommend purchasing the latest model within your budget. Opting for the most up-to-date iPad ensures continued Apple support and access to the latest software updates, which may not be available for older models.
Unfortunately not. Once you pick the storage size you want, there’s no way to add more to your iPad. However, Apple offers iCloud, a cloud-based service that allows you to store photos, videos, apps, and other files remotely rather than on your device. By using iCloud, you can free up space on your iPad when your local storage is running low. You can also subscribe to iCloud plans with more storage if needed, ensuring you have ample space for your content.
On average, your iPad should last you about five years depending on usage and maintenance.Taking good care of your device, regularly backing it up and keeping the software updated could extend the life of your iPad, however as technology advances and apps become more demanding, older iPads may experience slower performance or become incompatible with newer software. This is where spending a little more on the latest, higher end models can pay off in the long run as they tend to last longer than older models due to improved hardware, more efficient processors, and better software optimisation.
To wrap it up, we’ve covered everything you need to know to pick the perfect iPad for you. Whether you're looking for sleek design, smooth performance, or top-tier features, there’s an option that fits just right. With all the info in hand, you’re ready to make a confident choice and start enjoying your new iPad! Happy shopping!
