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2025 Ultimate iPad Buying Guide
Buying an iPad can be confusing. And if you're not careful, it can be super expensive. So which one should you really buy? And are the accessories worth getting?Good thing you clicked on my 2025 iPad buying guide and I'll tell you all about it.
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1. You Can't Make a Mistake
Almost all of the apps and games available on the App Store are compatible with these latest iPads, and they are all excellent devices. The battery life of all new iPads is also said to be about 10 hours. Each of them has a front- and rear-facing 12-megapixel camera.
Instead of fumbling with the outdated Lightning port, they all use USB-C ports for charging and connecting peripherals, and they all support Apple Pencils.
Faster iPads are those with higher price tags, such as the Mini, Air, and Pros. In addition to greater screens, cameras, connection, and accessories, they all support Apple Intelligence, with the exception of this one, which is the least expensive.
2. Evaluate Your Use Case
In reality, how will you utilize your iPad? I realize this is a really nebulous and bothersome subject, but it's crucial to avoid going over budget.
3. Consider Used or Refurbished
Purchasing a brand-new iPad is not necessary. You could look at reconditioned or used ones. Choosing a last-generation iPad, such as the Air M2 or perhaps a Pro from a few years back, could save you a lot of money; just make sure the store is offering a respectable guarantee.
4. The Addition of Accessories
The cost can start to add up at this point.
Regarding priority:
The most important factor is storage because it cannot be upgraded later.
Keyboard: All of them, with the exception of the Mini, have keyboard options that allow the iPad to function more like a laptop substitute.
If you enjoy designing, sketching, or doodling, or if you want to make the most of the touchscreen, the Apple Pencil can be helpful.
For most people, 5G cellular is probably not worth it; Wi-Fi or a phone hotspot usually works just fine. Nice to have, though, particularly if your company covers the cost.
There are many third-party accessories available that are frequently less expensive than the official Apple products.
5. Is a MacBook a Better Option?
In reality, would a laptop—likely a MacBook if you're part of the Apple ecosystem—be a better option? For example, compared to the standard 11-inch iPad Pro, the new Air M4 is both faster and less expensive.
iPads can be made to almost function as laptops by adding keyboards, but they are still not a perfect substitute for laptops.
6. Take Other Options Into Account
Unfortunately, Apple did not sponsor this video. Please think about competitors:
- Galaxy Tabs
- Honor Magic Pads
- OnePlus Pads
- Extremely low-cost Kindles
- Use the Microsoft Surface Pro to fully experience Windows.
In all honesty, though, these tablets remain the best available if you're already a part of the Apple ecosystem.
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7. Compatibility with Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is supported by every iPad that has an M-series chip (M1, M2, M3, M4), as well as the A17 Pro, which is used in the iPad Mini.
The standard A16 iPad is the only new iPad that does not support it. It's a little strange because, while ChatGPT integration, note summarization, writing tools, Gemoji, and Image Playground are cool features, they aren't necessary just yet.
But as these features change over time, you may come to regret not having it. However, don't purchase a product because it promises new features. Purchase based on your current needs.
The least expensive model, updated for 2025. In contrast with the 10th Gen:
- A16 chip, which is 50% faster
- The base storage (128 GB) is doubled.
- 6 GB of RAM (instead of 4)
- Bluetooth version 5.3
- Improved cameras
- £329 (UK) and $349 (US) are the same prices.
- A new storage option of 512 GB
- The same True Tone Liquid Retina display, 11 inches, 60 Hz, 500 nits, without any anti-reflective coating or lamination.
- USB-C
- Stereo speakers
- Press the power button's Touch ID.
- 12 megapixel center stage camera
- 10-hour battery life
- Excellent for light app use, general media, children, and the elderly. The increase to 128 GB is a major victory.
Restrictions:
- Absence of Apple Intelligence
- No multitasking stage manager
- Some demanding games are incompatible.
- Final Cut Pro is supported.
Accessories:
- With the Magic Keyboard Folio, it functions as a sort of laptop.
There are two pencil options:
- Gen 1 Pencil (awkwardly requires a lightning adapter for charging)
- Pencil with USB-C (no pressure sensitivity, magnetic attaches but does not charge)
- Paperlike Screen Protector (Sponsor) Makes writing/drawing feel more like paper, adds resistance, reduces glare/smudges, protects screen. Backed by a 100-day guarantee.
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- Apple Intelligence is supported by the A17 Pro chip.
- Anti-reflective, laminated, brighter screen
- Sharpest display (highest DPI)
- Base storage of 128 GB
- Pencil Pro and USB-C are supported by the quick USB-C port. Cons:
Downsides:
- Expensive (£499)
- Absence of an M-series chip
- Almost £1,000 with high specifications
- It seems to lag behind the Air M3.
3. iPad Air M3
Refreshed just now. The design is the same as the M2 version, with an internal spec bump.
- Worth looking into a deal with M2. In contrast to the standard iPad:
- Anti-reflective, laminated, and brighter display
- With Apple Intelligence, the M3 chip
- 8 GB of RAM
- Quicker USB-C
- 6E Wi-Fi
- A smaller body
- Pencil Pro is supported.
- 30% more screen real estate with the 13" version.
- Improved cameras
- Larger touchpad, function row, and quicker charging are features of the new Magic Keyboard.
Still Absent:
- Absence of Face ID
- LCD at 60 Hz (no ProMotion)
- Not OLED
However, compared to the base model, it is more future-proof.
13 "Air with Pencil + Keyboard + 256 GB = laptop money, but still £500 less than 13" Pro model.
Key Features:
- 120Hz ProMotion OLED display
- Optional Nano-texture coating (only with 1TB or 2TB models)
- Ultra-thin (5.1 mm for 13")
- Face ID
- Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port
- Connects to 6K display
- TrueDepth camera
- Up to 16 GB RAM (1TB+ models)
- Ultra-wide + LiDAR rear camera
- 4K ProRes video
- 8K/AV1 decoding
- Quad speakers – best sound
Downside:
- Starts at $999 (same as M4 MacBook Air, which includes keyboard)
- Fully kitted model (13", Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard) can hit £3,000
- Designed for professionals—very powerful, but limited by iPadOS vs. macOS.
✓ Save money? → iPad (A16)
✓ Need portable? → iPad Mini
✓ Balance power/price? → iPad Air
✓ Demand the best? → iPad Pro
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