2025 will be remembered as the year when Apple, while we were still waiting for a truly smarter, AI-infused Siri, introduced the next-generation AirPods Pro, an ultra-thin iPhone, took its Pro iPhones to the next level, and delivered fast Macs in multiple designs.
But perhaps the most exciting additions were to Apple’s iPad range. We got three new models: the entry-level 11th-generation iPad, the iPad Air with the M3 chip, and the iPad Pro with the M5. In terms of design, there was nothing new, but with a nod to Bruce Springsteen, it was about the fuel injection rather than the chrome wheels.
Apple showed more of its cards with the iPad than ever before
It’s clear that Apple has done a balancing act with the iPad for many years – many users rely on their tablets for a mix of entertainment and productivity and want their iPad to be the one device that controls them all.
Much of what iPadOS 26 delivered was productivity-focused, in the form of a proper menu bar and dock; more flexible, reliable and customizable multitasking; a major update to the Files app; and support for background tasks. It’s more macOS-like than ever, including the red, yellow, and green buttons to close, minimize, and expand windows, and even a menu bar that feels straight out of macOS. We got a Mac-like experience in a form factor that offers easier portability, unique experiences, and—perhaps most importantly—input flexibility.
You can operate the iPad with your fingers, a trackpad, Apple Pencil, or even a connected mouse or trackpad. It’s a highly versatile performer, but given how far Apple had taken performance—remember the redesigned iPad Pro that launched in 2024 with the M4 chip before that piece of silicon hit the Mac—the company had to offer a more robust software experience. As my colleague Lance Ulanoff learned from senior Apple executives, it was something the company had been working on for a while.
iPadOS 26 shipped with most of its promised features in September 2025. I’ve used it across a wide range of iPad models, including the current 11th generation lineup (mini, Air, and Pro) and the entry-level 9th generation iPad — while this model isn’t as capable as the 11th generation iPad model when it comes between the Pro, iPads, and iPads upgrades for performance.
As I wrote back shortly after Apple revealed the fresh software while it was still in beta, it was a purpose-built upgrade for the iPad – one that catered to the iPad faithful and stayed true to Apple’s ethos. It didn’t blow up the classic iPad experience, but it introduced a familiar, easy-to-understand way of managing windows. It also delivered some more advanced features that catered to users who were already maxing out the iPad experience.
Keeps the hardware running
I reviewed all the iPads that Apple released this year, and the common theme is speed upgrades – to the point where the benefits you get from going Pro are less obvious than in the past. The iPad Air, now in its second generation, comes in two sizes and is truly a stunner, even if it’s not as ultra-thin as the iPad Pro.
In either an 11-inch or 13-inch size, with fun colors to choose from, long battery life, support for key accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, and with the M3 chip now under the hood, it really feels like the model to go for if you want a bigger size without the Pro price premium and don’t need enough power to use it as your main device.
It’s a strong performer and a device I keep coming back to, even after testing the latest generation iPad Pro with the M5 under the hood. If you don’t need the extra vibrancy or contrast capabilities of the OLED display or Face ID – although I wish it was on more models – it really comes down to budget.
Further complicating your choices is the 11th generation iPad – Apple Pencil quirks aside – which is an excellent model and probably the best iPad for most users. The A16 Bionic chip under the hood provides plenty of headroom for both work and play, and while it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, it doesn’t matter here. It checks the boxes for what you want from an iPad, and at an accessible price.
The iPad mini didn’t receive an update, meaning the dream of an OLED screen this size remains just that for now. But even that device supports iPadOS 26’s new windows, making the case for a Magic Keyboard even more tangible than in years past. Please, Apple.
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What will happen in 2026?
While I can’t predict the future, the ever-churning Apple rumor mill gives us an idea of what we can expect to see from Apple in 2026, and it’s also instructive to look at what Apple did this year. I think the next entry-level 12th-Gen iPad could arrive sometime in the coming year, but don’t expect a treasure trove of new features.
I think the big upgrade here will be a better A-series chip from Apple that is not only more efficient but also adds support for Apple Intelligence. Hopefully, whatever version of iPadOS follows will also finally arrive with the AI-infused Siri. Similarly, rumors suggest that the iPad Air will retain the same look and feature set, but get a slightly faster M-series chip, likely the M4.
Basically, this would be a copy of Apple’s approach to iPad upgrades that we saw this year and last year. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that new entry-level iPad and iPad Air upgrades are likely to arrive sometime in 2026.
The more exciting model we could see next year is an iPad mini with a refreshed design, a better chip and an OLED screen. This probably wouldn’t arrive until the second half of the year, and it’s also reported that it might get a more water-resistant case.
The smallest iPad is likely to be the most exciting change next year, while the iPad Pro could receive a chip upgrade, although nothing major in terms of a redesign is planned until 2027, according to recent reports.
Where we can see more exciting developments is in a refinement of the new iPadOS experience and the introduction of new features – perhaps more customization around windows to boot. It’s one of the biggest ways Apple can improve the experience for people who already have an iPad and potentially tempt others to upgrade.
But if Tim Cook is listening, let’s keep the list of supported models long when it comes to future updates. I think this is a major reason why 2025 was so successful for iPadOS 26 and iPad as a whole.
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