Latest iPad 2025 Review: Hardware Upgrades, iPadOS 26, and Rumors

Apple’s tablet lineup in early 2025 showcases a powerful mix of performance, versatility, and accessibility. With options ranging from the budget‑friendly A16-based entry iPad to the cutting-edge M4-powered iPad Pro, there’s a perfect slate for every user. Plus, the rollout of iPadOS 26 introduces major productivity leaps, while rumors swirl about upcoming M5 chips later this year.

`2. Entry-Level iPad – 11th Gen (A16 Bionic)`

Released March 12, 2025, the 11th‑gen iPad sports the A16 chip (same as iPhone 14 Pro), 6 GB RAM, base 128 GB storage, 11″ Liquid Retina display, and USB‑C support
Key benefits:

Familiar & reliable form factor: perfect for students & families.
Performance ahead of its class—still no Apple Intelligence support, but solid for media, web, and light creation.
Storage boost doubles from previous model (128 GB).
Great value at $349, often discounted to ~$299

`3. iPad Mini – 7th Gen (A17 Pro)`

The iPad Mini 7, launched October 2024 with A17 Pro, lives on strong in 2025 Tom’s Guide.
Why it matters:

Power-packed smallest tab: 30% faster CPU, 25% faster GPU vs its predecessor.
Full Apple Intelligence support, Wi‑Fi 6E, USB‑C – all in an 8.3″ design.
Ideal for note‑taking, travel, reading—even supports Apple Pencil Pro.

`4. iPad Air – 7th Gen (M3)`

Announced March 4, 2025 and shipping same day, the iPad Air (M3) comes in 11″ and 13″ models with USB‑C, Touch ID, and Wi‑Fi 6E Wikipedia.
What’s new:

M3 chip delivers ~35% faster CPU and ~40% faster GPU than M1
Hardware‑accelerated ray tracing & mesh shading open creative potential.
Estimated 10‑hour battery life, quality audio/video setup.
A balanced all‑rounder for creators, students, and pro users.

`5. iPad Pro – 7th Gen (M4)`

Released May 15, 2024, continuing strong through 2025 with M4 chip and OLED displays
Pro features:

Top-tier hardware: M4 SoC (9‑core CPU, 10‑core GPU), OLED display, 5.1 mm thin.
Pro‑grade cameras (12 MP front & back), 5G support, unlimited multitasking.
Discounts up to $200 from $999 starting MSRP
Includes Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard combo.

`6. iPadOS 26 – Major Productivity Redefined`

Launched at WWDC June 9, 2025, iPadOS 26 delivers:

Liquid Glass UI: translucent design, interactive icons
True windowed multitasking: resizable windows, Exposé, improved Stage Manager, menus up top
Apple Intelligence features: Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime; Genmoji, Image Playground; improved Shortcuts .
Enhanced Files & Preview apps: robust PDF editing, better organization, expanded background tasks .

Together, these updates blur the line between iPad and Mac workflows.

`7. Upcoming: Rumors of 2025 iPad Pro (M5)`

Apple’s roadmap hints at M5 chip rolling out in new iPad Pro models later 2025—likely October/November .
What insiders share:

Likely incremental boost, possibly with 16 GB base RAM .
Same form factor & display; minor internal refresh.
Think of it as “Pro +” version—great for users needing extra horsepower or longer longevity.

`8. Real‑World Use Cases`

Student & casual users: pick the entry‑level iPad (A16).
Mobile creatives & travelers: go for iPad Mini with pencil support.
Pro‑grade editing, design & multitasking: iPad Air (M3) is powerful, 13″ perfect for productivity.
Power users, display enthusiasts: iPad Pro (M4) with OLED is top‑notch; consider waiting for M5 if you need future‑proofing.

`9. Buying Advice`

Best performance‑per‑dollar: iPad Air M3 (35 % CPU / 40 % GPU gains over M1).
Small & mighty: iPad Mini A17 Pro suits handwriting, travel.
Entry value: iPad A16 is cheap and capable.
Need longevity? Wait for M5 iPad Pro if you’re planning long-term use.

`10. Conclusion`

Spring–mid‑2025 sees Apple offering a full-range iPad ecosystem:

Budget A16 — accessible everyday device
Mini A17 — small but potent
Air M3 — balanced powerhouse
Pro M4 — ultimate features, ready for pros

Coupled with iPadOS 26’s transformative UI and multitasking tools—and the M5 chips on the horizon—now is a great time to pick a tablet that truly fits your needs.