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Best for you Picking your next iPad. Apple used to do grids but I prefer flows. You start at the beginning and you stop where it makes sense.

Back in 2010, you could get any iPad you wanted, provided you wanted the only 9.7-inch iPad Apple made... But, over the years, Apple has expanded the lineup to include the 7.9-inch iPad mini and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Just recently, they've even added a 10.5-inch iPad Air and 11-inch Pro.

So, now, the iPad is spread across 5 different models and price points, and that's not even counting options like cellular or storage or even finish that makeup all the different SKU. (That's industry slang for stock keeping unit, but whatever.) My point is, you have a lot of options now and it can seem complicated, maybe even overwhelming if you're looking to upgrade or buy-in for the first time.

But it's actually really simple to hone down on the one and only iPad that's perfect for you.

Go Deeper

I'm only skimming the details here. For far deeper dives, check out my specific reviews for all of these iPads.

The iPad Flow

OK, so, picking your next iPad. Apple used to do grids but I prefer flows. You start at the beginning and you stop where it makes sense.

If you just want an iPad you can take pretty much anywhere and do pretty much anything with, then you have the new normal, the new baseline, the new 10.5-inch iPad Air, starting at $499.

If you absolutely have to have an iPad but you just can't or won't pay that much for it, then you have the 9.7-inch iPad - no adjective added, starting at $329

If maximum portability is most important to you, and you're not only willing but eager to give up some screen size to get it, then there's the 7.9-inch brand new iPad mini, starting at $399.

If you want more power and performance but still a good amount of portability, and premium is no problem, then there's the newly redesigned 11-inch iPad Pro, starting at $799.

And if you demand not only power and performance but the biggest screen you can get, you can go all the way up to the newly redesigned 12.9-inch iPad Pro, starting at $999.

That's still five stops on the flow, with room to fuss with the options in between them, so if you still need help making up your mind, let's dive a little deeper.

iPad Air 10.5: The new normal

If you need an iPad and that's all you really know or care about, if you're just starting out with tablets or looking to upgrade after a few or many years, if you just want to be able to do everything that an iPad can do, from reading to watching to communicating to working to playing, get the new iPad Air.

It's got a 10.5-inch, wide gamut, Retina display, with TrueTone ambient color temperature matching, which is slightly bigger than the original iPad. It also comes with Apple's A12 Bionic chipset, the same one in iPhone XS, 3GB of memory, a Lightning connector, Touch ID biometric fingerprint sensor, two stereo speakers, a 7 megapixel, 1080p front-facing camera and an 8 megapixel, wide color f/2.4, also 1080p rear camera.

You can get it in sliver, space gray, or Apple's current coppery gold, with 64 or 264GB of storage, and with just Wi-Fi or with Wi-Fi and cellular, so you can connect or share that connection from anywhere.

It's also compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, Logitech Crayon, and Apple Smart Keyboard for drawing and typing. They do increase the up-front cost but also the functionality.

In other words, the iPad Air can do everything a modern iPad needs to do, starting at the same price as the original - $499.

Latest technology. Original price

The iPad Air 3 (2019) may cost the same as the original iPad, but it brings an almost full-on, pro-level feature set with it for that price. That makes it the new everyday iPad for just about everyone.

iPad 9.7: The budget option

If you need a first or new iPad and price is the most important feature to you, if you're a student or a teacher or just want an iPad to work and play with part-time, something that does all the iPad stuff but just doesn't cost as much, get the 9.7-inch iPad.

Here's what you give up:

The screen is a bit smaller, standard rather than wide color, with no TrueTone, so it can look slightly blueish or yellowish white depending on the lighting, and non-laminated, but it's every bit as high resolution. And even though it's physically smaller it's ever so slightly heavier than Air. It also has an older, A10 Fusion processor, same as the iPhone 7, 2GB of memory, a Lightning connector, Touch ID, two stereo speakers, a 1.2 megapixel, 720p front-facing camera, and an 8 megapixel, standard color, f/2.4, also 1080p rear camera.

You can get it in silver, space gray, or gold, with 32 or 128GB of storage, and with just Wi-Fi or with Wi-Fi and cellular.

It's compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil and Logitech Crayon, but not the Apple Smart Keyboard, though you can get third-party Bluetooth keyboards for it.

Here's what you gain:

Savings. Sure, you get less, but if you don't need more, you're also going to pay a lot less - starting at just $329.

Price: $329+

Bottom line: The 2018 iPad is half the 2018 iPad Pro... for half the price. Same chipset as the iPhone 7, same Apple Pencil support as the iPad Air, faster LTE networking (optional), and access to the same 200,000 education apps and 1,000,000 tablet-optimized apps in the iPad App Store.

iPad mini: The ultralight

If you love everything about the iPad Air but just want something smaller, something you can tuck away into a jacket pocket or, sure, even the back pocket of your non-skinny non-hipster jeans, that you can easily take everywhere and do... well... most things with, then check out the new iPad mini.

Here's what's the same:

It's got almost all the same stats as the new Air - wide gamut, Retina display, Apple's A12 Bionic chipset, 3GB of memory, a Lightning connector, Touch ID two stereo speakers, a 7 megapixel, 1080p front-facing camera and an 8 megapixel, wide color f/2.4, also 1080p rear camera.

And yeah, you can also get it in sliver, space gray, or gold, with 64 or 264GB of storage, and with just Wi-Fi or with Wi-Fi and cellular, so you can connect or share that connection from anywhere. And it's also compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, Logitech Crayon, so you can do all your drawing, markup, note taking, and precision editing.

Here's what you give up:

It just doesn't have a Smart Connector like the Air, so you can't get a tiny Smart Keyboard to go with it, though it'll still work with any standard Bluetooth keyboard.

Here's what you gain:

It packs all of that Air tech and performance in device with a 7.9-inch display that only about 2/3rds as much as the Air. That means it's got almost everything that's great about the new iPad Air, just in new iPad mini shrunken size - starting at $399.

Judge it not by its size, for A12 is its ally.

If you don't just want less expensive but you also want smaller, the iPad mini 5 (2019) delivers almost the full iPad Air experience at a fraction of the size, weight, and price.

iPad Pro: The Powerhouse

If you need a new iPad and you want it for "real work" (TM), if you're a pro photographer, videographer, audio producer or engineer, designer or musician, if time is money and power is worth a premium, then you want the iPad Pro.

Here's what you give up:

The new iPad Pro with its all-new design loses the bezels, so there's less padding to hold onto, but more palm rejection so it's not always an issue. That also means it loses Touch ID and replaces it with Face ID, which less obtrusive but sometimes also less convenient.

You also lose Lightning, Apple's - can I call it venerable yet? - iOS connector in favor of the more Mac-like, and increasingly standard USB-C connector.

And... there's no gold finish option, because pros are way too serious for that.

Here's what you gain:

A ProMotion display that can dynamically ramp down to save power and up to 120Hz for silky smooth scrolling. Apple's A12X Bionic chipset that adds 2 extra performance cores, 3 extra graphics cores, 1 extra gigabyte of memory in the 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB models and 3 extra gigabytes - 6 total - in the 1 terabyte of storage model. And, yeah, that 1TB storage option. Also, in addition to USB-C, which provides support for all sorts of accessories, including displays, and Face ID, which also supports augmented reality like Animoji, you get 4 speakers for stereo sound in every orientation, a front-facing TrueDepth camera with portrait mode, and a 12 megapixels f/1.8, 4K 60 frames-per-second rear camera with quad-LED flash. Phew.

You can get Wi-Fi or cellular, and the new iPad Pro also supports Apple's new, second-generation Pencil, which connects magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro and charges inductively, has a new soft-touch finish, and you can tap it to change tools or do other, simple toggles.

It also has a new, simpler Smart Keyboard which also protects the back of the pad.

And, it comes in both 11-inches, which is similar in overall size to the 10.5-inch Air, and 12.9-inches, which is the biggest iPad canvas you can currently get, but, thanks to the new design, doesn't feel that way anymore.

It's literally maximum iPad starting at $799 for 11-inches and $999 for 12.9-inches.

Price: $799+

Bottom line: If you just need or want an iPad, get an iPad. Apple has good ones, compatible with the original Pencil, going for just a few hundred bucks now. If you need more, something that combines raw power and absolute portability better than anything else on the market, then get an iPad Pro.

The iPad Flow: Redux

OK, I know that got a little complicated, especially towards the end there. So I'm going to rewind and bring it right back to the beginning.

If you just want an iPad you can take pretty much anywhere and do pretty much anything with, then you have the new normal, the new baseline, the new 10.5-inch iPad Air, starting at $499.

If you absolutely have to have an iPad but you just can't or won't pay that much for it, then you have the 9.7-inch iPad - no adjective added, starting at $329

If maximum portability is most important to you, and you're not only willing but eager to give up some screen size to get it, then there's the 7.9-inch brand new iPad mini, starting at $399.

If you want more power and performance but still a good amount of portability, and premium is no problem, then there's the newly redesigned 11-inch iPad Pro, starting at $799.

If you demand not only power and performance but the biggest screen you can get, you can go all the way up to the newly redesigned 12.9-inch iPad Pro, starting at $999.

This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details.

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iPad vs Air vs Mini vs Pro: Which iPad Should You Buy?

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Best for you Picking your next iPad. Apple used to do grids but I prefer flows. You start at the beginning and you stop where it makes sense. Back in 2010, you could get any iPad you wanted, provided you wanted the only 9.7-inch iPad Apple made...

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Find out what iPad best fits you!

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What iPad Should I Buy? - Comparison Quiz | ChoicesChoices.com

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Answer this short multiple choice quiz will advise you on what to get is the perfect iPad for you, Pro, Basic, or Mini. We compare all the models available.

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Shop Target for a wide selection of Apple iPads in a variety of sizes, capacities, colors and carriers. Free shipping & returns plus same-day in-store pickup.

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Explore the world of iPad. Featuring iPad and iPad Pro, and the powerful iPad Air and iPad mini.

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iPad: New Apple iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air - Best Buy

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Shop Best Buy for Apple iPads, including the new iPad and popular models like the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad with Retina Display. Shop for iPad accessories too!

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Between its ability to stream movies to its ability to play great games to the thousands of apps available in the Apple App Store, the iPad offers many great uses.

Surf on the Couch

One of the most obvious uses for the iPad is ready access to the internet without having to unlock a laptop or go to a computer. If you're watching TV and wonder where you'd seen a particular actor before, or you want to do a quick internet search to resolve an argument you're having with your friend. Having IMDb, Wikipedia, and the rest of the web at your fingertips from the comfort of your couch can be useful.

Check Facebook, Twitter, and Email

The iPad also makes a great way to keep up with all of your friends. And if you like to update Facebook or tweet during shows, it can be the perfect companion. You can even connect your iPad to Facebook, which will make it easy to share everything from websites to photos. Are you nuts for Twitter? A number of dedicated Twitter clients are available, and like Facebook, you can connect your iPad to your account.

With each generation, the ability to game on the iPad gets better and better. The iPad 2 included the front-facing and back-facing cameras, which made playing augmented reality games possible. The iPad 3 brought the gorgeous Retina Display, which allows higher resolution graphics than most game machines.

Recently, Apple has added a brand new graphics engine called Metal, which takes games to the next level. And while you may get a lot of other uses out of the iPad, gaming is definitely the most entertaining.

The ability to read eBooks from Apple's iBooks, Amazon's Kindle, and Barnes and Noble's Nook certainly make the iPad one of the most versatile eReaders on the market. The iPad isn't the lightest eReader, but it's easier to read in bed on the iPad than a traditional notebook computer.

Help in the Kitchen

The size and portability of the iPad make it great for any room in the house, including as a handy helper in the kitchen. While the iPad can't yet do the cooking itself, it has plenty of other uses in the kitchen. Start with recipes from great apps like Epicurious and Whole Foods Market. The App Store offers dozens of recipe managers that can keep your recipes neat, organized, and just a tap away. You can even manage your gluten sensitivity with apps like Find Me Gluten Free.

Family Entertainment

When you combine Apple's rigorous inspection of each app with the parental controls in their iOS devices and the thousands of great games and apps on the iPad, you get the perfect family entertainment system. The iPad is great for vacations when you need to entertain the kids in the backseat. Not only will they get access to movies, but they can also play games for far cheaper than most portable gaming machines.

Listen to Music

Even if you don't have a large music collection loaded on your tablet, you can stream music to your iPad. Some apps include the ability to create unique radio stations from a single song you love. The iPad has good speakers, but more importantly, it also supports Bluetooth. This compatibility makes it a great match with wireless headphones, and with many new television soundbars supporting Bluetooth, the iPad can essentially become your home stereo.

Take Photos and Record Video

The back-facing camera on the iPad is surprisingly good. It's not quite up to the quality of the iPhone camera, but the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro cameras can compete with most other smartphone devices. What really makes the iPad great for photos is the beautiful, large display that helps you frame up the perfect shot. And if the iPad's camera isn't good enough for you, try from several ways to improve the photos taken with the iPad.

Connect the iPad to Your TV

The iPad has a lot of great entertainment value, including the ability to stream HD video and play high-quality games. But what about watching it on the big screen? You can do several things to connect your iPad up to your HDTV, including using AirPlay to wirelessly connect the iPad to the Apple TV streaming box. And most solutions work with both video and sound, so you can really get the full HD experience.

Say Goodbye to Premium Cable

Stream Netflix, Hulu, and HBO NOW directly to your HDTV to replace your premium channels without having to watch movies on a smaller screen. Considering the amount of television available on those services, some people could dump cable completely.

Say Hello to Premium Cable

While cord-cutting is becoming increasingly popular, especially with the availability of services like HBO Max without a cable subscription, cable is still the most popular way to tune in to your favorite shows and movies. Many cable providers now offer apps that let you watch some shows live on your iPad, which turns your tablet into a portable television. Also, a number of broadcast channels have their own apps, so you can watch the latest episode of a show even if you forgot to DVR it.

Edit Photos and Video

The iPad can take a great photo, but even better, it can easily edit that picture. The built-in editing features let you crop, brighten, and bring out the best color. You don't even have to stick with the editing features of the Photos app.

A number of great photo-editing apps are available on the App Store, and you can also download filters to extend the Photos App. The iPad can also edit videos. The iMovie app is available for free to anyone who has bought an iPad or iPhone in the last few years, and along with basic video editing, iMovie comes with fun themes and templates, so you can put music to your video or even create a fictional movie trailer.

Share Photos and Video

You aren't stuck with Facebook or Instagram for your only ways to share photos and videos. The iCloud Photo Library includes shared albums that create a private album with just your friends or family and share both photos and videos to it.

Create a Printed Photo Album

With an iPad, you can create a photo album and have it printed and shipped to you. After editing the photo in an iCloud Photo Library album, you can receive physical copies to share with your less tech-savvy friends and family members.

Scan Documents

Your use of the camera isn't limited to taking family photos and shooting video. You can actually use your iPad as a scanner. The many different scanner apps do all of the hard work for you, cropping the photo so just the document shows up and focusing the camera so that the text is legible. Some scanner apps can even fax the document or will let you digitally sign it before printing it out.

Type Documents

Word processing isn't just for PCs. Microsoft Word and Pages are both great word processors available for the iPad. If you don't like the idea of typing on a touchscreen, you have options to avoid doing so. Not only are plenty of wireless keyboards and keyboard cases available for the iPad, but you can also even attach a regular wired keyboard.

Voice Dictation

One of the overlooked benefits of having Siri is the ability to dictate to the iPad. This feature isn't just limited to word processing apps or creating an email. You can use your voice to message your friends or even to search the web. Any time the iPad's on-screen keyboard pops up, you can choose to use your voice instead of your fingertips.

Personal Assistant

Speaking of Siri, it really does make an excellent personal assistant. While it may seem odd giving your iPad requests, you can use Siri to set reminders and schedule events. The program can even help you get reservations at your favorite restaurant or retrieve the latest sports scores.

The iPad is increasingly appearing in businesses. One of the most popular uses for the iPad is as a point-of-sale device, with a number of great services that will let you take credit cards or payment via PayPal. And with Microsoft Office on the iPad, you can use your tablet for spreadsheets, bookkeeping, and presentations.

Second Monitor

Here's a neat trick: using your iPad as a second monitor for your laptop or desktop PC. Through apps like Duet Display and Air Display, or the Sidecar feature that Apple added in macOS Catalina (10.15), you can use your iPad as if it were an extra monitor connected to your PC. These apps work by connecting with a software package you download to your PC and then sending the video signal to your iPad. It's best to use your iPad's connection cable to eliminate any lag.

Control Your PC

Not happy with just the idea of your iPad being a second monitor for your PC? You can take it one step further by taking full control over your PC from your iPad. The advantage of this approach is that you can use your powerful desktop PC from the comfort of your couch, basically turning it into a laptop.

Video Conferencing

Not only does FaceTime work on the iPad; it's also actually better on a tablet because you have a bigger display. The extra space gives you a great way to video conference with friends, family, or even for your business. Along with Facetime, you can also use Skype, which supports both voice and video calls.

Make Phone Calls and Send Text Messages

You can use iMessage to send and receive text messages. You can also choose one of the other available texting options for the iPad. If you have an iPhone, you can place and receive calls on your tablet. If you don't have an iPhone, you can still use your iPad for calls with apps like Skype or FaceTime.​

Employ Siri in a Less Serious Way

Siri's tricks go beyond productivity. It also has funny questions you can ask, and if you're on a diet, Siri can even lookup the number of calories in the dish you are thinking about ordering. And, if you ask, Siri can even tell you what song is playing on the radio.

Take a Class

Whether you need a tutor for school or a class to replace traditional education, the iPad has you covered. The Khan Academy has a simple goal of providing free online education that covers both K-12 and college-level courses. Beyond video classes, a number of apps can help your child get a jump on their education.

Portable TV

This little-known use for the iPad can be great for parents that often find themselves at soccer games and tennis matches but might want to catch up on their television. Beyond just streaming videos through Netflix or similar apps, you can actually watch your own television using Sling Media's Sling Box. This device hooks into your cable at home and then 'slings' it across the internet, letting you view your TV from your iPad and even change channels remotely.

A great use for the LTE model is as a GPS replacement. With an Assisted-GPS chip, the iPad can keep you from ever being lost. The Maps app also includes hands-free turn-by-turn directions. Don't like Apple's Maps? You can still download Google Maps from the App Store. And even if you don't have the LTE model, these apps can be a great way to look up directions before you get into your car.

Be a Musician

For musicians, a ton of helpful apps are available including a digital piano to a guitar effects processor. You can even turn your iPad into a DJ station. If you aren't a musician but want to learn, you can even use the iPad to learn an instrument thanks to nifty gadgets like ION's Piano Apprentice.

Replace Your Computer

Between its ability to use Facebook, read email, and browse the web, the iPad can replace a laptop for many people. With apps like Apple's Pages and Numbers, Microsoft Office for the iPad, and the ability to connect a keyboard, the iPad can be all the computer you need.

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Between its ability to stream movies to its ability to play great games to the thousands of apps available in the Apple App Store, the iPad offers many great uses. One of the most obvious uses for the iPad is ready access to the internet without having to unlock a laptop or go to a computer.

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iPad Basics: Getting Started with the iPad

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If you're new to an iPad getting started can feel intimidating. This free lesson will help put you at ease.

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Thinking about buying an iPad? Learn all about your iPad purchase options in this free lesson.

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With four different models in four sizes and prices ranging from $329 to $1,229, there are plenty of iPad options to choose from. That's a good thing, but how do you decide which one to buy? Use our handy iPad buying guide to get the right Apple slate for your needs and budget.

News Update (March 27th): Apple has just announced a new version of its 9.7-inch iPad. Available for the same $329 as the prior model, the 2018 version has a faster, A10 CPU and support for Apple Pencil, but is otherwise identical to its predecessor. Though anyone can buy the tablet, Apple is particularly interested in targeting schools, offering them a discounted price ($299) and a host of teacher-friendly tools and apps.

iPad Models Compared

The iPad lineup is made up of three families: the iPad Pro, the iPad mini and the regular, 9.7-inch iPad. But as you drill down to the individual models, you'll find plenty of variety in specs, features and price. Here's a quick breakdown.

Common Features

All iPads provide access to more than 1 million apps optimized for the big screen, which is far more than what Android or Windows devices offer. You can also expect a high-quality aluminum unibody design and a bright and crisp display.

The tablets all come with iOS 11.2, the latest version of Apple's mobile OS. Key features include a Files app for organizing your documents and projects, a Dock that makes iOS feel more like macOS and the ability to drag and drop text, photos and files.

Also note that all iPad models can be ordered with 4G LTE capability, which allows you to get online when you're out of Wi-Fi range. You'll pay $139 more than you would for the Wi-Fi-only version, plus the cost of whatever monthly data plan you sign up for.

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iPad Buying Guide: Which One is Right for You?

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With four different models in four sizes and prices ranging from $329 to $1,229, there are plenty of iPad options to choose from. That's a good thing, but how do you decide which one to buy? Use our handy iPad buying guide to get the right Apple slate for your needs and budget.

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Originally, the Apple iPad was a single one-size-fits-all device, beyond a few storage size options. Then came colors and screen sizes, and Mini, Air and Pro variants. Today, the line has thinned back down a bit to the iPad and iPad Pro, plus an older Mini holdover -- but that doesn't make it much easier to choose which model is right for you.

The newest "sixth-generation" iPad, unveiled in March, is affordable, and comes with a speed boost and support for Apple's excellent pressure-sensitive Pencil stylus. But there are also iPad Pro models, with larger screens, which are over a year old. Also, the smaller , which is even older. Should you even get a cellular iPad at all? And what about storage options? Are you already getting a headache?

There are four current iPad models from which to choose: the old , and 12.9-inch 2017 iPad Pros, and this new affordable .

Unlike last year, Apple didn't unveil new iPad Pro models at its June developer conference. This means, most likely, that iPad Pros won't be here until the fall. If you want the best, perhaps just keep waiting.

But if you just want a good basic tablet? The (just called "iPad") is fine. Go for it. And, if you're really desperate for an iPad Pro, they still have some distinct advantages.

First off: Know that more iPads are coming... someday

The 9.7-inch 2018 iPad is the first shoe dropping in this year's iPad release schedule from Apple. Presumably, there will be upgraded iPad Pros, too, coming later this year. Expectations for these 2018 iPad Pro models are that they will have Face ID instead of Touch ID, and maybe more screen space in a smaller body -- as well as the usual faster CPUs.

Last year, these iPad Pro models were unveiled at Apple's Apple's ( WWDC developer conference. This year, that didn't happen. The next most likely unveiling would be alongside new iPhones$999 at Walmart) in September -- or possibly later.

Are they worth waiting for? If you're spending a lot for one, maybe.

Just want a basic, good iPad now? Get the 2018 9.7-inch, you'll be fine

There's no better iPad value right now than the new 9.7-inch model, and that won't change in a month. The A10 processor is speedy, the battery life is great (12 hours plus), and sure, it's the same sturdy design and feel as iPads from years past. The Pencil support is a great added bonus if you or your family dreams of creating art in any way: It's the best art tool I've seen on a tablet. The display is still really good, but lacking a few extras that the Pros offer, which you'll probably never really notice if you're not a display obsessive.

It's compact, runs every app you'd need, and it's a perfect everyday-use iPad.

How about the 2017 9.7-inch model?

Last year's low-cost fifth-gen iPad, also called "iPad," is worth getting if you see it on sale for $250 or less. It doesn't work with Apple's nice pressure-sensitive Pencil stylus, but It's extremely similar to this year's budget iPad in most other ways, with a slightly slower processor. It's perfect for everyday streaming, reading and tablet-y things.

What's different about the current Pro models? And why should you care?

Even at a year old, last year's iPad Pros (still the most current Pros) are technically the best, fastest, highest-quality iPads around. Now that Pencil support has come to the entry-level iPad, the Pro tablets do lose one of their key discerning features. That leads me to think the next wave of Pros will get something else even better (wild guess: better modular keyboard attachments and docks?).

I think the 10.5-inch iPad Pro is the best iPad -- if money is no object. The 12.9-inch version has an even bigger screen and similar speed, but it feels too big and expensive for my tastes. Artists might prefer its extra canvas size. The distinct advantages to the Pro models, both of them, are below, and they'll definitely matter to serious iPad users:

The Pro's display has color tone adjustment (True Tone), a wider color gamut, and an up-to-120Hz display that's smoother scrolling and has benefits for Pencil precision. The display's more seamlessly connected to the glass, too, which helps for fine stylus work. (They're mostly subtle differences.)

Better quad speakers and stereo sound, versus the tinnier entry-level iPad's speakers.

The A10X processor is faster.

Battery life tested better by a few hours.

The cameras are improved (and they shoot 4K video, unlike the entry-level iPad).

A side Smart Connector allows things like Apple's Smart Keyboard Cover to attach without needing Bluetooth or separate charging.

But they're also considerably more expensive. The 2018 iPad maxes at $429 for 128GB of storage, while the Pro models start at $649 and $799 (with 64GB of storage), and ramp up to a crazy $999/$1,149 for 512GB of storage. And that's not even including a cellular antenna for optional LTE (an extra $130 on top of that), or the Pencil stylus ($99), or the Apple Smart Keyboard Cover ($159, but there are plenty of cheaper keyboard options).

Cellular? I'd skip it, unless you crave it

No doubt, using LTE on a tablet is great. I wouldn't pay $130 for the opportunity to pay an extra monthly fee for it. Instead, you can easily tether your phone for free. Pros might consider it if someone else is footing the bill, or if this is your main connected device. Up to you.

iPad Mini? Skip it, too

The is somehow still being sold despite being nearly three years old. That's fine, but it's not getting any discounts on Apple.com: It's $399 for 128GB of storage. That is plenty of space, but its A8 processor is getting long in the tooth, and wasn't even that zippy when I first reviewed it. Pass on this unless you see it on sale, or are desperate for a small-size iOS reading tablet no matter what.

For kids: Also consider a Fire tablet (or Chromebook)

The iPad's a great family choice, and a pretty nice gift for kids. But it's still really expensive. ( Amazon's Fire tablets are ridiculously affordable, and perfectly good for reading, watching movies, playing games, and doing plenty of things -- the Fire HD 8$150 at Amazon), in particular. They're not as good as iPads, especially not for things like writing or creating art, but you can get a Fire tablet for as low as $35. Kid-optimized versions cost a bit more. And at least Amazon has pretty robust parental controls for kid accounts, more so even than Apple.

In our review of the latest Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet, we pointed out that it comes with a one-year subscription of Free Time Unlimited, "a Netflix-like subscription service chock full of kid-appropriate e-books, videos and games." After one year, it's $3 a month, but offers a lot of kid-friendly content.

Chromebooks aren't the same thing as tablets, but at $300 or less they're a great choice for kids looking to use a laptop at home (and some, like the Asus Chromebook Flip, can transform into tablet-like devices just fine).

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Want a better deal? Look beyond the Apple Store

There are almost always decent iPad sales afoot. For instance: at Costco, the 2018 32GB iPad is being sold with the Pencil stylus for $355, which is a nice deal on Pencil. Best Buy is offering the iPad, no Pencil, for $30 off. Meanwhile, Apple will always sell at MSRP. (That said, Apple does offer an education discount of $20 for the 9.7-inch iPad and $10 off Pencil.)

TL;DR

For most people looking for a basic iPad: get the 2018 9.7-inch model.

Best kid iPad? If iOS compatibility is a must-have, get the 2018 9.7-inch model (or the 2017 model on sale). Otherwise, opt for the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition (for younger kids) or a Chromebook (for older kids).

Best iPad at any price? The 10.5 iPad Pro (I prefer Wi-Fi only and 64GB of storage, for the price).

What about iOS 12? Most likely starting in the fall, you'll be able to update any current iPad to iOS 12, which includes features like 32-person FaceTime calls and animated Memoji avatars -- but it won't substantially change your tablet experience.

It still feels like until new iPad Pros emerge, this is an unfinished story. But, that's how the iPad in 2018 is shaking out so far.

Apple's new iPad 9.7 vs. the old iPad 9.7: Apple updated its lineup with a somewhat refreshed version of its most popular iPad.

Apple iPad Mini 4 lives on: The littlest iPad hasn't seen a major update since 2015, and things are looking grim.

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Originally, the Apple iPad was a single one-size-fits-all device, beyond a few storage size options. Then came colors and screen sizes, and Mini, Air and Pro variants. Today, the line has thinned back down a bit to the iPad and iPad Pro, plus an older Mini holdover -- but that doesn't make it much easier to choose which model is right for you.