The iPad and its variations have seen significant changes over the years in the 18 different models that have been released.  Although this is clearly indicative of a company that continues to innovate, it also has significant impacts on the use of the device in education.  That there is the potential for there to be so different models in a district and that each is supported by different versions of iOS makes it an administrative nightmare for district IT and for educators trying to maintain some form of consistency.  Most districts went with the iPad 2 and although many of these devices still exist in schools, they are starting to show their age.  Other popular models include the less expensive iPad Mini 1 and many schools are starting to purchase the iPad Air 1. 

iPad 1: The Original (2010)

This is the model that started it all off.  The iPad, following on the wild success of the iPhone and subsequently the iPod, was a natural progression for the next reiteration of a touch based device.  Using one of these devices these days, one might easily find this device to be antiquated yet just seven years ago, this was portable computing at its best.  The iPad was envisioned as a lightweight device that could play music, videos, and browse the web.  App developers quickly followed with games and social networking applications.  

The iPad utilized a rechargeable battery using a 30 pin dock connector.  It also featured an 3.5mm audio jack for connecting to headphones or to external speakers.  It featured a power button, two volume buttons, a mute switch and a home button.  Although the iPad has changed substantially since the release of the original iPad, many of the physical features still remain similar.

Interestingly, there was no camera on this model, something that would quickly be rectified with the release of the next model.

Current owners of this model will attest that the device is largely made redundant by the lack of support by Apple.  In 2012, only two years after the release of this device, Apple announced that iOS 5.1.1 would be the last operating system available for the device making most current apps unusable.  Additional issues such as limited processing power and memory restrictions make it less than ideal for practical use. 

iPad 2: The Improvement (2013)

The next version of the iPad was announced less than a year after the release of the iPad 1 and became the standard that would be widely adopted for both home use as well as in schools.  This device introduced not only a rear camera but a front camera as well for video conferencing.  Although this device had stopped being produced in 2014, it was so robust that it was able to last through six versions of iOS from 4.3 (factory version) to iOS 9.3.5 in 2016. The iPad 2 came in three memory sizes: 16, 32 and 64gb.   

iPad 3: The Forgotten (2011)

Following a trend and perhaps an expectation from the public, Apple began to produce new models of its devices on a yearly basis.  Although the iPad 3 only lasted seven months after it was released, it contained notable developments that continue to exist in modern iPads.  These include what Apple termed Retina display (hi resolution screen) and the introduction of a hi definition camera.  The iPad 3 was the last device to utilize the 30 pin dock connector and is updatable only to iOS 9.3.5.

iPad 4: The Bigger Sibling (2012)

The iPad 4 is perhaps noted for two new developments: it is the first model to introduce the use of the lightning dock connector and as the larger of two models released that year, the other model being the iPad Mini.  Both were released with iOS 6 but the iPad 4 outlasted its smaller sibling in the final version of iOS that it can support, that being 10.3.3.  The iPad 4 added one more memory option - in addition to 16, 32, and 64 gb, it was also available in a 128gb model.

iPad "5": No More Fancy Monikers (2017)

Unofficially, this is referenced as the fifth generation iPad even though the last iPad in this class was released five years ago.  This tablet continues to add onto developments made to the iPad Air 2 and although it lacks many of the features of the Pro model, it has a cheaper price point.  Interestingly, it comes in two memory sizes: 32 and 128gb.  This model is currently supported by the latest iOS version (12) as well as the new iPadOS (13).

iPad "6": The shortest lived 9.7 inch iPad (2018)

Unofficially, this is referenced as the sixth generation iPad even though it retains the nameless convention as last year's release.  This tablet distinguishes itself from previous models through its support of the Apple Pencil previously reserved only for the iPad Pro line.  Following its predecessor, it comes in two memory sizes: 32 and 128gb.  This model is obviously supported by the latest iOS version (12) as well as the new iPadOS (13).  With the release of the 2019 model, the iPad 6th generation is now discontinued (but still supported) lasting only slightly over a year.

iPad "7": No new tricks (2019)

Unofficially, this is referenced as the seventh generation iPad even though it retains the nameless convention as last year's release.  This tablet is virtually an identical clone as the previous iPad release save for a few notable features.  Most notably, the screen size has changed to 10.2" marking the first time an iPad model has deviated from the 9.7" size.  It is also compatible with the new smart keyboard but the cost of the keyboard is half of the iPad itself.  Otherwise,  this model makes a poor upgrade from the previous model.

iPad "8": Real improvements (2020)

As can be expected since the last iPad release did not offer any significant improvements, this version brings out real improvements to the hardware capabilities.  While the display size remains the same as the previous model, Apple reports that their new processor is 40% faster than the previous model.  The iPad line continues its support for the first generation Apple Pencil and it has a smart keyboard connector which is a magnetic connector which not only adheres the keyboard to the iPad but also provides data transfer and power between the two devices.  Aside from the Apple Smart Keyboard, the connector also works with the Logitech Create keyboard and the Logitech Base charging dock.  Other improvements include better battery life, improved screen sensitivity which offered better integration with the Apple Pencil.  Interestingly, while the iPad continued to cling onto the lightning connector, the unit includes a lightning to USB C cable and a USB-C power adapter bringing the device more in line with its other products.  

iPad "9": More of the same, slightly better (2021)

Apple's announcement of their newest iPad release offers the same familiar look and feel of their iPad line with modest improvements in the expected areas: CPU upgrade (20% faster), the addition of their True Tone technology to automatically adjust white balance, increased storage in the base model, an upgraded front camera and improved battery life.  It appears that most else remains the same including the retention of the lightning port as the charging interface rather than moving to USB-C.  LIke the last model, support remains for the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and the Smart Keyboard (both optional accessories).

iPad "10": iPad Air clone? (2022)

This year's iPad release is billed as a redesign but really takes much of its inspiration from the iPad air both cosmetically as well as in its hardware.  Changes include the removal of the home button replaced by the addition of TouchID within the power button, USB-C connectivity, an upgraded rear camera,  and a larger 10.9" screen all of which may or may not justify the significantly higher price.  Sadly, the current iPad does not support the newer Apple pencil and requires an adapter to connect the Apple pencil 1.

iPad "11": Uniform but uninspiring (2025)

Given that there has been a 3 year gap between the last refresh, the latest iPad announcement comes with a surprisingly few number of improvements.  The A16 CPU in this model is insufficient to support Apple Intelligence, the 11" screen size is a meagre .1" increase over the previous model, the TouchID remains the same, and it continues to support the same standard accessories as before.  

Mini Series

iPad Mini "6": Honey, I Shrunk the iPad Air (2021)

By all accounts, this is not the same equivalent as previous iPad Mini models which had traditionally been a smaller version of the equivalent iPad.  Rather, this iPad Mini is more the equivalency of the iPad Air in a smaller form factor.  It has more power than the simultaneously released iPad, offers a USB C connector, is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2, features a larger screen than previous Mini models, removes the home button and incorporates the Touch ID button into the power button but removes the headphone jack.  The Mini also supports the latest WiFi and Bluetooth standards which the iPad 9 does not.  While it does not support the Apple Magic Keyboard, it will support third party keyboards that connect through Bluetooth.  In addition, the cameras have been beefed up offering 12MP cameras in both the front and rear and allows 4K video recording.

iPad Mini "7": Supersized (2024)

The latest release in this lineup saw improvements in the use of a A17pro CPU chip bringing significant increases in processing speed allowing the model to access Apple Intelligence features.  The base model has also seen an increase in storage from 64GB to 128GB.

Air Series

iPad Air 1: The New Generation  (2013)

The iPad took a shift in direction with the release of the Air, making it lighter and containing more screen space with a smaller bezel that previous versions.  This device continues to receive the latest iOS updates at this time.

iPad Air 2: The New Generation Improved (2014)

The device was released concurrent with the release of the iPad Mini 2.  Its notable changes include the incorporation of the fingerprint Touch ID sensor, a barometer, along with the removal of the mute button.  The device was discontinued in 2017 but continues to receive new iOS updates.  It is one of few devices that supports some of the newer multitasking features such as Split View, Slide Over, and Picture in Picture.

iPad Air "3": The Air Lives to See Another Day (2019)

With previous releases of other iPad models seeing overall reductions in weight, the iPad Air had lost its edge in recent years which might explain why an update had not been seen in five years.  Many people may have been surprised to see its reemergence in the iPad lineup although the sceptics will likely point out that consumers likely could not stomach the idea of upgrading their 2018 iPad after one year.  To distinguish itself from the regular iPad lineup, Apple has made the new Air larger (10.5 inches).  Its weight is 5 grams lighter than the newest 9.7 inch iPad making some question whether it is deserving of the Air moniker.  To make the iPad more compelling, Apple has also upgraded its hardware specifications putting in an A12 processor and adding an extra gigabyte of RAM putting it in the middle between the 2018 iPad and the latest iPad Pro.  Like recent iPad releases, this model does support the first generation Apple pencil.

iPad Air "4": Continued growth (2020)

With the release of the next generation iPad Air, Apple has continued its recent trend of increasing the display size moving this device to 10.9 inches.  It has also increased the processing power of the unit and added features that are comparable to the iPad Pro 3.  Notably, it has swapped the lightning connector for a more updated USB-C connector which will allow for greater device compatibility as well as faster charging times.  It also brings support for the second generation Apple Pencil as well as the smart keyboard connector.  Apple has removed the home button completely but retained Touch ID  by reassigning it to the sleep/wake button on the top right edge of the device.  The headphone jack has been removed from the device. This device supports the new wireless standard, Wi-Fi 6 (ax).

iPad Air "5": Reboot - the iPad Pro is no longer the only iPad with the Silicon chip (2022)

The iPad Air 5 is the latest Apple device to incorporate Apple's proprietary processor which boosts its performance and thus seemingly bridges the gap between the iPad/iPad mini and the iPad Pro.  Among  the relatively few changes, an upgrade in the front facing camera boosts it from 7MP to 12MP.

iPad Air "6": Take two - now available in two sizes:11 and 13 inches (2025)

The iPad Air 6 is the first iPad outside of the iPad Pro line that is available in two sizes and offers an alternative to individuals looking for a cheaper option to the Pro line.  It offers some features introduced for the Pro line such as the hover functionality of the Apple pencil but limited compatibility with accessories such as the older version of the Magic Keyboard and the lower entry Apple Pencil (although there is compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro).  The front-facing camera is landscape oriented bringing parity to this device with the 10th generation iPad.

Pro Series

iPad Pro (2015): a laptop alternative?

In reaction perhaps to competition from Microsoft with its Surface computing devices and also Google with its Chromebooks, Apple felt the need to release a lightweight tablet capable of greater productivity.  It was the first departure of an iPad from its standard 9.7 inch size and it was released in a 10.5 and a 12.9 inch version with three memory sizes: 64, 256 and 512 gb.  To justify its higher price cost, it came equipped with a substantially more powerful processor.  It also featured a smart connector for a keyboard and four stereo speakers.  Apple touted the usability of this device as a productivity tool by introducing the Apple Pencil for annotation.

iPad Pro 2nd Generation (2017): accessory embellishments

The device received a face lift two years after its introduction and although the name remains the same, both received updated hardware configurations in almost all areas including a change to the size (10.5 and 12.9 inches) further distinguishing it from the regular iPad model.  This device also supports the use of the Apple Pencil.

iPad Pro 3rd Generation (2018): USB-C potentials

To ensure that its highest end iPad remained competitive and current, Apple updated its Pro model again with some major changes.  First, Apple removed the 10.5 inch model and replaced it with an 11 inch version instead.  Secondly, the Pro model sports the most powerful CPU currently available in their brand, the A12X.  Finally, Apple redesigned the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and gave the iPad Pro exclusive rights to it meaning that while other newer iPad models do have Apple Pencil support, it is only for the older model.  For the highest end users, the 1TB model of the iPad Pro comes with 6GB of RAM.

iPad Pro 4th Generation (2020): modest changes

With a gap of two years since the last update to the Pro models, Apple has released the next generation again in two sizes: 11 and 12.9 inches. Although this newest release only saw modest improvements in its processing power, it did receive a significant bump in RAM as well as the starting base storage.  The most notable functionality change would be the addition of a new Magic Keyboard which features a trackpad.  

iPad Pro 5th Generation (2021): the new generation of M1 devices

This is the first iPad that features Apple's own developed processor, the M1 chip which was introduced with its line of computers but has now made its way into its mobile devices.  While the M1 chip has been lauded for its significantly improved performance, there has been little to no increase in the cost of the devices presumably because Apple is now able to internalize all of its costs rather than paying out to Intel.  With the introduction of this new Pro model, there is speculation that the iPad Pro is moving closer to a laptop alternative.

iPad Pro 6th Generation (2022): Mo' power, new tricks

The new Pro series lineup has moved to the new M2 chip, the same one that is used in the both the MacBook Air and Pro laptops.  In addition, Apple has introduced a new feature for its Apple pencil called hover mode allowing detection when hovering up to 12mm over the display.  

iPad Pro 7th Generation (2024): 

The flagship model line now incorporates the M4 chips and an OLED display.  

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