Compare iPad models

Compare four iPad families by chip, display and accessory fit. Check the exact model and screen size before buying an Apple Pencil or attached keyboard.

Specs checked September 14, 2026. Figures are Apple’s published specifications and claims, not hands-on tests. We don’t list prices.

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iPad Pro (M5) vs iPad Air (M4) vs iPad (A16)
Spec	iPad Pro (M5)	iPad Air (M4)	iPad (A16)
Size and power
Screen sizes	11″ and 13″ (From 444 g (11″ Wi-Fi))	11″ and 13″ (From 464 g (11″ Wi-Fi))	11″ (From 477 g (Wi-Fi))
Chip	M5	M4	A16
Apple Intelligence	Supported	Supported	Not supported
Storage	256GB to 2TB	128GB to 1TB	128GB to 512GB
Display and unlock
Display	Ultra Retina XDR (Tandem OLED · ProMotion up to 120Hz)	Liquid Retina	Liquid Retina
Unlock	Face ID	Touch ID (In the top button)	Touch ID (In the top button)
Front camera	12MP Center Stage (On the landscape edge)	12MP Center Stage (On the landscape edge)	12MP Center Stage (On the landscape edge)
Ports and connectors
Port	Thunderbolt / USB 4	USB-C (USB 3 speeds)	USB-C (USB 2 speeds)
Smart Connector	On the back	On the back	On the side edge (For a matching attached keyboard)
Cellular	Optional 5G	Optional 5G	Optional 5G
What fits
Apple Pencil	Apple Pencil Pro (Also Apple Pencil (USB-C))	Apple Pencil Pro (Also Apple Pencil (USB-C))	Apple Pencil (USB-C) (1st generation with adapter; not Pencil Pro)
Apple keyboard	Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) (Function row, haptic glass trackpad)	Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (14-key function row)	Magic Keyboard Folio (Apple’s matching attached keyboard; choose the correct size)
Won’t fit	Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, Magic Keyboard Folio	Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4/M5), Magic Keyboard Folio	Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro or Air
Availability	Launched Oct 2025	Launched Mar 2026	Launched Mar 2025

Quick pick

Choose iPad Pro if you want Face ID, Thunderbolt and the Magic Keyboard with a haptic glass trackpad.
Choose iPad Air if you want M4 and Apple Pencil Pro support without the Pro’s OLED display and Thunderbolt port.
Choose iPad if you mainly read, stream and mark up documents, and don’t need Apple Intelligence or Apple Pencil Pro.

Where to buy

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