Replacing iPad 5th Gen
My iPad 5th Gen has run out of updates, and I would like to replace it with as new a model as possible. Any recommendations, please?
iPad, iPadOS 16
All current iPad models are capable of running the current iPadOS Operating System - this being iPadOS 18.x
All iPad models have broadly the same core capabilities. Models essentially differ in their ultimate performance and physical attributes. iPad Pro models use FaceID for biometric user-authentication, while others use TouchID.
You can compare iPad models here:
The iPad10 is the current entry-level iPad. The iPads Pro M4 are the opposite end of the scale - top of the range, with cutting edge capabilities and hardware. Between these two extremes is the iPad Air M2, these models offering a mid-range high performance option. The iPad mini (A17 Pro) is perhaps an entirely different proposition - offering a smaller form factor and other differences in hardware and ultimate capability.
All current models of iPad support Apple Pencil; you should note that current iPad models support the Apple Pencil Pro and the lower-cost USB-C Pencil. The previous first and second generation Pencils are only compatible with some earlier models of iPad. Here is the definitive compatibility list:
Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support
Consider that the iPad Pro M4 models are the only iPad models to feature an OLED screen - and also includes reference modes for professional colour grading. Also note that the current iPad Pro models with 1TB/2TB storage options have 16GB RAM, whereas the others have 8GB RAM. The iPad Air M2 and iPad mini (A17 Pro) also benefit from 8GB RAM. The iPad Pro M4, iPad Air M2 and iPad mini (A17 Pro) are the only iPad models to support Apple's new Apple Intelligence features.
Whichever iPad model you choose, you would be well advised to purchase as much internal storage as your budget might reasonably allow - as internal storage (and other hardware) cannot be changed, upgraded or extended. The available internal storage is fixed for the entire life of the device. If you run out of internal storage for your documents, photos and other data, you will forever struggle and become a source of frustration. It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have.
A good rule of thumb is to quantify how much data storage you will need - add a healthy margin - then double it. If you are unable to quantify your data storage needs, it becomes more difficult. Whilst I and others cannot make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage, 512GB and higher having a greater margin for growth.
Within the Apple Support Communities we see regular tales of woe and disappointment when storage requirements are exceeded, necessitating replacement of the device; by contrast, we never see complaint of having too much available storage. It is relatively easy to fill limited internal storage space; perhaps consider higher tiers of storage as providing room for growth as your needs develop or mature - potentially extending the useful usable life of the device.
Also consider the functional differences between WiFi Only and WiFi+Cellular models of iPad. Aside from the obvious Cellular functionality, only WiFi+Cellular models include GNSS/GPS location capabilities - which may impact any Apps or features that require accurate and consistent location data, such as Mapping.
Purchase of a WiFi+Cellular model provides access to precise location services, but does not commit you to using Cellular connections. WiFi Only models of iPad have no Cellular or GNSS/GPS functions at all.
