WIRED updates iPad buying guide following Apple price hikes
The media outlet’s latest recommendations prioritise the M4 iPad Air for productivity and the M5 iPad Pro for professional workflows, while advising consumers to avoid pre-2020 models amid rising costs.
WIRED has published an updated buying guide for Apple’s iPad lineup in July 2026, responding to recent price increases implemented by the manufacturer. The publication advises consumers to navigate the current market with caution, recommending the base 11th-generation iPad for general users, the M4 iPad Air for students and productivity tasks, and the M5 iPad Pro for professional content creation.
The guide explicitly advises against purchasing iPad models released before 2020. WIRED notes that older devices suffer from performance limitations and a lack of support for newer software features, making them poor value propositions unless provided at no cost. The outlet suggests that buyers seeking budget-friendly alternatives should consider Android tablets or dedicated kids' tablets instead.
Apple’s current hardware landscape includes the base iPad (11th-generation), which launched in March 2025 with an A16 chip, and the iPad Pro, which received an M5 chip in October 2025. The iPad Air was updated to the M4 processor in March 2026. WIRED highlights that while the base iPad offers a compelling entry point at $349, it lacks the RAM required for Apple Intelligence features, a distinction that sets it apart from the higher-tier models.
Software compatibility is a critical factor in the new guide. WIRED details the transition to iPadOS 27, which introduces AI capabilities via a dedicated Siri app based on Google Gemini and enhanced windowed multitasking. The public beta for this update is scheduled for July 2026, with an official release expected in the fall. The guide also outlines the differences between four Apple Pencil models, ranging from the discontinued second-generation stylus to the feature-rich Apple Pencil Pro.
Looking ahead, rumours suggest the iPad Mini may receive an OLED display upgrade later in 2026, potentially delayed until 2027 alongside an M6 chip for the Pro line. WIRED concludes that for most users, the M4 iPad Air offers the best balance of performance and value, while the iPad Pro remains a niche tool for those requiring tandem OLED displays and maximum processing power for applications like 3D modelling and video editing.
