What is key point 1 about "The Best iPad to Buy (and Some to Avoid) in 2026"?

Apple offers four main iPad models with different strengths and capabilities

What is key point 2 about "The Best iPad to Buy (and Some to Avoid) in 2026"?

iPadOS 26 introduces windowed apps that bring desktop-like multitasking to iPads

What is key point 3 about "The Best iPad to Buy (and Some to Avoid) in 2026"?

Certain older iPad models should be avoided due to outdated technology and lack of software support

What is key point 4 about "The Best iPad to Buy (and Some to Avoid) in 2026"?

The iPad Pro and MacBook Air comparison reveals distinct advantages for different use cases

What is key point 5 about "The Best iPad to Buy (and Some to Avoid) in 2026"?

Apple Intelligence features are not available on all iPad models

2/23/2026 | USA | technology | ✓ Verified - wired.com

The Best iPad to Buy (and Some to Avoid) in 2026

#iPad 2026 #iPadOS 26 #Apple Intelligence #iPad Pro vs MacBook Air #best iPad to buy #iPad buying guide #Apple tablets #multitasking iPad

📌 Key Takeaways

Apple offers four main iPad models with different strengths and capabilities
iPadOS 26 introduces windowed apps that bring desktop-like multitasking to iPads
Certain older iPad models should be avoided due to outdated technology and lack of software support
The iPad Pro and MacBook Air comparison reveals distinct advantages for different use cases
Apple Intelligence features are not available on all iPad models

📖 Full Retelling

Technology journalists Julian Chokkattu and Luke Larsen published a comprehensive guide on February 23, 2026, to help consumers navigate Apple's confusing tablet lineup and determine which iPad model best suits their needs. The article breaks down the current iPad lineup, including four main models with varying sizes and strengths, while also advising which older models to avoid despite being available on the secondhand market. The guide comes amid Apple's expected release of minor updates to the base iPad and iPad Air in early 2026, with more significant updates potentially coming later in the year, including a rumored OLED upgrade for the iPad Mini. The journalists also highlight the significance of iPadOS 26, which introduced windowed apps bringing the iPad closer to a desktop experience than ever before, and provide detailed comparisons between the iPad Pro and MacBook Air to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions based on their specific needs and workflows.

🏷️ Themes

Technology, Consumer Guide, Apple Products

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Apple Intelligence

Suite of artificial intelligence tools developed by Apple Inc.

Apple Intelligence is a generative artificial intelligence system developed by Apple Inc. Relying on a combination of on-device and server processing, it was announced on June 10, 2024, at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, as a built-in feature of Apple's iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia...

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

Apple’s iPad lineup decisions affect consumers’ buying choices and software compatibility. The introduction of new chips and iPadOS 26 changes performance and multitasking, influencing whether users should upgrade or hold off.

Context & Background

Apple released a refreshed base iPad and iPad Air in 2025 with A16 and M3 chips.
iPadOS 26 introduced windowed multitasking, making iPads more desktop‑like.
The iPad Pro now uses the M5 chip and offers OLED displays and optional 5G.
Older iPads before 2020 lack software updates and Apple Intelligence support.
Apple Intelligence features are only available on newer models with sufficient RAM.

What Happens Next

Apple is expected to launch minor refreshes of the base iPad and iPad Air in early 2026, adding the A18 chip and Apple Intelligence. The iPad Mini may receive an OLED upgrade later in 2026. Consumers should monitor pricing, especially for Pro models, as newer releases may make older ones less attractive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which iPad models support Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence is available on iPad Mini (A17 Pro), iPad Air (M1, M2, M3), and iPad Pro (M1, M2, M4, M5).

Is it worth buying a used iPad Pro M4?

It can be a good deal if the price is below the new M5 model, but check that it still receives software updates and that the price reflects its value. If it’s close to the new M5 price, it’s not worth it.

How does iPadOS 26 improve multitasking?

iPadOS 26 adds windowed apps, split‑screen snapping, a macOS‑style menu bar, and background task support, making the iPad feel more like a desktop.

Original Source

              Julian Chokkattu Luke Larsen Gear Feb 23, 2026 7:00 AM The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid) We break down the current iPad lineup to help you figure out which of Apple’s tablets is best for you. Save this story Save this story Featured in this article FINDING THE BEST iPad should be simple. You get whatever’s new, right? If only. Apple sells four main iPad models in varying sizes and each with its own strengths. In addition, a growing number of older iPads are floating around the eBays of the world. Since all these devices largely look the same, it’s important to know what you’re buying and what you should pay for it. This guide covers the iPad models currently available, what’s coming up, the key differences between them, and the older versions that are still in use (including those you should avoid at any price). I also break down which Apple Pencil is right for you. Be sure to check out all our buying guides , including the Best iPad Accessories , Best iPhones , Best iPhone 17 Cases , Best Tablets , Best Android Tablets , and Best MacBooks . Updated February 2026: We've added a section on comparing the iPad Pro with the MacBook Air, as well context on what iPads are launching soon. Is Now a Good Time to Buy? AccordionItemContainerButton Yes. The base iPad and the iPad Air launched in 2025 . Most people should buy one of those, and they're perfectly great options. The iPad Mini arrived late in 2024, so it's fairly up to date. There are reports of a refreshed base iPad and iPad Air arriving sometimes in early 2026, with a rumored released date to be “coming soon” as of February 8. These are expected to be fairly minor spec updates, however, bringing both models up to the latest chips—and not much else. The base iPad moving up to the A18 would give it Apple Intelligence features for the first time, though I'm not sure that's a purchasing decision for anyone at this point. The iPad mini is also rumored to get updated sometime in 2026, though it may come later in...
            

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Source

wired.com