Knowing when to buy new hardware can be tricky. New models with updated technology seem to come out frequently, making it hard to know whether to wait or tap your credit card today. Fortunately, Apple is reasonably predictable when it comes to the iPad range. While it’s hard to pin down an exact date or month when an upgrade is likely, it is possible to make an educated guess on when a new device will be released. That said, it’s not unknown for Apple top pull the odd surprise as well.
For those reading this outside Australia, note that the seasons I refer to are Australian.
When can we expect a new iPad?
Apple typically releases a new iPad each year or so – at least that was the case between the fifth and ninth generation iPads. But Since the 10th generation iPad was released in October 2022, we’ve been waiting.
If we look back through the history, we see this
- iPad 1 released in January 2010
- iPad 2 released in March 2011
- iPad 3 released in March 2012
- iPad 4 released in October 2012
- iPad 5 released in March 2017
- iPad 6 released in March 2018
- iPad 7 released in September 2019
- iPad 8 released in September 2020
- iPad 9 released in September 2021
- iPad 10 released in October 2022
Aside from the first iPad, released in January, Apple tends to release a new iPad in either Autumn or Spring.
With Autumn coming in just a few months, and Apple pushing hard to ensure Apple Intelligence is available on its entire product range, we can expect a new iPad around March 2025.
When can we expect a new iPad Air?
Like the iPad, the iPad Air goes through times when there are annual releases and then long breaks between versions.
If we look back through the iPad Air release history we see:
- iPad Air 1 released in October 2013
- iPad Air 2 released in October 2014
- iPad Air 3 released in March 2019
- iPad Air 4 released in September 2020
- iPad Air 5 released in March 2022
- iPad Air 6 released in May 2024
With the iPad Air already being ready for Apple Intelligence, the question about when it will be upgraded next is a little more open. Apple surprised everyone with its most recent update as it not only delivered a significant boost with an M2 processor but also added a 13-inch version to the range.
Given those recent updates, the earliest I can see Apple releasing a new iPad is Spring 2025. But given recent release history I’d suggest Autumn 2026 more likely.
When can we expect a new iPad Pro?
The iPad Pro is, without a doubt, a flagship product for Apple. Although the first iPad Pro was released after 4th first iPad Air, it has been updated more often.
- iPad Pro 1 released in November 2015
- iPad Pro 2 released in June 2017
- iPad Pro 3 released in November 2018
- iPad Pro 4 released in March 2020
- iPad Pro 5 released in May 2021
- iPad Pro 6 released in October 2022
- iPad Pro 7 released in May 2024
With the iPad Pro already sporting Apple’s latest M4 processor and an OLED display (Apple’s first use of this display technology), the likelihood of an update in 2025 is remote. I’d expect a new iPad Pro no earlier than Autumn 2026 with the Spring of that year more likely.
When can we expect a new iPad mini?
The iPad mini is often the forgotten child of the iPad family. It’s a great form factor but Apple seems to prefer to leave it alone. in the twelve years since the first model was released in November 2012, it has only been updated five times. At one point, it hd been left alone for almost four years – a lifetime in the world of technology.
- iPad mini 1 released in November 2012
- iPad mini 2 released in October 2013
- iPad mini 3 released in October 2014
- iPad mini 4 released in September 2015
- iPad mini 5 released in March 2019
- iPad mini 6 released in September 2021
- iPad mini 7 released in October 2024
I think the odds of seeing an updated iPad mini before Spring 2026 are quite remote with Autumn 2027 more likely. By then, the iPad mini will move from Apple A-series processors to an M-series processor as Apple Intelligence becomes firmly entrenched in all of Apple’s operating platforms.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.