Newshot - The Small iPadPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenAppleiPad Mini (2026)$799 Amazon (256 GB)$699 Apple (128 GB)The 2026 iPad Mini upgrades nearly every aspect of Apple’s smallest tablet, making it feel increasingly like a “Pro” tablet. Compared to the previous 2024 model, the screen is bigger, it is thinner, and it has more memory. It even has a feature never before seen on an iPad: IP67 water resistance. It’s begging to be taken poolside or to the beach. Another point in its favor for using this iPad Mini outside is the display. It’s now OLED and offers the nano-texture display option, which dramatically reduces glare and reflections. It costs an extra $100, but it’s well worth it.But the price is definitely of concern. It now starts at $699, up $130 from before. All the features, performance, and tech upgrades are worth that price, but the form factor feels limiting. This tablet size is better suited for leisurely activities like reading, gaming, or casual browsing. The use case for an expensive, super high-end tablet of this size that can handle serious workflows feels far more niche. I have an inkling that if you are integrating an iPad into your creative process, you will want a larger display—and probably one that can be connected to a Magic Keyboard, like the Air or Pro variants.If you can afford it and just want the best small tablet ever made, the iPad Mini is as good as it gets. And fortunately, you can still buy the previous-gen iPad Mini for around $599. For the price, it’s a solid option for anyone who wants a simple device to play games, browse, and read books.SpecsDisplay: 8.5-inch, OLED, 60 HzProcessor and RAM: Apple A20 Pro chip with 12 GB of RAMStorage: 128, 256, or 512 GBUpdates (from date of manufacture): Around 5 to 6 yearsConnectivity: Cellular and Wi-Fi models availableAccessories: Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), Smart Folio | Touch ID fingerprint authentication
The Small iPad
- Photograph: Luke Larsen
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- Photograph: Luke Larsen
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- Photograph: Luke Larsen
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- Photograph: Luke Larsen
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iPad Mini (2026)
Amazon (256 GB)
Apple (128 GB)
The 2026 iPad Mini upgrades nearly every aspect of Apple’s smallest tablet, making it feel increasingly like a “Pro” tablet. Compared to the previous 2024 model, the screen is bigger, it is thinner, and it has more memory. It even has a feature never before seen on an iPad: IP67 water resistance. It’s begging to be taken poolside or to the beach. Another point in its favor for using this iPad Mini outside is the display. It’s now OLED and offers the nano-texture display option, which dramatically reduces glare and reflections. It costs an extra $100, but it’s well worth it.
But the price is definitely of concern. It now starts at $699, up $130 from before. All the features, performance, and tech upgrades are worth that price, but the form factor feels limiting. This tablet size is better suited for leisurely activities like reading, gaming, or casual browsing. The use case for an expensive, super high-end tablet of this size that can handle serious workflows feels far more niche. I have an inkling that if you are integrating an iPad into your creative process, you will want a larger display—and probably one that can be connected to a Magic Keyboard, like the Air or Pro variants.
If you can afford it and just want the best small tablet ever made, the iPad Mini is as good as it gets. And fortunately, you can still buy the previous-gen iPad Mini for around $599. For the price, it’s a solid option for anyone who wants a simple device to play games, browse, and read books.
- Only for Serious ProsPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuAppleiPad Pro (M5)$1,199 $1,139 (5% off) Amazon (11-inch)$1,499 $1,399 (7% off) Amazon (13-inch)$1,499 Best Buy (13-inch)$1,199 Apple (11-inch)Most people don’t even need to consider the M5 iPad Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It starts at $1,199 and $1,499 for the 11- and 13-inch models, respectively, and those prices don’t include Apple’s Magic Keyboard, which adds $350. You can buy a very powerful MacBook for that kind of cash. Don’t get me wrong, this tablet is exceptional. The tandem OLED screen is one of the best in the business: it’s bright, sharp, and colorful; it has excellent black levels; and it’s the only iPad with a 120-Hz screen. The speakers sound fantastic, and even the webcam is pretty sharp. You get all of that in an incredibly thin design, though it’s not much different from the M4 iPad Pro.The M5 chip powering this iPad offers a small performance boost over the M4, though most folks won’t notice it in general apps. If you frequently use AI apps like Draw Things or graphically intense apps like DaVinci Resolve, that’s where the speed improvements matter. The iPad Pro is for people who use these kinds of powerful apps for content creation and work, whether that’s creating 3D objects in Blender or producing music. You still have to decide whether you want the benefit of a tablet experience or, say, the MacBook Pro M5, which can deliver slightly better performance and is overall a better machine for getting stuff done.The latest iPadOS windowed-apps multitasking system is a great benefit that makes this iPad Pro more functional as a computer. While this is available on all iPads running iPadOS 26 and iPadOS 27, it shines best on the biggest iPad models, which are the 13-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air. When in doubt, try the iPad Air first; if that feels more than sufficient, you'll save yourself a wad of cash. —Julian ChokkattuSpecsDisplay: 11-inch or 13-inch options, OLED, 120 HzProcessor and RAM: Apple M5 with 12 GB or 16 GB of RAMStorage: 256, 512 GB, 1 or 2 TBUpdates (from date of manufacture): Around 5 to 6 yearsConnectivity: Cellular and Wi-Fi models availableAccessories: Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, and Smart Folio | Touch ID fingerprint and Face ID authentication
Only for Serious Pros
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
iPad Pro (M5)
Amazon (11-inch)
Amazon (13-inch)
Best Buy (13-inch)
Apple (11-inch)
Most people don’t even need to consider the M5 iPad Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It starts at $1,199 and $1,499 for the 11- and 13-inch models, respectively, and those prices don’t include Apple’s Magic Keyboard, which adds $350. You can buy a very powerful MacBook for that kind of cash. Don’t get me wrong, this tablet is exceptional. The tandem OLED screen is one of the best in the business: it’s bright, sharp, and colorful; it has excellent black levels; and it’s the only iPad with a 120-Hz screen. The speakers sound fantastic, and even the webcam is pretty sharp. You get all of that in an incredibly thin design, though it’s not much different from the M4 iPad Pro.
The M5 chip powering this iPad offers a small performance boost over the M4, though most folks won’t notice it in general apps. If you frequently use AI apps like Draw Things or graphically intense apps like DaVinci Resolve, that’s where the speed improvements matter. The iPad Pro is for people who use these kinds of powerful apps for content creation and work, whether that’s creating 3D objects in Blender or producing music. You still have to decide whether you want the benefit of a tablet experience or, say, the MacBook Pro M5, which can deliver slightly better performance and is overall a better machine for getting stuff done.
The latest iPadOS windowed-apps multitasking system is a great benefit that makes this iPad Pro more functional as a computer. While this is available on all iPads running iPadOS 26 and iPadOS 27, it shines best on the biggest iPad models, which are the 13-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air. When in doubt, try the iPad Air first; if that feels more than sufficient, you'll save yourself a wad of cash. —Julian Chokkattu
Which Apple Pencil Should You Buy?
The Apple Pencil is a must-have for any iPad owner who takes a lot of notes or likes to draw. (You can even use it to sign documents.) iPadOS also supports handwriting in certain search fields and apps (like Notes), so you don’t need to switch to the keyboard every time you want to type. Apple debuted a new Pencil in 2024, so you now have four options to choose from, depending on the iPad you have. Here are the key differences:
Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $79: The USB-C Apple Pencil is a bit perplexing. It launched in 2023 to support the switch to USB-C across iPads, but it lacks some features. It doesn’t offer pressure sensitivity, so it’s better suited for note-takers than artists. It can attach magnetically to the sides of an iPad, so you don’t need to find a place to store it. However, it doesn’t support wireless charging, so you’ll have to pair and charge it via USB-C. It supports Hover Mode, which allows you to preview what will happen before touching the display. This feature is exclusive to select iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini models. The USB-C Apple Pencil is compatible with iPad (10th gen and A16), iPad Air (fourth gen, fifth gen, M2, M3, and M4), iPad Mini (sixth gen and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (first gen and later, including M4), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third gen and later, including M4 and M5).
Apple Pencil Pro for $99: Apple’s Pro Pencil is the most feature-packed. It looks identical to the second-generation model, complete with a matte finish, but it also has a few new tricks. A “squeeze” feature opens up a tool palette, and a new haptic engine gives feedback as you squeeze. A built-in gyroscope lets you change the orientation of the tools as you twist them (for finer control), and it supports Apple’s Find My network to track the stylus if you lose it. It’s only compatible with the iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Pro (M4 and M5), and 8th-gen iPad Mini. (C’mon, why isn’t it backward-compatible?)
Apple Pencil (first gen) for $99: The first-generation Pencil is quite old (it came out in 2015!) but still works well—as long as you have an older, compatible iPad. It offers both pressure sensitivity (lines become thicker as you press down harder on the screen) and tilt sensitivity (for shading). It has a glossy finish instead of matte (if that matters), and it is also cylindrical, meaning it will roll off surfaces. It doesn’t feature magnets, so you can’t stick it to the tablet for safekeeping. It has a Lightning connector, so to charge it, you’ll have to remove the cap and plug it into the iPad’s charging port. If your iPad has a USB-C port, you can buy an adapter. However, it’s only compatible with the iPad (sixth gen and later), iPad Air (third gen), iPad Mini (fifth gen), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (first and second gen), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad Pro 9.7-inch.
Apple Pencil (second-gen) for $129: The second-generation Apple Pencil has the same capabilities as the first-gen and USB-C versions, plus wireless pairing and charging (it’ll charge when it magnetically sticks to the top edge of supported iPads). It also adds a double-tap feature that lets you quickly switch between tools by tapping on the Apple Pencil twice. It’s compatible with the iPad Air (fourth and fifth gen), iPad Mini (sixth gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (first gen and later), and the 12.9-inch (third gen and later). Unfortunately, Apple officially discontinued it, so newer iPads—including the iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4) or iPad Pro (M4 and M5)—don’t support it.
Great iPad Accessories
Accessories for the iPad are endless. Below, I’ve highlighted some of my favorites to round out your tablet experience. You can find even more options in our Best iPad Accessories guide.
Twelve South Curve Mini for $50: An iPad can be a great tool to use alongside your MacBook or PC, but it needs a proper stand with plenty of adjustability. The Curve Mini is simple, but it’s stable and attractive, especially in this Dune color that I sampled.
Apple Magic Keyboard for $200: It’s expensive, yes. But it’s worth every dollar. It really does transform the iPad Air into a capable laptop replacement, with a keyboard and trackpad that’s every bit as good as a high-end laptop. It also adds a secondary USB-C port. The magnetic design does make it quite heavy, but I love how easy it is to pick up the iPad right off the case. There’s also a Magic Keyboard available for both versions of the iPad Pro, though they’re more expensive.
Zugu Case for $50+: This is my favorite folio case for the iPad for multiple reasons: It’s durable (with a rigid bumper), has a magnetic cover that stays shut, and has a flap that lets you position the screen at eight angles. The case is magnetic, so you can stick it securely to the fridge. It’s also reasonably priced, comes in an array of colors, and has a spot for your Apple Pencil.
Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse for $30: We’re already big fans of Satechi’s accessories at WIRED, and this mouse didn’t disappoint. It has a comfortable ergonomic design, a sleek aluminum finish, and smooth scrolling. It also has great battery life, thanks to its built-in lithium-ion battery. I’ve been using it for the past four months and have yet to charge it.
Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $70: The CoverBuddy lets you magnetically connect your iPad to Apple’s Magic Keyboard case without removing the case each time. It feels durable and doesn’t add too much bulk to the iPad. There’s also a slot for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. The company also offers the CoverBuddy Lite for the iPad Air (M2).
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Logitech Combo Touch (10th-gen) for $260: The Combo Touch (8/10, WIRED Recommends) comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand, making it ideal for getting work done on your iPad. You can also easily remove the detachable keyboard when you don’t need it. The Combo Touch connects via Apple’s Smart Connector, so you never need to tinker with Bluetooth or charge it. It’s also available for the iPad Pro (M4) and M5 (although these add a bit of weight) and the iPad Air (M2).
Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you’re worried about damaging your iPad screen, I recommend this Casetify protector. It’s super thin, has excellent touch sensitivity, and is mostly fingerprint-resistant (I’ve wiped off some smudges here and there). It’s painless to apply—the company supplies a microfiber cloth, a de-dusting sticker, and wet and dry wipes.
Paperlike Charcoal Folio Case for $70: Paperlike is known for its screen protector, but the company also offers a great case. It’s designed to feel like a sketchbook, complete with a polyester fabric cover that feels lightweight and high-quality. You can also prop up your iPad at two levels. This case doesn’t include an Apple Pencil slot, but a large flap closure keeps it from falling out. I tested the case using the iPad Air, but it’s also available for the iPad Pro (both sizes).
Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: The HoverBar serves two purposes. You can mount it to the side of your bed, kitchen counter, or shelf (for comfortable, hands-free viewing), or use the included stand at your desk. With the second-gen version, you can now remove the arm from the clamp and attach it directly to the stand, making it easier to swap between the two modes.
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