If you’re trying to decide which iPad to buy, you might be curious about which models are currently the most popular. According to data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), the iPad Pro (2024) has emerged as the top choice among buyers, leading other models by a significant margin.
In the June 2024 quarter, 42% of iPad purchasers chose the 11-inch or 13-inch iPad Pro, despite its high starting price of $999 / £999 / AU$1,699. This is a notable increase in popularity compared to other iPad models. The base iPad came in second place, accounting for 35% of sales. Even though the latest base model is the iPad 10.9 (2022), it saw a boost in sales this year, partly due to a $100 / £100 price cut.
On the flip side, the iPad Air and the iPad mini have seen a decline in popularity. Only 12% of buyers opted for the iPad Air, which seems to be caught between the high-end Pro and the more affordable base model. The iPad mini, which was last updated in 2021, also experienced reduced interest.
What’s Next for iPads?
The data shows that the iPad Pro is drawing attention away from both the iPad mini and the iPad Air. This makes sense because the iPad Air is no longer the lightest option, and the iPad Pro is now seen as the most advanced tablet, offering features that could be more future-proof.
Looking ahead, there are rumors of upcoming iPads, including an 11th-generation entry-level iPad and a 7th-generation iPad mini. Although we don’t have exact release dates, these new models might be introduced before the year ends.
However, if you’re hoping for a foldable iPad, you might be waiting a while. Analyst Jeff Pu suggests that any foldable iPad won’t appear until 2026, so for now, we can expect only traditional, non-folding iPads.
