I currently have an 11 year old ipad mini. Looking to replace it. what do you recommend? I'm retired so not using it for business.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Ipad or Ipad air
iPad mini, iOS 12
All iPad models have broadly the same core capabilities. Models essentially differ in their ultimate performance and physical attributes. iPad Pro models use FaceID for biometric user-authentication, while others use TouchID.
You can compare iPad models here:
The iPad (A16) is the current entry-level iPad. The iPads Pro M4 are the opposite end of the scale - top of the range, with cutting edge capabilities and hardware. Between these two extremes are the iPads Air M3, these offering a mid-range high performance option. The iPad mini (A17 Pro) is perhaps an entirely different proposition - offering a smaller form factor and other differences in hardware and ultimate capability.
Whichever iPad model you choose, you would be well advised to purchase as much internal storage as your budget might reasonably allow - as internal storage (and other hardware) cannot be changed, upgraded or extended. The available internal storage is fixed for the entire life of the device. If you run out of internal storage for your documents, photos and other data, you will forever struggle and become a source of frustration. It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have.
A good rule of thumb is to quantify how much data storage you will need - add a healthy margin - then double it. If you are unable to quantify your data storage needs, it becomes more difficult. Whilst I and others cannot make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage, 512GB and higher having a greater margin for growth if your needs and interests expand.
Within the Apple Support Communities we see regular tales of woe and disappointment when storage requirements are exceeded, necessitating replacement of the device; by contrast, we never see complaint of having too much available storage. It is relatively easy to fill limited internal storage space; perhaps consider higher tiers of storage as providing room for growth as your needs develop or mature - potentially extending the useful usable life of the device.
Also consider the functional differences between WiFi Only and WiFi+Cellular models of iPad. Aside from the obvious Cellular functionality, only WiFi+Cellular models include GNSS/GPS location capabilities - which may impact any Apps or features that require accurate and consistent location data, such as Mapping.
Purchase of a WiFi+Cellular model provides access to precise location services, but does not commit you to using Cellular connections. WiFi Only models of iPad have no Cellular or GNSS/GPS functions at all.
All iPad models have broadly the same core capabilities. Models essentially differ in their ultimate performance and physical attributes. iPad Pro models use FaceID for biometric user-authentication, while others use TouchID.
You can compare iPad models here:
The iPad (A16) is the current entry-level iPad. The iPads Pro M4 are the opposite end of the scale - top of the range, with cutting edge capabilities and hardware. Between these two extremes are the iPads Air M3, these offering a mid-range high performance option. The iPad mini (A17 Pro) is perhaps an entirely different proposition - offering a smaller form factor and other differences in hardware and ultimate capability.
Whichever iPad model you choose, you would be well advised to purchase as much internal storage as your budget might reasonably allow - as internal storage (and other hardware) cannot be changed, upgraded or extended. The available internal storage is fixed for the entire life of the device. If you run out of internal storage for your documents, photos and other data, you will forever struggle and become a source of frustration. It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have.
A good rule of thumb is to quantify how much data storage you will need - add a healthy margin - then double it. If you are unable to quantify your data storage needs, it becomes more difficult. Whilst I and others cannot make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage, 512GB and higher having a greater margin for growth if your needs and interests expand.
Within the Apple Support Communities we see regular tales of woe and disappointment when storage requirements are exceeded, necessitating replacement of the device; by contrast, we never see complaint of having too much available storage. It is relatively easy to fill limited internal storage space; perhaps consider higher tiers of storage as providing room for growth as your needs develop or mature - potentially extending the useful usable life of the device.
Also consider the functional differences between WiFi Only and WiFi+Cellular models of iPad. Aside from the obvious Cellular functionality, only WiFi+Cellular models include GNSS/GPS location capabilities - which may impact any Apps or features that require accurate and consistent location data, such as Mapping.
Purchase of a WiFi+Cellular model provides access to precise location services, but does not commit you to using Cellular connections. WiFi Only models of iPad have no Cellular or GNSS/GPS functions at all.
Hard to say since we have no idea what you’ll use it for really.
Unless you absolutely need to have Apple Intelligence, Stage Manager and a more powerful CPU, the regular iPad is fine. Also, what kind of budget do you have?
click here ➡️ Compare 11” iPad Models - Apple.com
The regular iPad 2025 is currently starting at $299 on Amazon.
click here ➡️ iPad A16 2025 128GB - Amazon.com
@jacquiejp honestly, a regular iPad will do you fine. My kids are the same age and are fine with a regular iPad; they aren't doing anything that is going to need the power of an iPad Air. Not only that, the price of an iPad Air, you could get two regular iPads, one for your 11 year old, and one for you! What an awesome deal.
Don’t waste your time pondering here, go visit your local Apple Retail Store and see it for yourself in person.
Only you can decide!
Good luck! 👋🏼😉
Hey👋, knowing you’re not going to use a iPad for business I recommend getting the iPad 11th generation. In my opinion the IPad 11th gen is great for entertainment of which can play HD videos perfectly! It would also last you at least 4 years in use.
The iPad Air in the other hand is amazing for people who want to do notes or even a bit of gaming. It’s perfect for people who want to be productive with their iPad whilst not using it too heavily of which is what the iPad Pro is designed for.
Hoped this helped 😊 Enjoy your new iPad
Whichever line (base, Air, Pro, Mini) you get, you may want to consider the (Wi-Fi + Cellular) option.
Buying a (Wi-Fi + Cellular) iPad doesn't force you to sign up for a cellular plan. It does mean that the Pad can help to give you turn-by-turn directions during road trips. All you need is either
and the (Wi-Fi + Cellular) iPad can use its own GPS receiver in combination with the wide-area Internet connection. The Wi-Fi only iPads don't have GPS receivers to be able to figure out where you are precisely enough for driving.
Of course, many vehicles these days have their own built-in tablet-sized screens, with smartphone integration, so that all you need to add is your own iPhone or Android phone.
Should I get an iPad or iPad Air for everyday use in retirement?
