Choosing the right iPad for enterprise deployment is complicated by Apple's diverse lineup. According to WIRED, Apple sells four main iPad models in varying sizes, each with its own strengths, plus older models still in circulation. The latest lineup includes the iPad (A16, 2025, 11th generation), iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 2024, 7th generation), iPad Air 11-inch (M4, 2026, 8th generation), iPad Air 13-inch (M4, 2026, 3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (M5, 2025, 6th generation), and iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 2025, 8th generation). For most enterprise use cases, the Pro is unnecessary—the headline says it all: "You Probably Don’t Need a Pro."
.jpg)
Current iPad Lineup
Apple's current models span a wide range of performance and price. The table below summarises the key specifications as reported by WIRED:
| Model | Chip | Release Year | Generation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad | A16 | 2025 | 11th | General office tasks, note-taking |
| iPad Mini | A17 Pro | 2024 | 7th | Field workers, mobility-focused roles |
| iPad Air 11-inch | M4 | 2026 | 8th | Balanced performance, creative work |
| iPad Air 13-inch | M4 | 2026 | 3rd | Larger screen for presentations |
| iPad Pro 11-inch | M5 | 2025 | 6th | High-end design, video editing |
| iPad Pro 13-inch | M5 | 2025 | 8th | Maximum power for demanding apps |
WIRED notes that the iPad Air was updated to the M4 in March 2026, while the base iPad and iPad Pro were both refreshed in 2025. The iPad Pro, powered by the M5 chip, launched in October 2025 and remains the most recent model.
Timing and Update Cycles
Enterprise procurement leaders must consider update cycles. According to WIRED, the base iPad was expected to receive an A18 chip and Apple Intelligence features in spring 2026, but that did not happen. The next likely launch for the base iPad is fall 2026. The iPad Pro could see an M6 update alongside the M6 chip, which may be delayed to 2027. The iPad Mini is the oldest, updated in late 2024, and WIRED reports it may see the biggest update this year with an OLED screen upgrade.
iPadOS 27 and Enterprise Productivity
iPadOS 27, announced at WWDC, focuses heavily on Siri. WIRED reports that it introduces a dedicated Siri AI app based on the world knowledge and context of Google Gemini, along with improved integration with Camera, Mail, Photos, Messages, Calendar, and more. The most interesting feature for enterprise users is Shortcuts, which now lets users create automated tasks using natural language that can trigger actions across multiple apps. This can streamline workflows for data entry, reporting, and communication.
Additionally, iPadOS 27 refines the controversial Liquid Glass design from iPadOS 26, adding a slider in Settings to change the opaqueness of the interface. For enterprise deployment, this means a more customisable user experience.
Which iPad for Enterprise?
For most enterprise tasks—email, document editing, web apps, CRM access—the base iPad with the A16 chip is sufficient. However, it lacks the Apple Intelligence features that the M-series chips enable. The iPad Air with M4 strikes a strong balance between performance and cost, while the iPad Pro with M5 is overkill for typical office work. The iPad Mini is ideal for field workers due to its compact size. WIRED's guide underscores that you likely do not need the Pro, saving significant per-device costs in large deployments.
