Apple iPad (2025) vs iPad (2022): a lot can change in three years.

      After nearly three years, Apple introduced its latest entry-level iPad this week, featuring a faster A16 chip while maintaining the good starting price of $349 that its predecessor achieved.

      However, the new iPad has not been without its drawbacks. We were surprised by how little has changed in Apple’s newest budget tablet and noted that it is the first device released since late 2023 that does not support Apple Intelligence, the suite of AI features the company has been promoting recently.

      It seems Apple prioritizes making the most affordable tablet possible over incorporating AI capabilities. Considering its intended audience of younger users and educational institutions, this approach is likely justified. Nonetheless, the 2025 iPad raises questions about how it stacks up against the previous iPad (2022) model, which has been available since September 2022. Is this a worthy upgrade, or should you stick with the current model? Let’s explore and find out.

      **Apple iPad (2025) vs iPad (2022): specifications**

      | Feature | iPad (2025) | iPad (2022) |

      |----------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|

      | Size | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm (9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 inches) | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm (9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 inches) |

      | Weight | 477-481 grams (1.05–1.06 pounds) | 477-481 grams (1.05–1.06 pounds) |

      | Screen | 11 inches, sRGB color | 10.9 inches, sRGB color |

      | Screen resolution | 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi | 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi |

      | Brightness | 500 nits (SDR) | 500 nits (SDR) |

      | Operating system | iPadOS 18 | iPadOS 18 |

      | Storage capacity | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 256GB |

      | Processor | A16 | A14 Bionic |

      | RAM | 6GB | 4GB |

      | Rear camera | 12MP wide f/1.8 with Smart HDR 4 | 12MP wide f/1.8 with Smart HDR 3 |

      | Front camera | 12MP Landscape Ultra Wide f/2.4 with Center Stage and Smart HDR 4 | 12MP Landscape Ultra Wide f/2.4 with Center Stage and Smart HDR 3 |

      | Video | Up to 4K at 60fps | 1080p Slo-Mo at up to 240fps |

      | Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 |

      | Ports | USB-C, Smart Connector | USB-C, Smart Connector |

      | Authentication | Touch ID | Touch ID |

      | SIM card | eSIM | Nano-SIM, eSIM |

      | Audio | Landscape stereo speakers, two microphones | Landscape stereo speakers, two microphones |

      | Battery life | Up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching video | Up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching video |

      | Network | Wi-Fi 6 / 5G (sub-6GHz) | Wi-Fi 6 / 5G (sub-6GHz) |

      | Hardware keyboard support | Magic Keyboard Folio | Bluetooth Keyboards |

      | Colors | Blue, pink, yellow, silver | Blue, pink, yellow, silver |

      | Price | $349 | $349 |

      **Apple iPad (2025) vs iPad (2022): design**

      The iPad (2022) was the first to receive a redesign as part of the modern iPad generation, moving away from wide bezels, a front-facing home button, and the Lightning port that were once characteristic of Apple tablets. As the entry-level model, it was the last to retain this legacy design, with the 2021 9th-generation model still featuring it even after the 2018 iPad Pro, 2020 iPad Air, and 2021 iPad mini transitioned to edge-to-edge screens and side buttons.

      Consequently, it marked the point at which the entire iPad line adopted a unified design language and, importantly, USB-C ports. The iPad (2022) also innovatively relocated the front camera to the longer edge, making it more convenient for landscape use. The M2 i