Apple updates its products on a rhythm. See how long each model has been on sale, how long its predecessors lasted, and whether it's a good time to buy.
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iPad models
iPad Pro
CautionLate in its cycle — consider waiting unless you need it now. On sale for 12 mo of a usual 17 mo cycle.(Approaching End of Cycle)
Apple's most powerful tablet, with the M5 chip in an ultra-thin body, faster SSD storage, Apple's N1 wireless chip and the C1X modem.
iPad Pro (M5)Oct 22, 2025
12 mo356 d
iPad Pro (M4)May 15, 2024
17 mo525 d
iPad Pro (M2)Oct 26, 2022
19 mo567 d
iPad Pro (M1)May 21, 2021
17 mo523 d
iPad Pro (2nd generation, 2020)Mar 25, 2020
14 mo422 d
Averageacross all previous cycles
17 mo509 d
Next update expected ~Mar 2027
iPad Air
NeutralHalfway through its cycle — fine to buy, but the next model is not far off. On sale for 7 mo of a usual 14 mo cycle.(Mid-Product Cycle)
Powered by the M4 chip with unified memory raised to 12GB, plus Apple's N1 wireless chip and C1X modem.
iPad Air (M4)Mar 11, 2026
7 mo216 d
iPad Air (M3)Mar 12, 2025
12 mo364 d
iPad Air (M2)May 15, 2024
10 mo301 d
iPad Air (M1)Mar 18, 2022
2.2 yr789 d
iPad Air (4th generation)Oct 23, 2020
17 mo511 d
Averageacross all previous cycles
16 mo491 d
Next update expected ~May 2027
iPad
Don't BuyA replacement is due any time now — wait if you can. On sale for 19 mo of a usual 13 mo cycle.(Rumored Oct 2026)
The most affordable iPad, powered by the A16 chip.
iPad (A16)Mar 12, 2025
19 mo580 d
iPad (10th generation)Oct 26, 2022
2.4 yr868 d
iPad (9th generation)Sep 24, 2021
13 mo397 d
iPad (8th generation)Sep 18, 2020
12 mo371 d
iPad (7th generation)Sep 25, 2019
12 mo359 d
Averageacross all previous cycles
16 mo499 d
RumorUpdate expected October 2026 (unconfirmed)
iPad mini
Don't BuyA replacement is due any time now — wait if you can. On sale for 24 mo of a usual 2.8 yr cycle.(Rumored Oct 2026)
Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as iPhone 15 Pro, with Apple Intelligence, Apple Pencil Pro support and more.
iPad mini (A17 Pro)Oct 23, 2024
24 mo720 d
iPad mini (6th generation)Sep 24, 2021
3.1 yr1,125 d
iPad mini (5th generation)Mar 18, 2019
2.5 yr921 d
Averageacross all previous cycles
2.8 yr1,023 d
RumorUpdate expected October 2026 (unconfirmed)
In each timeline, the dashed outline is the expected length of the cycle and the colored bar is how much of it has passed. Grey bars are how long previous models lasted, and the blue Average bar is the mean of all past cycles.
How the Buyer's Guide works
How does the Buyer's Guide decide when to buy?
Apple updates most products on a fairly regular schedule. For each product we measure how long the previous models took to arrive, then compare that cycle with how long the current model has been on sale. A recently released model is a safe buy; one that has gone most of its usual cycle is likely to be replaced soon.
What do the release dates mean?
Dates are when each model first went on sale, not when it was announced, so they can be a few days after Apple's event.
Is the recommendation always right?
No. It is based on past release patterns, not on inside information. Apple sometimes skips or delays a generation, so treat it as a guide. When we know something the cycle can't, such as a confirmed launch date, we override the automatic result.
Want to know which software version a device supports? Try Can I Update?
