Breaking a 12-year tradition, Apple won’t release a new iPad in 2023 — the first time the company hasn’t released a new tablet in an entire calendar year since the line launched.
Since its debut in 2010, the iPad has been an important product for Apple and a clear leader in the tablet market, releasing at least one new model every year. Recently, the company has been releasing four new iPad models every year. Before 2023, 2009 was the last year with no new iPad, as the production line hadn’t started yet.
The latest iPad was released in October 2022. The only device besides the iPad to hit the market in 2023 was the Apple Pencil with a USB-C port.
- 2010: iPad (1. generation)
- 2011: iPad 2
- 2012: iPad (3. Generation), iPad (4. Generation), iPad Mini (1. Generation)
- 2013: iPad Air (1st generation) and iPad mini 2
- 2014: iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3
- 2015: iPad mini 4 and iPad Pro 12.9 inch (1st generation)
- 2016: iPad Pro 9.7 inch
- 2017: iPad (5th generation), iPad Pro 12.9 inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5 inch
- 2018: iPad (6th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- 2019: iPad (7th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation) and iPad mini (5th generation)
- 2020: iPad (8th generation), iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
- 2021: iPad (9th generation), iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
- 2022: iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (5th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)
- 2023: no one
This gap in new iPad releases is notable given the history of the line and may signal a moment of reflection about the direction of the device. As the iPad has become more advanced and widespread, the need for frequent upgrades has decreased for many potential customers. This shift in consumer behavior has prompted Apple to rethink its tablet strategy and focus on more impactful, less frequent hardware updates.
Another aspect to consider is the criticism Apple has faced regarding the growing complexity of the iPad lineup and questions about the direction of iPadOS. Taking a year off from new releases, Apple may be planning to reshape its product lineup with a clear vision for the future.
Rumors and analyst forecasts suggest that 2024 will be an even bigger year for the iPad range, with every model expected to receive a hardware refresh, including the entry-level iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro. With the introduction of the 12.9-inch iPad Air, Apple could launch an unprecedented six iPad models in a single calendar year in 2024. The flagship iPad Pro is expected to offer at least a dozen new features, including OLED display technology, an M3 chip and a new “laptop-like” keyboard accessory.
