Best Selling Apple iPads in 2025: Top Picks Dominating the Market
In a year marked by steady growth in the tablet sector, Apple’s iPad lineup continues to lead the charge. Global tablet shipments surged by 9% year-over-year in Q2 2025, reaching 39 million units, with Apple commanding a robust 36.1% market share. The company shipped an impressive 12.7 million iPads during that quarter alone, contributing to $6.6 billion in revenue and signaling a 2.6% annual uptick in sales. This resurgence is fueled by powerful chip upgrades, educational initiatives like Japan’s GIGA School Program, and preemptive buying ahead of potential tariff-induced price hikes.
Whether you’re a casual user streaming shows, a student jotting notes, or a professional editing videos on the go, the iPad’s versatility shines. Based on consumer demand—particularly B2C hot sellers on platforms like Amazon—here are the top four best-selling iPad models of 2025. We’ve highlighted their key specs, pricing, and what makes them fly off the shelves.
1. iPad (11th Generation) – The Everyday Essential
Starting Price: $399 USD
Standout Features:
- A16 Bionic chip for smooth multitasking
- 11-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone
- Up to 128GB storage (expandable options available)
- Supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Magic Keyboard Folio
Priced as the entry-level powerhouse, the 11th-gen iPad is the undisputed bestseller for budget-conscious buyers. 19 Its upgraded A16 chip delivers a noticeable performance boost over predecessors, handling everything from web browsing and video calls to light gaming without breaking a sweat. Ideal for families, students, and first-time tablet owners, this model strikes the perfect balance of affordability and capability. No wonder it’s the go-to for casual users who want Apple’s ecosystem without the premium price tag.
2. iPad Air (M3, 128GB) – The Mid-Range Powerhouse
Starting Price: $535 USD (11-inch) / $725 USD (13-inch)
Standout Features:
- M3 chip for pro-level efficiency
- 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina display options
- Full Apple Pencil Pro support with hover detection
- Up to 1TB storage and Center Stage camera
Stepping up the game for creators and multitaskers, the iPad Air with the M3 chip has become a sales sensation among mid-tier shoppers. This model excels in demanding workflows like photo editing, 4K video rendering, and even AAA gaming, all while maintaining portability. The larger 13-inch variant appeals to those needing more screen real estate for productivity, and its compatibility with the latest accessories makes it a favorite for hybrid work setups. If you’re upgrading from an older iPad, this is the sweet spot where performance meets value.
3. iPad Mini (7th Generation) – The Pocket-Sized Pro
Starting Price: $474 USD
Standout Features:
- A17 Pro chip for desktop-class speed
- 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display
- 128GB base storage
- All-day battery life and 5G connectivity
Don’t let its compact size fool you—the 7th-gen iPad Mini is outselling expectations among on-the-go users who crave power in a portable package. Powered by the A17 Pro chip (the same found in recent iPhones), it punches above its weight for reading e-books, note-taking during commutes, or quick sketches with the Apple Pencil. Its one-handed design makes it a hit with travelers and fitness enthusiasts tracking workouts via apps. In a world of bulky devices, the Mini’s blend of premium performance and pocketability has made it a surprise chart-topper.
4. iPad Pro (M4, 256GB) – The Flagship for Pros
Starting Price: $894.99 USD (11-inch) / $1,099 USD (13-inch)
Standout Features:
- M4 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display
- Face ID, Thunderbolt/USB 4 port, and LiDAR scanner
- Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
For those who demand the absolute best, the M4-powered iPad Pro reigns supreme in sales among creative professionals and power users. The dual-layer OLED screen delivers jaw-dropping contrast and color accuracy, perfect for graphic designers, filmmakers, and AR developers. With blistering speeds for 8K video editing and machine learning tasks, it’s essentially a laptop replacement in tablet form. Though pricier, its cutting-edge tech justifies the investment for anyone in high-stakes fields like content creation or engineering.
Why iPads Are Thriving in 2025 – And How to Choose Yours
Apple’s secret sauce? Relentless innovation in chips and displays, paired with seamless integration into the broader ecosystem of iPhones, Macs, and services like Apple Intelligence. Educational demand and back-to-school promotions have also juiced sales, while rumors of impending tariffs prompted a Q2 buying spree.
When picking your iPad:
- Budget under $500? Go for the 11th-gen standard.
- Need versatility? The Air M3 is unbeatable.
- Portability first? Mini all the way.
- Pro workflows? Splurge on the Pro.
With overall iPad sales rebounding to around 52 million units annually (up slightly from 2024), 2025 proves the tablet isn’t just surviving—it’s evolving. Head to Apple’s site or retailers like Amazon for the latest deals, and future-proof your setup today. What’s your next iPad adventure?
