If you're standing in an Apple Store or scrolling through Amazon trying to figure out what generation is the new iPad Pro, don't feel bad. Apple is notoriously weird about how they name these things. They don’t just put a big "7" or "8" on the box. Instead, they usually identify them by the chip inside or the screen size.
Honestly, it’s a mess.
As of right now, in early 2026, the "new" iPad Pro is technically the 8th generation (M5 model), which hit shelves in October 2025. However, if you are looking at the one that completely changed the design with that impossibly thin chassis and the OLED screen, you’re likely thinking of the 7th generation (M4 model) from 2024.
The Current Lineup: What Generation Is The New iPad Pro?
Let’s get the numbers straight. If you walk into a store today, you are looking at the 8th generation iPad Pro. This model was refreshed in late 2025. It didn't change the look of the tablet—because let’s be real, the 2024 redesign was already scary thin—but it swapped the guts for the M5 chip.
Here is how the generations actually break down if you're counting from the very first 12.9-inch giant that came out back in 2015:
- 8th Generation (Current): Released October 2025. It uses the M5 chip.
- 7th Generation: Released May 2024. This was the big one. It introduced the "Ultra Retina XDR" (Tandem OLED) and the M4 chip.
- 6th Generation: Released October 2022. This had the M2 chip and was the last of the "thick" (relatively speaking) Pro models.
Wait, why does everyone get this wrong? Basically, Apple started counting the 11-inch and the 12.9-inch (now 13-inch) models differently for a few years. It was a headache for reviewers and a nightmare for anyone trying to buy a screen protector. Now, Apple has mostly unified the "generation" talk around the processor. So, if someone asks what generation the new iPad Pro is, just say "the M5 one."
Why the M5 Model (8th Gen) is the Current King
Apple didn't do a massive press event for the 8th gen. They just sort of... dropped it. But the internal changes were actually pretty significant for power users.
The M5 chip in this new generation moved the needle on RAM. For the first time, the base models (256GB and 512GB) started coming with 12GB of RAM, up from the 8GB we saw in the M4 era. If you're doing heavy 4K video editing or using the newer "Apple Intelligence" features that are baked into iPadOS 26, that extra memory is basically oxygen for the device.
Does the Generation Actually Matter?
It depends on who you are. If you’re just watching Netflix and occasionally answering emails, you probably don't need to care if you have an M4 or an M5. Both have the "Tandem OLED" display.
This display technology is wild.
Instead of one OLED layer, Apple stacks two. This makes the screen bright enough to use in direct sunlight while keeping those deep, "inky" blacks that make movies look incredible. If you are choosing between the 7th generation (M4) and the 8th generation (M5), the screen is identical. You’re paying for the processor and the networking.
Speaking of networking, the 8th gen introduced the Apple N1 chip. This brought Wi-Fi 7 to the iPad. Is that useful? Only if you have a Wi-Fi 7 router, which, let's be honest, most people don't have yet. But it's there for "future-proofing."
The Confusion with the "13-inch" vs "12.9-inch"
For years, the big iPad was 12.9 inches. When the 7th generation (M4) launched, Apple shaved the bezels and changed the screen slightly to a true 13-inch diagonal.
If you see a box that says "12.9-inch," you are looking at an older 6th generation (M2) or earlier. Do not pay full price for those. They use Mini-LED or standard LCD screens, and once you see the OLED on the newer generations, you can't go back. It's like switching from a tube TV to 4K.
Buying Guide: Which Generation Should You Get?
If you are looking for the absolute best, the 8th Gen M5 iPad Pro is the answer. It is the most powerful tablet on the planet. Period.
However, there’s a secret.
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Because the 8th gen was a relatively minor "spec bump" (new chip, same body), the 7th Gen M4 iPad Pro is often on sale for hundreds of dollars less. Since it still has the same OLED screen and supports the Apple Pencil Pro, it’s arguably the better deal for 90% of people.
What you gain with the 8th Gen (M5):
- Faster AI processing for iPadOS 26 features.
- 12GB of RAM on the base storage models.
- Wi-Fi 7 support.
- Slightly better thermal management (it stays cool longer under load).
What remains the same from the 7th Gen (M4):
- The chassis (it's still the thinnest product Apple makes).
- The Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED screen.
- Support for the Magic Keyboard (M4/M5 version).
- The Landscape 12MP front camera.
Final Actionable Insights
If you're ready to buy, don't just look for "New iPad Pro." Look for the chip name.
Check the "About" section in Settings. If the model name says M5, you have the 8th generation. If it says M4, you have the 7th generation. Avoid anything with an M2 or A-series chip unless you're getting a massive discount on the used market.
To maximize your investment, aim for the 256GB storage tier at a minimum. With the 8th generation, this gets you that 12GB of RAM, which ensures the tablet will stay fast and compatible with Apple updates for at least the next five to seven years. If you find an M4 model on clearance, grab it—the screen alone makes it worth every penny compared to the older versions.