We’re currently on the 11th‑generation standard iPad , with a 12th‑generation iPad expected during 2026 (often already talked about as “the next‑gen base iPad”).

Below is a “Quick Scoop”-style breakdown in the spirit of forum and news chatter around “what gen iPad are we on” and the latest news.

H1: What gen iPad are we on right now?

For the regular/base iPad line , Apple’s latest released model is the:

  • iPad (11th generation) – current shipping “budget” iPad.

Most rumor and news coverage in early 2026 focuses on:

  • A 12th‑generation iPad coming later in 2026, with internal upgrades but a similar overall design.

So if you’re asking casually “what gen iPad are we on,” people usually mean this mainline iPad, and that’s 11th gen right now , with 12th gen on the way.

H2: Quick mini‑sections

Current iPad family snapshot

There isn’t just “one” iPad; there are four active sub‑lines, each with its own generation count.

  • iPad (regular/base) – latest is 11th gen; 12th gen expected in 2026.
  • iPad Air – refreshed with Apple silicon chips (M‑series), with another update expected around an M4‑based model.
  • iPad mini – currently on its 6th or 7th/8th‑gen era depending on how you count , with a new OLED‑equipped refresh rumored for later 2026.
  • iPad Pro – latest big jump was the M4‑based OLED iPad Pro introduced earlier, and it may not get another major update until late 2026 or even 2027.

This is why forum threads often end up clarifying “which iPad are you talking about?” before answering.

H2: Bullet‑point “need‑to‑know” facts

  • The phrase “what gen iPad are we on” usually refers to the standard iPad line , not Air/mini/Pro.
  • That line is currently at 11th generation , released in 2025.
  • 12th‑gen iPad is widely expected in 2026 , with a faster A‑series chip (often rumored around A19‑class performance) and support for newer AI features like Apple Intelligence.
  • Design is expected to stay close to the current 10.9–11‑inch look: flat sides, Touch ID in the top button, USB‑C.
  • Apple has released dozens of total iPad models across all lines, which is why people now rely on comparison charts and buyer’s guides instead of just the generation number.

H2: Tiny forum‑style “discussion slice”

“So technically, yeah, we’re on the 11th‑gen base iPad, but with how many iPads exist now, the ‘gen’ number barely matters.
It’s more like: do you want the cheap one (iPad), the light laptop‑ish one (Air), the small one (mini), or the beast (Pro)?”

People in recent threads tend to phrase it exactly like your question— “what gen iPad are we on?” —and then get redirected to model names, chips, and release years instead of just the generation count.

H2: Simple HTML table – current iPad lineup by “gen feel”

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>iPad line</th>
      <th>Latest “gen” (2026)</th>
      <th>Rough role</th>
      <th>Key 2026 talk</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>iPad (base)</td>
      <td>11th gen (12th expected 2026)</td>
      <td>Entry / everyday tablet</td>
      <td>Rumored A19-class chip, Apple Intelligence features, same general design.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>iPad Air</td>
      <td>Latest M‑series Air</td>
      <td>Light “almost‑laptop” tablet</td>
      <td>Expected M4-based update with more power for pro‑ish workflows.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>iPad mini</td>
      <td>Current mini generation (6th–8th range)</td>
      <td>Compact, one‑hand‑friendly</td>
      <td>Rumored OLED screen and A19 Pro‑class chip later in 2026.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>iPad Pro</td>
      <td>Latest M4 OLED Pro</td>
      <td>High‑end creative / pro</td>
      <td>No big refresh expected until late 2026 or 2027.</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

H2: TL;DR

  • Right now : we’re on the 11th‑generation iPad in the main line.
  • Very soon (2026) : everyone’s watching for the 12th‑generation iPad , which will be the “new current” once Apple launches it.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.