According to recent statistics, the iPad Pro is the best-selling iPad.
When it comes to tablets, Apple’s iPad has long been the king of the hill. Since its debut in 2010, the iPad has shaped the tablet market, blending sleek design, powerful performance, and a robust ecosystem of apps into a device that’s hard to beat. But with so many models in the lineup—ranging from the budget-friendly base iPad to the powerhouse iPad Pro—which one reigns supreme in sales? According to recent statistics, the answer is clear: the iPad Pro is Apple’s best-selling iPad. In this deep dive, we’ll explore why the iPad Pro has taken the lead, what the numbers say, and what this means for consumers and Apple’s tablet strategy moving forward. Buckle up—it’s going to be a detailed ride!
The iPad Pro’s Rise to the Top
Let’s start with the headline stat. According to a report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) analyzing iPad sales in the second quarter of 2024 (April to June), the iPad Pro accounted for 43% of total iPad sales. That’s a hefty chunk, especially when you consider the competition within Apple’s own lineup: the standard iPad at 35%, the iPad Air at 12%, and the iPad Mini rounding out the pack at 10%. Compared to the same quarter in 2023, the iPad Pro’s share grew by 5%, while the Air and Mini saw declines, and the base iPad held steady.
What’s driving this surge? One big factor is timing. Apple launched the latest iPad Pro models—the M4-powered 11-inch and 13-inch versions—in May 2024, smack in the middle of Q2. New product launches often spike sales as early adopters and tech enthusiasts rush to upgrade. But it’s not just hype. The iPad Pro’s cutting-edge features—like its tandem OLED display, ultra-thin design, and the blazing-fast M4 chip—make it a standout, even among Apple’s other tablets. Meanwhile, the iPad Air, which also got a refresh with the M2 chip in May, didn’t see the same boost, dropping from 15% in Q2 2023 to 12% in 2024. Clearly, buyers are gravitating toward the Pro’s premium appeal.
Breaking Down the Numbers: iPad Sales Stats
To really understand why the iPad Pro is leading the pack, let’s look at the broader context of iPad sales and market performance. Apple doesn’t release model-specific sales figures, but third-party analysts like CIRP and Statista fill in the gaps with surveys and estimates.
Global iPad Sales and Market Share
As of June 2023, iPads held a commanding 53.55% share of the global tablet market, according to Coolest Gadgets. By 2024, that number ticked up to 55.03%, per SimplyMac. In 2022 alone, Apple shipped 61.7 million iPads worldwide, doubling the shipments of its closest rival, Samsung, which moved 30.2 million units (SellCell). Since the iPad’s launch in 2010, Apple has sold over 588.9 million units globally through 2022, with 2013 being its peak year at 74.2 million shipped.
Fast forward to 2024, and the iPad Pro is eating up a bigger slice of that pie. In Q2 2024, it didn’t just lead in percentage terms—it helped push iPad revenue to $6.95 billion for Apple’s fiscal Q4 2024 (ending September), per Statista. While that’s still a fraction of the iPhone’s $43.81 billion haul, it’s enough to keep the iPad as Apple’s second-biggest device category, ahead of the Mac.
Model-Specific Popularity
CIRP’s data isn’t a one-off. A separate report from TechRadar for the June 2024 quarter confirmed the iPad Pro’s dominance at 42% of sales, with the base iPad at 35%, the Air at 12%, and the Mini at 10%. Later in 2024, CIRP’s September quarter stats showed the Pro holding steady at 45%, while the Air slipped to 13% and the base iPad climbed to 33%. The iPad Mini stayed flat at 9%—until the iPad Mini 7 launched in October, which might shake things up in future reports.
What’s surprising here? The Air’s decline. With a new M2 model and two size options (11-inch and 13-inch), you’d expect it to hold its own. Instead, buyers seem to either splurge on the Pro or save with the base iPad, leaving the Air in an awkward middle ground.
Why the iPad Pro Is Winning
So, why is the iPad Pro Apple’s best-selling tablet? It’s not just about shiny new hardware—though that helps. Let’s break it down.
1. Premium Features That Wow
The 2024 iPad Pro is a tech marvel. Its tandem OLED display (branded as Ultra Retina XDR) delivers richer colors and deeper blacks than any other iPad screen. The M4 chip offers a 50% faster CPU than the M2 and up to 10x the performance of the original iPad Pro’s A10X chip. At just 5.1mm thick, it’s also Apple’s thinnest device ever. Add in support for the Apple Pencil Pro with its squeeze and barrel-roll features, and you’ve got a device that screams “future-proof.”
For creatives—artists, designers, video editors—the Pro is a no-brainer. Apps like Procreate and Final Cut Pro run buttery smooth, and the 13-inch model’s larger canvas is a game-changer. Even casual users get hooked on the display quality for streaming or gaming.
2. The Professional Appeal
Apple’s been pushing the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement for years, and the 2024 model takes that pitch to new heights. With Stage Manager for multitasking, external display support up to 6K, and compatibility with the Magic Keyboard, it’s closer to a MacBook than ever. Businesses love it too—nearly half of iPad sales go to companies and schools, per MSPoweruser, and the Pro’s power makes it ideal for enterprise tasks like point-of-sale systems or fieldwork.
3. New Launch Momentum
The May 2024 launch of the M4 iPad Pro (and M2 iPad Air) gave the Pro a sales boost, but it’s outpacing its sibling. PhoneArena notes that buyers often flock to premium models during launch windows, and the Pro’s $999 starting price hasn’t deterred them. Compare that to the Air’s $599 base price, and it’s clear consumers are willing to pay for the upgrade.
4. Longevity and Value
iPads last. The average lifespan for software updates is around 10 years, and hardware holds up for 4-5 years, per Guangzhou C&T. The Pro’s overkill specs mean it’ll stay relevant longer, appealing to buyers who want a device that won’t feel dated in a few years.
How Other iPads Stack Up
The iPad Pro might be the champ, but the rest of the lineup isn’t exactly collecting dust. Here’s how they compare.
The Base iPad: The Affordable All-Rounder
The standard iPad (10th Gen, 2022) holds a solid 35% of sales in Q2 2024. With a $349 price tag after a 2024 price cut, it’s the go-to for budget-conscious buyers, students, and families. Its A14 Bionic chip handles everyday tasks—web browsing, Netflix, light gaming—with ease. ZDNet calls it the “best iPad for most people” because it nails the basics without breaking the bank.
The iPad Air: Stuck in the Middle
The iPad Air’s drop to 12% in Q2 2024 (and 13% in Q3) raises eyebrows. The M2 chip and new 13-inch option should’ve kept it competitive, but it’s losing ground. The Verge suggests it’s caught between the Pro’s power and the base iPad’s value, lacking a clear identity. At $599, it’s not cheap enough to steal the base model’s thunder or premium enough to rival the Pro.
The iPad Mini: Niche but Steady
The iPad Mini sits at 10% in Q2 2024, dropping to 9% in Q3 before the Mini 7 launched. Its 8.3-inch size appeals to readers and travelers, but its aging A15 chip (pre-Mini 7) and smaller screen limit its audience. The new Mini 7 with an A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence might boost its share in future stats.
What This Means for Apple’s Strategy
The iPad Pro’s sales dominance signals a shift in Apple’s tablet game plan. Historically, the base iPad and Mini drove volume, while the Pro catered to pros and enthusiasts. Now, the Pro’s lead suggests buyers want high-end experiences, even at a higher cost. This aligns with Apple’s broader push toward premium products—think iPhone Pro models and MacBook Pros—where margins are fatter.
But there’s a flip side. The Air’s struggles hint at a lineup that’s too crowded. SimplyMac speculates Apple might streamline things, potentially axing the Air to simplify choices: Pro for power, base iPad for value, Mini for portability. With an 11th-gen base iPad and Mini 7 expected in 2025, per TechRadar, Apple’s tweaking the mix already.
Who’s Buying the iPad Pro?
The iPad Pro’s buyer base is diverse. Creatives—think graphic designers using Procreate or filmmakers editing in LumaFusion—are a big chunk. Professionals in fields like architecture or medicine use it for on-site work. Businesses deploy Pros for everything from inventory management to client presentations. Even casual users, lured by the stunning screen and “bragging rights,” are jumping in.
Regionally, iPads dominate in North America (55.8% market share), Oceania (78.1%), and Asia (78.1%), per MSPoweruser. In Japan, they hold 75.64% of the tablet market, and in North Korea, it’s nearly 100%. The Pro likely leads in tech-savvy, affluent markets where buyers can afford the $999+ price tag.
The Competition: Samsung and Beyond
Samsung’s the main rival, with a 29.55% global tablet share in 2023, up from 28.88% in 2022 (Coolest Gadgets). Models like the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offer OLED screens and S Pen support, but Samsung shipped just 30.2 million tablets in 2022 vs. Apple’s 61.7 million. Lenovo, Amazon, and Huawei trail further behind. The iPad Pro’s edge? Apple’s ecosystem—apps, accessories, and seamless integration with iPhones and Macs—keeps it ahead.
Should You Buy an iPad Pro?
If you’re eyeing an iPad, the Pro’s sales crown might sway you—but it’s not for everyone. At $999 for the 11-inch and $1,299 for the 13-inch, it’s a splurge. WIRED recommends it for power users who need top-tier performance. For casual use, the base iPad at $349 or the Mini 7 at $499 might suffice. The Air’s $599 price feels less compelling unless you snag a deal.
The Future of the iPad Pro’s Reign
Will the iPad Pro stay on top? Probably, at least for now. Its tech lead and buyer enthusiasm are strong, and Apple’s not slowing down—rumors of an OLED iPad Mini or even a foldable iPad by 2026 (TechRadar) could shake things up, but the Pro’s got momentum. As of February 27, 2025, it’s the iPad to beat.
Conclusion: The iPad Pro’s Sales Story
The iPad Pro’s rise to best-selling status isn’t just about numbers—it’s about what buyers value: power, prestige, and a glimpse of the future. Recent stats from CIRP, Statista, and others paint a picture of a tablet that’s outpacing its siblings and redefining Apple’s lineup. Whether you’re a creative, a professional, or just someone who loves great tech, the iPad Pro’s dominance is hard to ignore. What do you think—does it deserve the crown? Let’s keep the conversation going!