[Digital Today reporter Yoonseo Lee] As more models and features are added, choosing an iPad has become more complicated. How should buyers decide? On March 11 local time, IT outlet 9to5Mac introduced an Apple-proposed 'recommended user guide by iPad model.'

Apple focused less on performance differences by model and more on which users each product suits. It accordingly classed the base iPad as 'everyday use,' the iPad Mini as 'portability-focused,' the iPad Air as 'Mac-level performance' and the iPad Pro as 'for professionals.'

The base iPad is the 11th-generation model and is suitable for light streaming, FaceTime and simple document work. Storage can fill up quickly, so the 256GB model is assessed as more suitable than the base 128GB. Prices start at 529,000 won, and it does not support Apple Intelligence features.

The iPad Air starts at 949,000 won, putting it in a higher price range, but it is assessed as combining MacBook-level performance with light weight. Unlike the base iPad, it supports Apple Intelligence and offers various colour options. It uses an M4 chip and is suitable for productivity work, but the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil must be purchased separately.

The iPad Pro starts at 1,599,900 won and touts an ultra-slim design with a thickness of 5.1 mm and strong performance. It supports up to 6K external displays and offers data transfer speeds of 40 gigabits per second, but it may be an excessive choice for ordinary users. If you find yourself asking, 'Do I need an iPad Pro?' it is likely you do not.

Finally, the iPad Mini features an 8.3-inch display and an A17 Pro chip, combining portability and performance. It is popular among medical staff, pilots and long-distance commuters, but it is more suitable for content consumption than productivity. Apple does not promote the iPad Mini for work for this reason.

As the iPad lineup becomes more segmented, consumer criteria are also becoming clearer. The analysis is that rather than simply choosing the latest model or top specifications, it has become more important to select a product that matches one's main purpose, such as content consumption, portability, productivity or professional work.