Apple trimmed the iPad mini’s colors this year, so a lot of older color guides are out of date. The new iPad mini 8 comes in only two finishes, Midnight and Starlight, down from four on the iPad mini 7. The iPad Air (M4) still has four colors, the iPad Pro (M5) has two, and the standard iPad has four.
This guide goes through every current iPad color, compares the ones people ask about most, and tells you which ones we’d pick for work, school, and everyday use. Near the end there’s a section on what’s rumored for 2027 (iPad Air M5, iPad 12th generation, and iPad Pro M6 or M7). None of that is confirmed, so every item in it is labeled as a report, a rumor or an inference.
iPad Colors at a Glance (2026)
Here is every iPad Apple sells right now and the colors each one comes in. The last three rows are models Apple hasn’t announced, so their colors are TBA.
| Model | Chip | Colors | How many |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (11th generation) | A16 | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow | 4 |
| iPad Air (11-inch and 13-inch) | M4 | Space Gray, Starlight, Blue, Purple | 4 |
| iPad Pro (11-inch and 13-inch) | M5 | Space Black, Silver | 2 |
| iPad mini 8 | A20 Pro | Midnight, Starlight | 2 |
| iPad Air M5 (rumored) | Not announced | TBA | TBA |
| iPad 12th generation (rumored) | Not announced | TBA | TBA |
| iPad Pro M6 or M7 (rumored) | Not announced | TBA | TBA |
The first four rows are available from Apple today. The three TBA rows are covered in iPad Colors in 2027: What’s Rumored.
Which iPad Color Should You Get?
If you just want a quick answer, this table has our picks. They’re based on how each finish looks and holds up day to day, and how well it goes with the cases people usually buy. Apple doesn’t publish sales numbers by color, so there’s no official “most popular” iPad color.
| If you want | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One color that suits most people | Starlight | Light and warm, and it works with clear, dark and colored cases |
| An iPad for work | Space Gray (Air), Space Black (Pro) or Midnight (mini) | Dark and plain, so it doesn’t stand out in a meeting |
| Fewer fingerprints | The same dark colors | Smudges are harder to see on a dark finish |
| An iPad for school | Blue, Yellow or Pink (standard iPad) | Easy to spot in a bag and easy to tell apart from a classmate’s |
| A gift | Starlight or Blue | Hard to dislike, and neither looks too loud |
| A black or dark keyboard case | Space Gray, Space Black or Midnight | The tablet and the accessory match |
iPad Air Colors (M4)
The iPad Air (M4) went on sale in March 2026 in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. Both sizes come in the same four colors, and Apple kept the same four it used on the 2024 and 2025 models.
| Color | What it looks like | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Gray | Dark, neutral gray | Work, travel, drawing | Hides fingerprints best of the four |
| Starlight | Light, warm champagne | Everyday use, gifts | Shows smudges more than Space Gray |
| Blue | Soft, muted blue | School, general use | Calmer than a typical bright blue |
| Purple | Light, soft purple | Anyone who wants some color | The most noticeable of the four |
Starlight vs. Space Gray
This is the choice most Air buyers get stuck on. Space Gray is dark and neutral, and it goes with almost any case. Starlight is lighter and warmer, and it looks more relaxed. It also shows fingerprints more, so you’ll be wiping it down more often.
| Factor | Starlight | Space Gray |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Light, warm, champagne tone | Dark, neutral gray |
| Fingerprints | Shows more | Shows less |
| Goes with | Clear cases, light and colored cases | Black and dark cases, keyboard cases |
| Pick it if | You want a softer, lighter look | You want something plain that holds up over time |
If you’re still undecided, think about how you’ll carry it. An iPad that lives in a dark keyboard case all day suits Space Gray. One you’ll use bare or in a clear case is where Starlight looks its best.
Blue vs. Purple
Both are pastel, and neither is loud. Blue is the quieter one and is easier to live with if the iPad is for school or work. Purple is the one people notice, so pick it if that’s what you want.
Best iPad Air Color
For most people, Starlight. It’s light, it’s warm, and it goes with nearly every case. If the iPad goes everywhere with you, or you want the fewest fingerprints, get Space Gray. If you want color, Blue is the easier one to keep for years, and Purple is for people who want to stand out.
A case changes how the color looks, so it helps to decide on both together. Browse ESR iPad cases.
What Color Is iPad Starlight?
Starlight is the color people ask about most, and it’s hard to picture from the name alone. It’s a light shade with a warm, soft gold tone. It isn’t white and it isn’t silver. Next to a Silver iPad, Starlight looks warmer. Next to an older gold iPad, it looks much paler. Lighting changes how it reads: under warm indoor light it leans gold, and in bright daylight it looks paler.
Apple uses the name Starlight on several products, but the shade isn’t matched exactly from one device to the next, so don’t expect an iPad to look identical to a Mac or an iPhone in Starlight.
| Color | Tone | Compared with Starlight |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | Cool, neutral metal | Cooler and brighter |
| Starlight | Warm, light champagne | — |
| Space Gray | Dark, neutral gray | Much darker |
| Midnight | Very dark | The darkest of the group |
Starlight is available on the iPad Air (M4) and the iPad mini 8.
iPad mini 8 Colors (2026): Midnight and Starlight
Apple announced the new iPad mini, widely called the iPad mini 8 and listed by Apple as the iPad mini (A20 Pro), in late October 2026. It went up for pre-order on October 28 and started shipping on November 6. It has an 8.5-inch OLED display, the A20 Pro chip and an IP67 rating, and it starts at $699 in the U.S.
It also comes in fewer colors. The iPad mini 8 comes in only two finishes, Midnight and Starlight. Midnight is new to the iPad mini, and Blue, Purple and Space Gray are gone.
| iPad mini | Year | Colors |
|---|---|---|
| iPad mini 8 | 2026 | Midnight, Starlight |
| iPad mini 7 | 2024 | Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight |
| iPad mini 6 | 2021 | Space Gray, Pink, Purple, Starlight |
If you wanted a blue or purple mini, the iPad mini 7 was the last one offered in those colors. Whether you can still buy one depends on the retailer.
Apple’s own Smart Folio for the new mini comes in navy blue and taupe, which line up with Midnight and Starlight. One thing to check before you buy a case: the iPad mini 8 has a new body, so cases made for the iPad mini 7 may not fit. Look for cases listed for the iPad mini 8 by name. Browse ESR iPad mini 8 cases.
iPad (11th Generation) Colors
The standard iPad has the brightest colors of any iPad Apple sells. It comes in Silver, Blue, Pink and Yellow. Silver is the plain option, and the other three are brighter than anything on the Air or Pro.
| Color | What it looks like | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | Neutral, light metal | Works for anyone who wants plain, but shows fingerprints quickly |
| Blue | Bright, clear blue | Brighter than the blue on the iPad Air |
| Pink | Soft pink | A popular pick for kids and creative use |
| Yellow | Light, cheerful yellow | The most distinctive of the four |
Apple is also reported to be updating this iPad in the first half of 2027, so these colors could change. More on that in the 2027 section below.
iPad Pro (M5) Colors
The iPad Pro (M5) comes in Space Black and Silver, the same two colors as the M4 model before it.
| Color | What it looks like | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Black | Dark, close to black | Work, drawing, video editing | Hides everyday marks well |
| Silver | Light, bright metal | A cleaner, lighter look | Shows fingerprints more easily |
Space Black is the safer buy for most people. Silver looks best with a light or clear case.
iPad Colors in 2027: What’s Rumored
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple plans three iPad launches in the first half of 2027: a new iPad Air, an updated entry-level iPad and a new iPad Pro. The reports do not establish an exact launch order or promise separate events. The just-updated iPad mini is not part of this reported wave. Apple hasn’t announced any of the three models. Everything in this section is a report, a rumor or an inference, and each item is labeled so you can see how solid it is. We’ll update this section when Apple confirms the real colors.
| Model | Expected | What’s been reported | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air M5 | First half of 2027 | Reported: OLED display. Rumor: M5 chip (Bloomberg hasn’t named the chip) | No credible finish leak. Possible carryover: Space Gray, Starlight, Blue, Purple. Unverified concept list: Graphite, Starlight, Sky Blue, Lavender, Blush |
| iPad 12th generation | First half of 2027, possibly as early as Q1 | Reported: update in 1H 2027. Rumor: A19 chip (earlier reports said A18) | No credible finish leak. Current iPad: Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
| iPad Pro M6 or M7 | Spring 2027 | Reported: 11-inch and 13-inch, no major design change; Gurman expects vapor chamber cooling. Rumor: M6 or M7, depending on readiness | No specific finish report. Likely carryover: Space Black, Silver (an inference, not a leak) |
If you want a specific color today, buy a current model. The 2027 models are months away, and none of them has a confirmed color list.
iPad Air M5 Colors (Rumor and Speculation)
No reliable outlet or leaker has reported a finish list for the next iPad Air. The current four (Space Gray, Starlight, Blue and Purple) have carried over for three straight generations, so the safest guess is that they stay. That’s an inference, not a report.
One unverified five-color concept list has also circulated: Graphite, Starlight, Sky Blue, Lavender (purple) and Blush (pink). It has no traceable source in a known leaker, a supply-chain report or a news outlet. Starlight is a current Air finish and Sky Blue was used on the iPad Air (4th generation), but Graphite, Lavender and Blush don’t appear anywhere in the color history tables below. Treat it as a design exercise, not a rumor with support.
iPad 12th Generation Colors (Rumor and Speculation)
The current iPad (A16) comes in Silver, Blue, Pink and Yellow. Reports about the next one focus on the chip. Earlier reports pointed to the A18, while more recent information found in Apple’s code points to the A19. The design is expected to stay the same. Nothing credible has been reported about new colors, so any new shade is speculation at this point.
People search for this model as iPad 12, iPad 12th gen, iPad (A18) and iPad (A19). Apple lists the current model by its chip, iPad (A16), so the next one may also be named by chip rather than by number.
iPad Pro M6 or M7 Colors (Rumor and Speculation)
Bloomberg says Apple will update the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro in spring 2027, with no major design changes. The chip isn’t confirmed. It could be the M6 or, if it’s ready in time, the M7. Color is less clear. No report points to a specific new finish, so Space Black and Silver are the prudent assumption. That is an inference from the current range and the reported carryover design, not a claim that either color has leaked.
Any graphic showing a new Pro shade should be treated as concept art until it can be traced to a named reporter, a supply-chain outlet or a regulatory listing. With an update described as mostly internal, there is no factual basis yet for naming a new Pro color.
iPad Color History (2018 to 2026)
Looking for an older model? These tables list the colors for each iPad line since 2018.
iPad
| Year | Model | Chip | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | iPad (6th generation) | A10 Fusion | Silver, Space Gray, Gold |
| 2019 | iPad (7th generation) | A10 Fusion | Silver, Space Gray, Gold |
| 2020 | iPad (8th generation) | A12 | Silver, Space Gray, Gold |
| 2021 | iPad (9th generation) | A13 | Silver, Space Gray |
| 2022 | iPad (10th generation) | A14 | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
| 2025 | iPad (11th generation) | A16 | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
iPad Air
| Year | Model | Chip | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | iPad Air (3rd generation) | A12 | Silver, Space Gray, Gold |
| 2020 | iPad Air (4th generation) | A14 | Silver, Space Gray, Rose Gold, Green, Sky Blue |
| 2022 | iPad Air (5th generation) | M1 | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue |
| 2024 | iPad Air (M2) | M2 | Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight |
| 2025 | iPad Air (M3) | M3 | Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight |
| 2026 | iPad Air (M4) | M4 | Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight |
iPad Pro
| Year | Model | Chip | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | iPad Pro | A12X | Silver, Space Gray |
| 2020 | iPad Pro | A12Z | Silver, Space Gray |
| 2021 | iPad Pro | M1 | Silver, Space Gray |
| 2022 | iPad Pro | M2 | Silver, Space Gray |
| 2024 | iPad Pro | M4 | Space Black, Silver |
| 2025 | iPad Pro | M5 | Space Black, Silver |
iPad mini
| Year | Model | Chip | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | iPad mini (5th generation) | A12 | Silver, Space Gray, Gold |
| 2021 | iPad mini (6th generation) | A15 | Space Gray, Pink, Purple, Starlight |
| 2024 | iPad mini (7th generation) | A17 Pro | Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight |
| 2026 | iPad mini 8 | A20 Pro | Midnight, Starlight |
Colors Apple No Longer Sells on iPads
| Color | Last seen on |
|---|---|
| Green | iPad Air (4th generation, 2020) |
| Sky Blue | iPad Air (4th generation, 2020) |
| Rose Gold | iPad Air (4th generation, 2020) |
| Gold | iPad (8th generation, 2020) |
Protecting Your iPad’s Color
Scratches and dents are what wear down an iPad’s finish. A case covers the body and helps protect its finish, while a screen protector helps prevent scratches on the display. ESR makes both for every current iPad line.
| Product | Options | Good for | Price | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad cases | Rebound Magnetic Case, Flip Magnetic Case | Students, travelers, everyday use | $14.19 to $41.99 | iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, iPad mini |
| iPad keyboard cases | Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case, Shift Keyboard Case | Writers, students, professionals | $64.99 to $129 | iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad |
| Screen protectors | Tempered-Glass, Paper-Feel | Everyone, artists, parents | $12.99 to $25 | iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, iPad mini |
ESR Rebound Magnetic iPad Case
A slim magnetic folio option for everyday iPad protection. Choose the version made for your exact iPad model and color.
ESR iPad Keyboard Cases
Compare Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case and Shift Keyboard Case options for compatible iPad Pro, iPad Air and standard iPad models.
ESR iPad Screen Protectors
Choose from tempered-glass and Paper-Feel options for compatible iPad Pro, iPad Air, standard iPad and iPad mini models.
Color matters here too. A dark case on a Starlight iPad gives you contrast, while a clear case lets the finish show. If you picked Space Gray, Space Black or Midnight, a dark keyboard case keeps everything the same tone. Browse ESR iPad cases and iPad screen protectors.
Keeping the Color Looking New
- Keep it out of direct sun. Long hours on a sunny windowsill or a car dashboard are hard on any finish.
- Clean it with a microfiber cloth. Skip harsh cleaning chemicals, which can wear down the surface over time.
- Use a case and a screen protector. The case protects the body, and the screen protector protects the display.
FAQ
What color is Starlight on an iPad?
A light, warm shade with a soft gold tone. It’s paler than gold and warmer than silver.
Does the iPad mini 8 come in Blue or Purple?
No. The iPad mini 8 comes only in Midnight and Starlight. Blue and Purple were available on the iPad mini 7.
What colors does the iPad Pro come in?
Space Black and Silver.
Is there a white iPad?
Apple doesn’t sell any iPad under the name White. Silver and Starlight are the closest.
Is there a green iPad?
Not right now. The iPad Air (4th generation, 2020) was the last one offered in Green.
Which iPad color hides fingerprints best?
Dark finishes: Space Gray, Space Black and Midnight. Lighter ones like Silver and Starlight show smudges more.
What is the most popular iPad color?
Apple doesn’t release sales by color, so there’s no official answer. Starlight and Space Gray are the easiest to match with cases.
Will the iPad Air M5, iPad Pro M6/M7 or iPad 12 come in new colors?
We don’t know yet. Apple hasn’t announced any of them, and no reliable report has mentioned specific new colors. See the 2027 section above for what has been reported. We’ll update this page when Apple confirms the real colors.
Final Verdict
The right iPad color depends on where the iPad spends its time. A dark one suits desks and keyboard cases, a light one suits bare use and clear cases, and a bright one is for people who want it to feel like theirs. The 2026 lineup is narrower than before, with the iPad mini 8 down to Midnight and Starlight, and Apple is reported to be updating the Air, the standard iPad and the Pro in the first half of 2027. Until it confirms those colors, the ones above are the ones you can actually buy. Whichever you choose, a case protects the body and a screen protector helps keep the display scratch-free.
