What is the point of iPad Air? It's compatible with the latest Apple Pencil, but iPad isn't, but iPad Pro is, and the Pencil Pro is only compatible with iPad Pro, iPad Air (not M1), and iPad ... MINI (not iPad). (Edit: Actually the Apple Pencil for our iPad Air M1 isn't even sold anymore, I guess?)
The Apple Pencil USB-C compatibility matrix is even more confusing.
Why is this division of Apple run like Google's messaging apps?
iPad ($349) iPad Mini ($499) iPad Air 11" ($599) iPad Air 13" ($799) iPad Pro 11" ($999) iPad Pro 13" ($1299)
So from a pricing perspective, it does kind of make sense. The naming is all over the place though.
The iPad Mini is more expensive and better specced than the iPad. And then the Air sounds like it should be a light version of the iPad, but is actually better specced than the iPad.
My guess is that non technical people don't care about things like names and spec, but buy iPads based on pricing. And if people are buying the entry level iPad, why drop it?
My mom also uses one of those magnetic keyboard attachments; she needs a new one because it's in rough shape. Come to find out some of them are over $300.
iPad Air = regular iPhone
iPad Pro = iPhone Pro (Max)
iPad mini = iPhone mini (if it still existed)