2021 Apple iPad 10.2-inch (9th Gen) (2024)

FAQs

Is the 9th generation iPad good enough? ›

The iPad 9th generation is an impressive device that offers a great balance between performance and affordability. Its A13 Bionic chip ensures smooth and snappy performance, whether you're multitasking or enjoying your favorite apps and games.

iPad 10.2 (2021)

From testing all the iPads on this list, we found that the 10.2 provides the best value-for-money proposition. Sure, it's not as good for sketching or audio as the iPad Air, and it can't tackle the same high-performance tasks as the Pro, but it's also a lot cheaper than both of those devices.

The iPad (9th generation), (also referred to as the iPad 10.2-inch) is a tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple as the successor to the eighth-generation iPad. It was announced on September 14, 2021, and released on September 24.

Apple iPad (9th Generation)

It's ideal for kids (elementary through middle school age). We also recommend it for adults who need just basic tablet for web surfing, email, streaming video and audio, and video calling.

Apple recently discontinued our previous top pick, the 9th-generation iPad, which means the only iPad with a Home button will soon no longer be in stock. You can currently find it at third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, but supplies will eventually run out, and it will no longer receive software updates.

So in the same footprint as the 9th-generation iPad, you're getting a bigger and higher resolution display (though just barely for the latter). The 10th-generation iPad also has a slightly more powerful processor in the A14 Bionic.

iPad Pro 2021: M2 vs. M1 performance. The Apple M2 chip is the big new upgrade for the iPad Pro 2022, and Apple claims its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU are up to 15% and 35% faster (respectively) than the M1-equipped iPad Pro 2021.

Your iPad should last at least 5 years. But your device can last even longer depending on: Your iPad model. A newer iPad Pro, which has more storage and features, will likely last longer than an older or lower-end model.

Should You Still Buy Them? Apple has always packed a little extra into its iPad Pro tablets. It's still totally fine to buy new (not refurbished) versions of the 2021 11-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but try not to spend more than $600 and $850, respectively.

Therefore, based on Apple's historical pattern, the iPad 9th generation is likely to receive iOS updates and support until approximately 2026 or 2027. However, the exact timeline can vary based on factors such as the device's hardware capabilities and compatibility with newer software versions.

Can you use Apple Pencil on iPad 9th generation? ›

You can use Apple Pencil (1st generation) with these iPad models: iPad mini (5th generation) iPad (6th, 7th, 8th and 9th generation)

Because these iPads don't run iPadOS 15 we consider that they are no longer supported: iPad Air (1st generation) – 2013. iPad (4th generation and earlier) – 2012 and older. iPad mini (3rd generation and earlier) – 2014 and older.

iPad (9th Gen, 2021) – best iPad for college students on a budget. On the surface, the 9th Gen iPad seems a lot like the iPad Air. The display size is almost identical, as are the storage options. But a few key features set these iPads apart and make the 9th Gen iPad the best iPad for college students on a budget.

Which is better, the iPad Air 4 or the iPad 9th gen? Obviously the iPad Air is better compared to the iPad 9 the gen. in iPad Air you get better camera, screen, USB c port, better processor (M1), Also iPad Air comes with the support for magic keyboard.

Your slow iPad may not have enough storage, have a weak internet connection, or need an iPadOS update or reboot. To help speed up a slow iPad, switch off Background App Refresh and enable Optimize iPad Storage.