The iPad 9th generation launched in 2021 at $329. The 10th generation launched in 2022 at $449, with a complete design overhaul: USB-C instead of Lightning, a landscape front camera, a new 10.9" flat-edge design, and the A14 Bionic chip. The 9th gen has dropped to $249-299 and is still sold refurbished. At a $150-200 price gap, the question is whether the 10th gen's redesign and spec improvements are worth it.
Apple iPad (10th generation)
The 10th gen is the right choice for new buyers; the 9th gen makes sense only at $249 or below as a dedicated media device.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Apple iPad (10th generation) | Apple iPad (9th generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A14 Bionic (5nm) | A13 Bionic (7nm) |
| Display | 10.9" Liquid Retina, 264 ppi | 10.2" Retina IPS, 264 ppi |
| Connector | USB-C | Lightning |
| Front Camera | 12MP, landscape edge | 12MP, portrait edge |
| Rear Camera | 12MP wide | 8MP wide |
| Base Storage | 64GB | 64GB |
| Base Price | $349 | $249 (refurb) |
Design Overhaul: USB-C and New Form Factor
The iPad 10th gen was the first base iPad to drop Lightning for USB-C — a meaningful practical improvement for anyone who already uses USB-C chargers for their MacBook, Android phone, or other devices. One cable standard across your bag is a real quality-of-life gain.
The 10th gen has a flat-edge aluminum design with a Touch ID button on the top (not the home button), matching the Air and Pro aesthetic. The 9th gen kept the old rounded-edge design with a large home button bezel — it looks dated next to the 10th gen's more modern geometry.
Display: 10th gen is 10.9" at 2360×1640, 264 ppi. The 9th gen is 10.2" at 2160×1620, 264 ppi. Both are IPS LCD, both are 500 nits, both have True Tone. The 10th gen's slightly larger panel is a minor but real improvement.
Camera Position and Performance
The 10th gen moved the front camera to the landscape edge — the same fix Apple made across the Air and mini lineup. For FaceTime and Zoom from a keyboard or stand, the camera now faces you. The 9th gen's portrait-edge front camera puts the camera on your left side during a landscape video call.
Rear cameras: 10th gen has a 12MP wide camera; 9th gen has an 8MP wide. Neither iPad is a camera device, but 12MP produces better-quality photos and scans than 8MP in the occasions you do use the rear camera for document scanning or whiteboards.
The 10th gen's 12MP front camera supports Center Stage — automatic framing that keeps you centered during video calls. The 9th gen supports Center Stage on its 12MP front camera as well. Both are adequate for video calls.
Performance: A14 vs A13
The A14 Bionic in the 10th gen was Apple's first 5nm chip. The A13 Bionic in the 9th gen was 7nm. Geekbench 6 single-core: A14 ~1,700 vs A13 ~1,450. Multi-core: A14 ~4,500 vs A13 ~3,600. Both are slower than current chips, but both are fast enough for everyday iPad tasks.
Neither chip supports Apple Intelligence — that requires A17 Pro or M-series silicon. For apps, streaming, web, email, and light productivity, both feel responsive. The A14 has a one-generation head start for software longevity.
Apple will likely support the 10th gen through iPadOS 23-24 (around 2029-2030). The 9th gen's iPadOS 17 and 18 support is confirmed; iPadOS 19+ may not include it. The 10th gen has more useful years remaining.
Price and Accessories
The 10th gen iPad retails at $349 (64GB). The 9th gen can be found new for $249 at some retailers and refurbished from Apple at $269. That $100 gap is meaningful at this price tier.
Accessory compatibility: the 10th gen uses a USB-C Magic Keyboard Folio ($249) — a new design from Apple that's not compatible with older iPad Smart Keyboards. The 9th gen supports the Smart Folio keyboard ($159) and Apple Pencil 1st gen ($99). If you already own 9th gen accessories, switching costs add to the upgrade price.
For a first-time buyer: the 10th gen at $349 is clearly the better purchase — modern design, USB-C, better camera, more chip longevity. For someone who already owns 9th gen accessories and doesn't need USB-C, staying with the 9th gen another 2 years is defensible.
Apple iPad (10th generation) Strengths
- USB-C — replaces Lightning, aligns with MacBook and modern charger standards
- Landscape front camera — correct for video calls from keyboard/stand
- 10.9" flat-edge design — more modern form factor
- A14 Bionic — longer software support window
- 12MP rear camera (vs 8MP on 9th gen)
Apple iPad (9th generation) Strengths
- $249-299 refurbished — $100 less than 10th gen
- Apple Pencil 1st gen ($99) vs 10th gen's USB-C Pencil ($79) — minor difference
- Smart Keyboard Folio ($159) is cheaper than 10th gen's Magic Keyboard Folio ($249)
- A13 Bionic still handles all standard iPad tasks well
Apple iPad (10th generation) Weaknesses
- $349 base — $100 more than refurbished 9th gen
- Magic Keyboard Folio ($249) is significantly more expensive than Smart Folio keyboard
- 64GB base storage feels tight in 2026
Apple iPad (9th generation) Weaknesses
- Lightning port in a USB-C world is genuinely inconvenient
- Portrait-edge camera puts lens on your ear during landscape video calls
- Older design with large bezels and home button
- A13 Bionic will lose iPadOS update support sooner
Best For
- Apple iPad (10th generation) First-time iPad buyers who want a modern device with room to grow
- Apple iPad (9th generation) Budget-first buyers who can find a clean 9th gen for $249 and primarily need media and light browsing
FAQ
Does the 10th gen iPad support Apple Pencil Pro?
No — the 10th gen supports the USB-C Apple Pencil ($79, no tilt or pressure sensitivity) or Apple Pencil 1st gen with a USB-C adapter. It does not support Pencil Pro or the 2nd gen Pencil. For serious drawing, the iPad Air (M4) with Pencil Pro support is the minimum.
Will the 9th gen iPad receive iPadOS 19?
Apple hasn't confirmed iPadOS 19 compatibility as of mid-2026. Based on historical patterns, the 9th gen (A13 chip, launched 2021) is approaching the end of its support window. The 10th gen (A14 chip, 2022) is likely to receive at least 2-3 more major iPadOS versions.