iPad 10th Generation
Key New Features:
• 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display with True Tone
• A14 Bionic Chip
• Wi-Fi 6
• 12MP Wide angle back camera
• Landscape oriented 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
• USB-C Connector
• Support for the new Magic Keyboard Folio
This new iPad is not too dissimilar to the previous generation iPad Air (4th Generation) – currently on the 5th Generation – being that they have the same physical design and A14 processor. The differences between the new iPad 10th Generation and the previous iPad Air (4th Generation) are the relocating of a couple of components and the omission of one. First, Apple moved the FaceTime camera from the portrait edge to the landscape edge. In addition, the Smart Connector that connects the iPad to accessories like the Smart Keyboard or Magic Keyboard is now along the side and not the back of the iPad. Lastly, the iPad 10th Generation is compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st Generation) instead of the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation).
The new iPad 10th Generation starts at $449. While the iPad 9th Generation is still on the product lineup at $329.
Purchase Opinion:
The new iPad 10th Generation is a great inexpensive iPad for customers that haven’t upgraded their iPad in the last 5 years. With a 10.9-inch display, A14 processor, better cameras on the front and back, and a new Magic Keyboard Folio available to pair with it, this iPad is a welcome upgrade for anyone looking to replace an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd Generation), iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Air (3rd Generation), iPad (6th Generation), iPad (7th Generation), iPad (8th Generation), or iPad Pro 10.5-inch. This new iPad 10th Generation will be faster and more capable. The camera quality on video chats is a significant improvement. You can pair the iPad with the new Magic Keyboard Folio for $249, and the iPad virtually turns into a laptop replacement with a full-size keyboard and trackpad.
So for those that have an iPad + Apple Pencil (1st Generation) and are looking to upgrade. The iPad (10th Generation) is the best affordable option – you will need to purchase a $9 adapter to pair the Apple Pencil to the iPad but when you compare the other options it’s still a savings. For example a new iPad Air (5th Generation) that looks very similar but has a faster M1 processor starts at $599 + Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) is $129 = $728. Whereas the iPad (10th Generation) starts at $449 + $9 USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter = $458 (+ Magic Keyboard Folio = $707).
iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Generation) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation)
Key Changes:
• Apple M2 chip
• Apple Pencil Hover
• Wi-Fi 6E
Not much changed between the iPad Pro of Yesterday and Today. The iPad Pro design has remained the same, the display has remained the same, the cameras have remained the same. The only changes that were made are with the processor, Apple Pencil interaction and Wi-Fi antennas.
Apple Pencil Hover is a new feature to the iPad. The iPad Pro is capable of sensing the Apple Pencil up to 12 mm away from the display and interpreting its three dimensional position in relation to the iPad. It allows for the iPad to indicate where your Apple Pencil will touch before you start drawing or writing. Or as Apple would say “A new dimension of Apple Pencil. Apple Pencil hover shows you exactly where your Apple Pencil will touch down on your display. So you can write, sketch, and illustrate with even greater precision. Watch apps and widgets expand on the Home Screen as you move over them. Preview your mark before you make it. See how your watercolors mix before you paint. Apple Pencil hover makes everything you do with Apple Pencil even more effortless.”
The iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Generation) starts at $799 and the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation) starts at $1099.
Purchase Opinion
If you have an iPad Pro 12.9-inch with M1 then there is no need to upgrade. The only reason to upgrade would be if everything you do on your iPad Pro involves an Apple Pencil, then Apple Pencil Hover would be an enticing feature.
