Apple iPad 10th Generation Versus iPad 9th Generation

It’s 2026, and Apple’s entry-level iPad lineup presents a classic dilemma. You’ve got the iPad 9th generation, the old reliable with a home button and a price that’s hard to beat. Then you have the iPad 10th generation, a colorful, modern redesign that costs a bit more. I’ve used both extensively, and the choice between them is about more than just a few hundred dollars.

The core of the iPad 10th vs 9th generation debate comes down to longevity and user experience. One feels like a classic device that still gets the job done, while the other feels like the iPad you’ll want to be using for the next three to four years. So, where should your money go?

 

 

Design and Display

Apple iPad (9th generation)

Picking up the 9th gen iPad is like a trip back in time. It has the thick top and bottom bezels and the iconic Touch ID home button we’ve known for years. The 10.2-inch Retina display is perfectly fine for watching YouTube or browsing the web, but it’s not laminated. You’ll notice a small air gap between the glass and the display itself, which is most obvious when you’re using an Apple Pencil.

And then there’s the port. In 2026, the Lightning port feels ancient. It gets the job done for charging, but it locks you out of the massive ecosystem of USB-C hubs, drives, and accessories. At 487 grams, it’s not heavy, but the newer design just feels more balanced in the hand.

 

 

Apple iPad (10th generation)

The 10th gen iPad looks like it belongs in the modern family. It borrows its flat-sided, all-screen design from the more expensive iPad Air and Pro models. The bezels are uniform all the way around, and Touch ID is cleverly integrated into the top power button. It just feels more premium.

The screen is a slightly larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a higher 2360×1640 resolution. It’s brighter, more colorful, and because it’s fully laminated, writing or drawing feels more direct and natural. Plus, it comes in fun colors like blue, pink, and yellow. And the switch to USB-C is a massive quality-of-life improvement for connecting literally anything else.

 

 

Performance and Guts

Apple iPad (9th generation)

Inside the 9th gen is the A13 Bionic chip, the same one that powered the iPhone 11. For basic tasks like email, streaming video, and light gaming, it’s still perfectly capable. I didn’t have any issues running apps like Procreate or playing Genshin Impact, though loading times are a tick slower than on newer hardware.

Where it shows its age is in multitasking. With only 3GB of RAM, Safari tabs and background apps need to reload more frequently if you’re jumping between them. It’s not a dealbreaker for a casual user, but if you plan on using Split View a lot, you’ll feel the pinch.

 

 

Apple iPad (10th generation)

The 10th gen gets a solid upgrade to the A14 Bionic chip, which first appeared in the iPhone 12. It’s noticeably snappier across the board. Apps launch faster, editing photos feels smoother, and it handles more demanding tasks with less hesitation. It’s not a powerhouse like an M-series chip, but it’s more than enough for what this iPad is designed for.

It also has 4GB of RAM, and that extra gigabyte makes a real difference in daily use. I could keep more browser tabs open and switch between apps like Notes and Mail without one of them needing to refresh. This chip and RAM combo give the 10th gen more headroom for future software updates.

 

 

Cameras and Accessories

Apple iPad (9th generation)

The camera setup here is basic. A simple 8MP wide camera on the back is fine for scanning documents, and the 12MP ultra-wide front camera is surprisingly good for video calls. The main drawback is its placement at the top of the screen when you’re holding it vertically, so you’re always looking off to the side in landscape calls.

For accessories, the 9th gen only supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. It works well, but charging it by plugging it directly into the Lightning port is still as awkward as ever. It also works with the older Smart Keyboard, which is functional but feels a bit cramped.

 

 

Apple iPad (10th generation)

The biggest upgrade here isn’t the improved 12MP rear camera, but the front camera. Apple moved the 12MP ultra-wide camera to the long edge of the device. This landscape orientation is a huge improvement for video calls on Zoom or FaceTime, as you’re looking directly at the camera. It’s how it should have been all along.

Accessory support is a mixed bag. The 10th gen bizarrely still only works with the 1st gen Apple Pencil, and because the iPad has a USB-C port, you need a dongle to charge it. It’s a baffling decision. However, it does support the much-improved Magic Keyboard Folio, which offers a great typing experience with a function row and a two-piece design.

 

 

Which iPad Should You Buy in 2026?

After three weeks of daily-driving both, the difference is clear. The iPad 9th generation is still a capable device, but it feels like you’re buying a product at the very end of its life cycle. It’s for someone on an absolutely strict budget who just needs a reliable screen for Netflix, web browsing, and email. It does the job, but nothing more.

For almost everyone else, the iPad 10th generation is the one to get. The modern design, better and bigger screen, faster A14 chip, and landscape front camera make for a vastly better experience. The switch to USB-C alone is worth the price difference, opening it up to a world of modern accessories that the 9th gen’s Lightning port can’t touch.

The iPad 10th vs 9th generation question is less about performance and more about experience. The 10th gen is a more pleasant and future-proof device that will feel fresh for years to come. At this point, I’d only buy the 9th gen if it’s on a steep discount, and even then, I’d probably look for a refurbished 10th gen first.