10 Things to Know About the 10th-Generation iPad

Apple introduced its 10th-generation iPad in Oct. 2022. It’s a fresh look for the tablet, bringing it more in-line with the iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad Mini, with some notable compromises. The Wall Street Journal’s Nicole Nguyen reviewed the new tablet in-depth, and after testing it ourselves, we agree with her take that it’s a confusing entry in the product lineup. Most people are likely better off choosing the 9th-generation iPad for non-demanding work, or the iPad Air or iPad Pro for more power. Here are the key facts you should know to make your decision.

What we love about the 10th generation iPad

1. It has been totally redesigned

This is the first “mainline” iPad to get the edge-to-edge design that started with the iPad Pro before spreading to the iPad Air and iPad Mini. You’d be excused for confusing this model and the 5th-generation iPad Air; they have the same size 10.9-inch screen, and the 10th-gen iPad is only a millimeter taller, wider and thicker. It uses fingerprint-based Touch ID on the top button for security, rather than the Face ID system found on the iPad Pro and almost all current iPhones.

2. The camera is now on the horizontal edge, where it belongs

Starting with 2011’s iPad 2, every Apple tablet has had its front-facing camera housed in the bezel above the screen, in portrait orientation. That’s made FaceTime and Zoom calls awkward because the camera is off-center when you’re taking calls in portrait mode, likely the most common position for most people. Apple’s finally fixed it—only on this model—by moving the camera to the same long edge as the volume buttons. It’s the same camera hardware as on last year’s iPad, though, so don’t expect your calls to look any better.

3. The colors are great

Apple’s colors can be hit-or-miss, but we think it got them right this time. In addition to the plain silver, there are rich pink, blue and yellow versions that really pop and frankly, are a lot of fun.

4. Bye-bye, Lightning

This is the most recent iPad to have its Lightning power and data port swapped out for a USB-C connector. This is a win because it means you can use the same charger for your iPad, your Mac and any number of other devices and accessories that use this standardized port. (In conversation with the Journal’s Joanna Stern, Apple executives said they’ll comply with an EU law that mandates USB-C on mobile devices, suggesting the iPhone might be switching over in the future, too).

5. There’s a new keyboard accessory

Apple introduced the $250 Magic Keyboard Folio alongside the new iPad. It splits into two pieces: a back plate with a foldout stand and a quality keyboard and trackpad housed inside the front cover. It uses the iPad’s Smart Connector, so you don’t need to charge or pair the device, and it also adds a row of function keys, which not even the more expensive iPad Air- and Pro-compatible Magic Keyboard has. The Magic Keyboard Folio comes in any color you like, as long as that color is white.

What we don’t love about the 10th generation iPad

6. The screen is nice, but not the nicest

Even though the iPad has the same size and resolution screen as the iPad Air, it’s not identical hardware. The iPad Air’s screen is fully laminated, meaning there’s no air gap between the glass and the touch screen and the display itself. The iPad’s is not, and if you look closely, you’ll see that the images look like they’re under the glass, rather than on it. It also lacks the iPad Air’s anti-reflective coating, which you may notice if you use your iPad in bright environments.

7. It works with the first-generation Apple Pencil

Even though Apple introduced an empirically better sequel to its stylus in 2019, the new iPad only works with the original model from 2015. While it works well for drawing, handwriting or just navigating around the iPad’s interface, the major downside is you have to plug it in to pair charge it, compared with the second gen’s superior magnetic charging on the side of compatible iPads, which also doubles as a way to carry it. And because the Pencil connects over Lightning and the iPad has a USB-C port, you have to use an (included) adapter and a cable to connect them. Zagg’s Pro Stylus is a good alternative because it’s half the price, doesn’t need to be physically connected to pair and has a direct USB-C charging port, rather than needing an adapter.

8. It’s pricey

The 10th-gen iPad starts at $450 with 64GB of storage space, with an option to go up to 256GB for another $150. That’s nearly 40% more expensive than the base model, 9th-gen iPad, and only 25% less than the superior iPad Air. Most people are likely better off going with one of those two options instead.

What else you need to know about the 10th generation iPad

9. The 9th-generation iPad is still around

If you need a basic Apple tablet for simple tasks like checking your email, browsing the web or watching YouTube, 2021’s iPad is likely your best option and certainly the least expensive, with a price starting at $220 less than the 10th-gen model. It’s a particularly good pick if you’ll be handing it off to a child because it’s the last iPad with a headphone port.

10. There are new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros, too

But the upgrades over last year’s models are small. Both the smaller and larger versions get a new M2 processor, the same found in this year’s MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro, with promises of 15% faster computing performance and 35% faster graphics performance—numbers that won’t mean much for all but the highest-level power users. And the second-generation Apple Pencil now supports a “hover” action, showing a spot on the screen before you actually touch it from up to 12 mm off the surface for better accuracy. That’s it. No landscape camera, no Magic Keyboard Folio, no other changes. If you’re shopping for an iPad Pro, our advice is to search for a 2021 model first. There’s a chance you’ll find the same specs for a lower price, especially with the 12.9-inch version.