iPad (8th generation)
The $329 iPad picks up an A12 Bionic and a Neural Engine.
Overview
The eighth-generation iPad was a straightforward processor upgrade. Everything about its exterior, from the 10.2-inch display to the Touch ID home button and Lightning port, matched the 2019 model, so existing cases and keyboards still fit.
Inside, the A12 Bionic chip brought a dedicated Neural Engine for machine learning and, according to Apple, about twice the graphics speed of the previous chip. It was the same processor found in the iPad Air 3 and mini 5, which made the base iPad nearly as quick as the pricier models.
With 3 GB of RAM, support for the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard, and iPadOS 14's new scribble and widget features, it was a dependable classroom and family tablet. It was also the last mainstream iPad released with a silver, space gray and gold set of colors.
Why it mattered
Kept the lowest-priced iPad current by sharing the A12 chip with pricier models.
At a glance
- Announced
- September 15, 2020
- Released
- September 18, 2020
- Discontinued
- September 14, 2021
- Launch price
- $329
- Chip
- Apple A12 Bionic
- Display
- 10.2"
- Storage
- 32GB, 128GB
- Status
- Discontinued
Highlights
- A12 Bionic with Neural Engine
- 10.2-inch Retina display
- Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard support
- Unchanged $329 price
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Display
- Size
- 10.2-inch
- Type
- Retina LED-backlit IPS
- Resolution
- 2160 x 1620 (264 ppi)
- Refresh rate
- 60 Hz
- Brightness
- 500 nits
Chip
- Chip
- Apple A12 Bionic, 6-core
- Coprocessor
- Neural Engine
Memory
- RAM
- 3 GB
- Storage options
- 32GB, 128GB
Camera
- Rear camera
- 8 MP f/2.4, 1080p video
- Front camera
- 1.2 MP FaceTime HD
Battery
- Battery life
- Up to 10 hours of web, video or music
- Capacity
- About 32.4 Wh
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with MIMO
- Cellular
- Optional Gigabit-class LTE model
- Connector
- Lightning and Smart Connector
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 4.2
Accessories
- Apple Pencil
- Apple Pencil (1st generation)
- Keyboard
- Smart Keyboard via Smart Connector
Design
- Dimensions
- 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm
- Weight
- 490 g (Wi-Fi), 495 g (cellular)
Security
- Authentication
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor
Software
- Launch OS
- iPadOS 14
- Latest supported OS
- iPadOS 26 (final supported version)
How it compares
More in the iPad family
iPad (1st generation)
The slate that defined the modern tablet category.
iPad 2
Thinner, faster, and finally equipped with cameras.
iPad (3rd generation)
The first iPad with a Retina display and LTE.
iPad (4th generation)
A surprise refresh that doubled the speed and introduced Lightning.
iPad (5th generation)
The budget iPad returns at a much lower entry price.
iPad (6th generation)
The first non-Pro iPad that works with Apple Pencil.
iPad (7th generation)
A slightly larger 10.2-inch screen and the Smart Connector for $329.
iPad (9th generation)
The last classic iPad, with Center Stage and True Tone.
iPad (10th generation)
The standard iPad finally goes all-screen, in four bold colors.
iPad (A16)
The everyday iPad, now with 128 GB and a quicker A16 chip.