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iPad (9th generation)
The last classic iPad, with Center Stage and True Tone.
Overview
The 2021 iPad refreshed the familiar home-button design a final time. The A13 Bionic chip from the iPhone 11 gave it roughly 20 percent more speed than the A12, and the base storage doubled to 64 GB for the same $329 starting price.
The front camera was the biggest visible change. It became a 12-megapixel ultra wide sensor with Center Stage, which kept people framed during FaceTime and other calls, and True Tone adjusted the display's white point to match the lighting in the room.
It retained the Lightning port, Touch ID home button and 10.2-inch display, and worked with the Smart Keyboard and first-generation Apple Pencil. Because it continued in Apple's lineup until 2024, it became one of the longest-serving iPad designs in the company's history.
Why it mattered
The final iPad with a home button and a Lightning port, and a long-time education favorite.
At a glance
- Announced
- September 14, 2021
- Released
- September 24, 2021
- Discontinued
- May 7, 2024
- Launch price
- $329
- Chip
- Apple A13 Bionic
- Display
- 10.2"
- Storage
- 64GB, 256GB
- Status
- Discontinued
Highlights
- A13 Bionic chip with 3 GB RAM
- 12 MP ultra wide front camera with Center Stage
- True Tone display
- 64 GB base storage at $329
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 with True Tone
- Resolution
- 2160 x 1620 (264 ppi)
- Refresh rate
- 60 Hz
- Brightness
- 500 nits
Chip
- Chip
- Apple A13 Bionic, 6-core
- Coprocessor
- Neural Engine
Memory
- RAM
- 3 GB
- Storage options
- 64GB, 256GB
Camera
- Rear camera
- 8 MP f/2.4, 1080p video
- Front camera
- 12 MP ultra wide, Center Stage
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
- 487 g (Wi-Fi), 498 g (cellular)
Security
- Authentication
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor
Software
- Launch OS
- iPadOS 15
- Latest supported OS
- iPadOS 27 (still supported)
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 (8th generation)
The $329 iPad picks up an A12 Bionic and a Neural Engine.
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.