Apple announced the newest addition to the iPad lineup during the “California Streaming” event, which took place on September 14, 2021. This new model is the 9th generation iPad, and while it has kept the same overall look and feel as the previous model, it does bring some new features.
Continue scrolling to learn more about this newest iPad and to see how it compares to previous-generation models.
Apple iPad release date
Pre-orders for the 9th generation Apple iPad began immediately after the announcement on September 14, 2021. The iPad will begin shipping and also be available in retail stores as of September 24, 2021.
How much does an Apple iPad cost?
Similar to other models of the iPad, the 9th generation Apple iPad will be available in WiFi-only and WiFi + Cellular versions. Each of these versions will be available with either 64GB or 256GB of internal storage space. The retail price of the 9th generation iPad begins at $329 and tops out at $609 depending on the configuration you select. You can check all of the different price points in the table below.
| Apple iPad (9th gen) with WiFi | Apple iPad (9th gen) with WiFi + Cellular | |
| 64GB | $329 | $479 |
| 256GB | $459 | $609 |
Apple iPad features
Apple has called this iPad the “most popular” amongst the different models. And truth be told, this is likely the best iPad for most people due to the combination of price and features. The 9th generation Apple iPad includes some improvements compared to the previous generation models, but as you’ll soon see — there are quite a few similarities. First though, how about we outline some of the improvements:
- Display: The display retains the same 10.2” size, but Apple did include True Tone support, which will improve your viewing experience. Otherwise, the display resolution and max brightness remain the same as compared to previous-generation models.
- Processor: The 9th gen Apple iPad is powered by the A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine, which is a bump from the A12 Bionic chip that powered the 8th generation iPad. For reference, the A13 Bionic chip originally launched in 2019 with the iPhone 11.
- Front Camera: The front camera went from a 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera on the 8th gen iPad to a 12MP ultrawide camera on the 9th gen iPad. While that sounds impressive by itself, there is more to the story here. The new ultrawide front camera on the 9th gen iPad allows for Center Stage, which means the camera can automatically adjust itself during video calls so everyone stays centered in the frame.
- Storage: The internal storage options doubled with the 9th generation iPad. Storage options on the 9th generation iPad include 64GB or 256GB, which is up from 32GB or 128GB.
Additionally, because the size of the display and the overall design haven’t changed, the dimensions and weight remain the same. The battery life and accessory support also stay the same. The 9th gen Apple iPad still supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil and the Apple Smart Keyboard.
Apple iPad (9th gen) vs iPad (8th gen) vs iPad (7th gen)
While there are quite a few similarities between the 7th, 8th, and 9th generation versions of the Apple iPad, there are a few reasons that may have you itching to upgrade. You can see how the 9th generation iPad compares to the 8th gen and 7th gen models in the table below.
| iPad (9th generation) | iPad (8th generation) | iPad (7th generation) | |
| Display | 10.2″ Liquid Retina display with True Tone (2160 x 1620) | 10.2″ Retina display (2160 x 1620) | 10.2″ Retina display (2160 x 1620) |
| Processor | A13 Bionic with Neural Engine | A12 Bionic with Neural Engine | A10 Fusion |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB | 32GB, 128GB | 32GB, 128GB |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide | 1.2MP FaceTime HD | 1.2MP FaceTime HD |
| Rear Camera | 8MP Wide | 8MP Wide | 8MP Wide |
| Network Connectivity | 4G LTE | 4G LTE | 4G LTE |
| Power & Battery | Up to 10 hours of web surfing on WiFi, and up to 9 hours of web surfing on cellular | Up to 10 hours of web surfing on WiFi, and up to 9 hours of web surfing on cellular | Up to 10 hours of web surfing on WiFi, and up to 9 hours of web surfing on cellular |
| Charging | Lightning | Lightning | Lightning |
| Size / Weight | 9.8″ x 6.8″ x 0.29″ 1.07 pounds (WiFi) 1.09 pounds (Cellular) | 9.8″ x 6.8″ x 0.29″ 1.08 pounds (WiFi) 1.09 pounds (Cellular) | 9.8″ x 6.8″ x 0.29″ 1.07 pounds (WiFi) 1.09 pounds (Cellular) |
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray | Silver, Space Gray, Gold | Silver, Space Gray, Gold |
| Accessories | 1st generation Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard | 1st generation Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard | 1st generation Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard |
The True Tone display will improve your viewing experience, and a bump in processor speed is almost always welcomed (even if it is a minor bump). In addition, the added storage is great because 32GB is on the low end in 2021. And with the increased popularity and need for video calling — Center Stage and the 12MP ultra-wide front-facing camera will be welcomed by lots of iPad users.
Read more: Apple iPad lineup: Which iPad should I buy?
Sell your Apple iPad on Swappa
Apple has kept the starting price of the iPad at $329, with a further discount for education buyers. But while that is a fairly low price for a brand-new iPad — we suspect you’ll want to cut that cost as much as possible. The best way to lower the price of your upgrade is to sell the iPad you already have.
Read more: Best places to sell your iPad for the most money in 2021
Swappa is an active marketplace, and it is also the safest marketplace to buy and sell your gently used tech. Current prices for an 8th generation Apple iPad on Swappa are starting at around $300, which means you may be able to cover a decent portion of your upgrade. You can get started with a tap of the green button below.
