Although Apple's tablet line has undergone several changes in recent years, we have long considered the iPad 9th generation The 2021 iPad remains a perfect choice, especially now that the base model with 64GB of storage is down to a new low of around $224 ($105 off) at Apple. amazon.com/2021-Apple-10-2-inch-iPad-Wi-Fi/dp/B09G9FPHY6/?tag=theverge02-20″>amazon, Walmartand The best buy.
As far as hardware goes, the ninth-generation iPad is largely a holdover from Apple’s old design language. The 10.2-inch tablet has a traditional iPad look with large bezels, a dedicated Home button, and a Lightning port — not to mention a 3.5mm audio jack for using a pair of wired headphones.
Inside you'll find Apple's older A13 processor, which, despite first appearing in the iPhone 11 in 2019, still offers fast performance when playing games, watching movies, browsing the web, and tackling all the usual things you might use a tablet for. It still relies on the first-generation Apple Pencil and older accessories like the amazon.com/Apple-Smart-Keyboard-iPad-Generation/dp/B0863F5KCT/?tag=theverge02-20″>Smart keyboardYes, but given its age and price, it's an understandable trade-off.
If you're worried about compatibility, rest assured that Apple's next-generation iPad will support iPadOS 18 when it launches in the fall. However, it won't support any of Apple's upcoming Apple Intelligence features, which require a newer iPad Pro or iPad Air model with an M1 chip or later. I guess the new calculator app will have to suffice.
