Little acknowledged… tablet technology on the very latest models, like smartphones (and desktops and laptops) has largely matured for average user needs…
Most of the specs between the iPad 6, 7, and 8 are unchanged except for cpu and screen size. The iPad 6 and 7 even share the same A10 cpu, the 8 has an A12 cpu. The iPad 6 has a 9.7” display while the 7 and 8 have a 10.2” display. The three’s front and back cameras are virtually identical. All three start at 32GB storage. (For users who do not store a lot of apps, videos, or photos, 32GB works, but can be tight for others.)
The iPad 9 base specs jumped from 32GB storage to 64GB storage, from 1.2MP to 12MP front camera, and from the A12 to the A13 cpu. It also gains Center Stage, a camera feature that virtually tracks the subject in the frame and works well.
iPads excel as video conference devices since they free up your laptop, and can still show thumb nail images of participants while remaining easily portable like a phone. The iPad 9 camera and Center Stage make it even better.
The iPad 9 is commonly available brand new, with Apple 1-year warranty for $250.
We own both the iPad 6 (2018) and 9 (2021). The iPad 6 is feeling its age, and while it still functions OK, especially with its storage not fully loaded up, its performance might prove frustrating to some. The screen size between 9.7” and 10.2” is unnoticeable. Historically Apple has provided iPadOS updates for about 4-5 years. And many apps still work for 1-2 years after that, before app developers de-support them.
(BTW, the “iPad 10” (2022) is not really a mainstream iPad and Apple still sells the iPad 9 as the mainstream model. Oddly, Apple repositioned it as an iPad Air Junior without explicitly naming it that. Its street price is about $399.)
Do you know if you will be able to download the latest operating system on the iPad 6
Wow thank you so much for this info. I’m not knowledgeable about tech stuff but was thinking about getting a tablet to help out with my traveling small business and just didn’t know what I should be looking at as I have a windows desk top and an apple cell phone
Yes, we’re running the latest iPadOS 16 on our iPad 6’s. Will be interesting to see whether Apple includes the iPad 6 for iPadOS 17. I believe Apple also included the iPad 5 for iPadOS 16, but cut off the iPad 4.
Note, however, with more recent iPadOS versions, some newer, heavier cpu load features are not available on all devices that happen to be eligible for that OS release.
When Apple releases the page promoting its latest iOS/iPadOS release, down near the bottom of that page it generally shows the device cut-off eligibility.
Do not automatically assume you need an iPad Pro or even iPad Air to do what you need for a business. First know what you want to accomplish and then get the model that matches. From friends and acquaintances, I see a lot of iPad Pros and iPad Airs in the hands of folks who don’t even get close to needing those models.
The mainstream iPad model that has had an MSRP of $329 forever, and often a street price of $250, regardless of generation, serves most people’s needs very well. If you truly need a higher end model, you should know specifically why. They’re great devices, but not needed by everyone.
If you already use an iPhone, Apple’s devices work very nicely and seamlessly with each other. You can send and receive texts in iMessage on your iPad and stay synched with your iPhone. You can copy a link or text on your iPhone or iPad and paste it on the opposite device.
Which iPad do you feel is the best? I have the 6 but it’s only 32 gigs. I was thinking of getting the 6 with 128 because I love my iPad but I’m wondering if I should get a newer model.
Here you go:
If you’re content with your iPad 6, hold tight. As to storage size, go to Settings/General/ipad Storage… where you’ll see how much space is left and what takes up your storage. If your photos are taking up a lot of space and you do not have “Optimize iPad Storage” turned on, that feature can save a ton of space.
Note starting with the iPad 9, base storage jumps to 64GB and it regularly goes on sale, new for $250. Use that price when evaluating used alternative models.