"iPad 9" redirects here. For iPad models which were referred to as "iPad 9.7", see iPad (5th generation). For and, see iPad (6th generation).
iPad (9th generation)
Tablet computer
AkaiPad (9th generation), iPad 10.2-inch, iPad 9, iPad (2021)
DeveloperApple
FamilyiPad
Generation9th
OsOriginal: iPadOS 15
Power32.4 W·h, up to 10 hours of battery life
System on chipApple A13 Bionic with 64-bit architecture and embedded motion co-processor
CpuHexa-core (2× Lightning and 4× Thunder)
Memory3 GB LPDDR4X SDRAM
Storage64 or 256 GB[a]
Display10.2 inches (260 mm) 2160 × 1620 px (264 ppi) with a 4:3 aspect ratio, 500 nits max brightness (typical)[1]
GraphicsApple-designed quad-core
SoundStereo speakers
InputMulti-touch screen, headset controls, proximity and ambient light sensors, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, digital compass, dual microphone, Touch ID fingerprint reader, barometer
CameraFront: 12 MP, 1080p HD, ƒ/2.4 aperture
Rear: 8.0 MP AF, iSight with Five Element Lens, Hybrid IR filter, video stabilization, face detection, HDR, ƒ/2.4 aperture
Connectivity

All models: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2x2 MIMO; speeds up to 866 Mbit/s · Bluetooth 4.2

Wi-Fi + cellular models:

  • UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
  • Gigabit-class LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71)
  • Data only
  • Wi-Fi calling
  • eSIM
Dimensions250.6 mm (9.87 in) H
174.1 mm (6.85 in) W
7.5 mm (0.30 in) D
WeightWi-Fi: 487 g (1.074 lb)
Wi-Fi + Cellular: 498 g (1.098 lb)
PredecessoriPad (8th generation)
Release dateSeptember 24, 2021 (age 5)
DiscontinuedMay 7, 2024 (age 2)
PriceUS$329
Online servicesApp Store, iTunes Store, iBookstore, iCloud, Game Center
SuccessoriPad (10th generation)
Websitehttps://web.archive.org/web/20211221055313/https://www.apple.com/ipad-10.2/ at the Wayback Machine (archived December 21, 2021)

The iPad (9th generation)[2][3] (also referred to as the iPad 10.2-inch) is a tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple as the successor to the eighth-generation iPad. It was announced on September 14, 2021, and released on September 24. The ninth-generation iPad was discontinued on May 7, 2024, with the announcement of the iPad Air (6th generation) and the iPad Pro (7th generation). It was the last iPad model to have a home button, Lightning port and headphone jack. The iPad of the 9th generation was replaced with the 10th generation in October 2022 after the release of the iPhone 14.

Features

The ninth-generation iPad has the same design as the seventh- and eighth-generation iPads, although all color options now come with a black display bezel, and the gold color option has been removed. It is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, and the Smart Keyboard and Smart Connector for keyboard attachments.[4] It uses the Apple A13 Bionic chip previously seen in the iPhone 11 in 2019, which Apple claims gives a 20% CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine increase in performance compared to its predecessor. It features a 10.2-inch Retina display identical to the previous models, with 1620 by 2160 pixels at a density of 264 PPI, and includes True Tone technology, meaning the display can adjust its color temperature based on the surrounding light temperature; marking the debut for the feature on an entry-level iPad.[5][6] It is also the first entry-level iPad to support Apple Center Stage.[6] A new 12 MP front camera (122 degree wide-angle)[7] is fitted in place of the 1.2 MP camera of previous models, which features Center Stage technology that detects the user and moves the camera view accordingly during video recording and calls. The rear 8 MP camera is from the earlier iPad Air 2. The base storage is doubled to 64 GB.[4] iPadOS 15 is pre-installed at release. The iPad (9th generation) was the last generation iPad to have a home button, headphone jack and Lightning port.[4][8]

Reception

The New York Times called the 9th-generation iPad "the best tablet for almost anyone" in 2022, praising its price, performance and features.[9] CNET gave it an 8.1/10, and praised the iPad for its performance and increased storage over its predecessor, while finding fault with its design, which was perceived as outdated.[10] PC Mag praised the iPad for its performance, storage, and display, stating "For the price, it’s hard to expect too much more", though the speakers were criticized for their audio quality.[5]

Notes

  1. ^ 1 GB = 1 billion bytes

References

  1. ^ "Compare iPad models". apple.com. Archived October 24, 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  2. ^ "iPad 10.2-inch". Apple. Archived July 31, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2021-09-28.
  3. ^ "iPad (9th generation) – Technical Specifications". support.apple.com. Archived September 28, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2021-09-28.
  4. ^ "iPad 10.2-inch – Technical Specifications". Apple. Archived September 14, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  5. ^ "Apple iPad (9th Generation, 2021)". PCMag UK. 2021-09-30. Retrieved 2026-04-04.
  6. ^ Dillet, Romain (2021-09-14). "Apple updates the entry-level $329 iPad". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2026-04-04.
  7. ^ "iOS 17 Review: StandBy Mode Changed My Relationship With My iPhone". CNET. Archived September 18, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-09-18.
  8. ^ "iPad 9th Gen Review". Wolf of Tablet. Archived from the original on July 24, 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  9. ^ "The iPad Is the Best Tablet". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived January 26, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2022-09-22.
  10. ^ "Apple iPad 9th Gen Review: Low-Cost Option May Be Best Bet for Now". CNET. November 2023. Archived December 11, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-12-11.