iPad 9th Generation: Disappointing Then, Good Value Later?
Updated September 2026: in 2021 I called the 9th-generation iPad a disappointment: the same design as the 7th and 8th generations, no USB-C, no second-generation Apple Pencil support, and an older A13 chip. I have rewritten it with what it did offer and how it looks as a used buy.
After many leaks, Apple launched the 9th-generation iPad and I was disappointed. The design was unchanged from the previous two generations, with no better display, no USB-C and no support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, while the new iPad mini got a redesign. The A13 Bionic chip was a couple of years old. It could handle everyday tasks but would not satisfy anyone wanting more power from an affordable iPad. Apart from price, I saw no reason for owners of older iPads to upgrade, and hoped the next model would get a real redesign.
What did the 9th-generation iPad improve?
More than I gave it credit for. Base storage doubled to 64 GB, the front camera gained an ultra-wide lens with Center Stage, which keeps you in frame on video calls, and the display gained True Tone. For students and families, those changes were useful.
Did the next iPad get the redesign?
Yes. The 10th-generation iPad, announced in October 2022, moved to a flat-edged design with USB-C. Apple kept selling the 9th generation alongside it as the cheaper option for some time.
Is the 9th-generation iPad worth buying used?
- Good for: reading, video, note-taking, video calls and schoolwork.
- Less good for: heavy creative apps, long-term software support and modern accessories.
- Check: which iPadOS versions it supports, since older models drop off updates first.
Which Apple Pencil does it use?
The first-generation Apple Pencil, which charges through the Lightning port. Make sure you buy the right Pencil, since newer ones will not work with it.
Was my disappointment fair?
Partly. For enthusiasts it was a dull update. For buyers who wanted a reliable, affordable iPad, it was a sensible choice, and that is who it was for.
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