The iPad lineup has been through a lot of changes in the past few years, but the 10th generation iPad—often just called the iPad (10th gen)—marks a pretty major shift in Apple’s approach to its entry-level tablet. It’s colorful, powerful, and finally embraces a modern design, but it also comes with a few quirks that might catch you off guard.
So, if you’re wondering whether the iPad 10th generation is still a good buy in 2025—or if you’re just curious about what sets it apart from previous models—you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break it all down: the design, the features, the performance, and whether it’s worth your cash today.
A New Look: Design Overhaul with Personality
One of the most noticeable changes with the iPad 10th generation is the design. Apple finally ditched the classic Home button design that’s been around since the original iPad. Instead, you get a much sleeker look, more in line with the iPad Air and iPad Pro models.
A More Modern Aesthetic
Gone are the chunky bezels and curved edges. The iPad 10th gen rocks a flat-edged aluminum body and a uniform bezel all around the screen. This brings it much closer to Apple’s higher-end tablets and gives it that fresh, modern vibe. Plus, it comes in fun colors—blue, pink, yellow, and silver—making it feel a lot more personal than the basic gray tones we’re used to.
The screen is slightly larger too, now measuring 10.9 inches instead of the old 10.2. It’s a Liquid Retina display, which is a fancy way of saying it’s sharp and colorful, though it’s not laminated like the iPad Air. That means you might notice a tiny gap between the screen and the glass, especially when using the Apple Pencil. Still, for most casual users, it’s a non-issue.
Landscape Camera Placement: A First for iPads
In a move that’s both subtle and brilliant, Apple moved the front-facing camera to the landscape edge—a first for any iPad. It makes so much sense, especially for video calls. No more awkward side-glancing during Zoom meetings or FaceTime calls.
This small tweak makes a huge difference for anyone who uses their iPad with a keyboard or in landscape mode regularly. It’s the kind of update that feels so obvious in hindsight, and it’s great to see Apple finally making this user-friendly change.
Goodbye, Lightning Port
Perhaps one of the most overdue updates is the switch from Lightning to USB-C. That’s right—no more proprietary charging cables. This puts the 10th gen iPad in line with the rest of the iPad family and makes it far more convenient for people who already own USB-C accessories. Transferring files, connecting external drives, or even charging becomes way simpler and more universal.
Performance and Power: Under the Hood with the A14 Bionic
While it may not have the M1 or M2 chip found in the iPad Air or Pro models, the iPad 10th generation is no slouch when it comes to performance. It’s powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the same chip used in the iPhone 12 and iPad Air 4.
Great for Everyday Tasks
This means you can expect solid performance across the board. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, editing photos, taking notes, or juggling multiple apps, the iPad 10th gen handles it all smoothly. For students, creatives, and casual users alike, this is more than enough power for day-to-day tasks.
Apps load quickly, multitasking feels snappy, and even light gaming is well within its capabilities. You won’t feel like you’re using a “budget” tablet—this thing runs like a premium device for most everyday needs.
Limitations Compared to the M1 or M2 iPads
That said, the A14 is still a step behind the M-series chips Apple uses in its higher-end iPads. If you’re planning to do professional-level video editing, 3D modeling, or intensive multitasking, the iPad Pro or Air might be better suited. But for 90% of users, the A14 offers more than enough muscle.
It’s also worth noting that this iPad supports iPadOS features like Stage Manager, but with limitations. You can multitask, split-screen, and use Slide Over, but you won’t get full external display support like on the M1-powered iPads.
Accessories and Apple Pencil Compatibility: A Bit of a Head-Scratcher
Here’s where things get a little weird. While Apple nailed the design and performance, their accessory choices with the iPad 10th generation are… kind of confusing.
Apple Pencil (1st Gen) — Still?
Believe it or not, the iPad 10th gen only supports the 1st-generation Apple Pencil, which charges via Lightning. But wait—it doesn’t have a Lightning port anymore. So how do you charge the Pencil? You need to use a USB-C to Lightning adapter, which Apple now includes in the box with new Pencils. It’s clunky, and frankly, a bit ridiculous in 2025.
It works fine once it’s charged, but the pairing and charging process feels unnecessarily awkward. It’s a weird decision that makes this iPad feel like it’s stuck between two generations.
The New Magic Keyboard Folio
On a more positive note, Apple introduced a brand-new keyboard case for this iPad called the Magic Keyboard Folio. It’s a two-piece design that includes a kickstand on the back and a detachable keyboard with a row of function keys—a first for Apple’s iPad keyboards.
Typing on it feels solid, the trackpad is responsive, and the whole setup gives serious laptop vibes. It attaches magnetically and connects via a Smart Connector, so no need for Bluetooth or charging. If you’re looking to use your iPad for work or school, this accessory is a game-changer.
Still Works with Other USB-C Accessories
On the bright side, the USB-C port makes the iPad 10th gen compatible with a wide range of accessories—external drives, SD card readers, hubs, and more. That makes it more versatile than previous entry-level iPads and adds some real productivity potential.
Software and Ecosystem: iPadOS Makes It All Work Together
The hardware is only part of the story. What really makes the iPad 10th gen shine is iPadOS—Apple’s tablet-optimized operating system that has matured a lot over the years.
Multitasking, Widgets, and Notes
With iPadOS, you can use features like Split View, Slide Over, drag-and-drop between apps, and home screen widgets. These features bring the iPad much closer to a true laptop replacement—especially when paired with a keyboard and Pencil.
The built-in Notes app now supports handwriting-to-text with Scribble, collaboration tools, and document scanning, making the iPad super useful for students and professionals alike.
iCloud, Continuity, and Handoff
Because it’s an Apple device, the iPad 10th gen works seamlessly with other Apple products. If you’re in the ecosystem, features like AirDrop, Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and iCloud Drive make it easy to move between your iPhone, Mac, and iPad without missing a beat.
You can start a document on your MacBook, finish it on your iPad, and share it instantly to your iPhone. That kind of integration is hard to beat and adds huge value if you already own Apple gear.
Should You Buy the iPad 10th Generation in 2025?
So, after all is said and done, the big question remains: Is the iPad 10th generation worth it in 2025? The short answer is: Yes, for most people. But let’s get a little more specific.
Great for Students, Families, and Everyday Users
If you’re looking for a tablet that can handle schoolwork, video calls, streaming, browsing, and some light creative work, the iPad 10th gen is a near-perfect fit. It’s powerful, stylish, and has most of the key features from higher-end models at a lower price.
Plus, the new keyboard and landscape camera make it a real contender for basic productivity tasks. If you’re not doing heavy-duty creative work, this iPad has everything you need and then some.
Maybe Not for Power Users
On the flip side, if you’re a professional video editor, digital artist, or someone who pushes your devices to the limit, you might be better off spending a bit more on the iPad Air or iPad Pro. The M1/M2 chips, second-gen Pencil support, and full multitasking capabilities make a bigger difference in those cases.
Final Verdict: A Modern iPad That Hits the Sweet Spot
The iPad 10th generation is one of those devices that feels just right for a huge segment of users. It brings modern design, dependable performance, and useful features into a well-priced package. While Apple made some odd choices (we’re looking at you, first-gen Pencil), the overall experience is solid.
Whether you’re a student, a casual content creator, a parent looking for a family tablet, or someone who just wants a good all-around device, the iPad 10th gen is an excellent choice in 2025. It’s not perfect, but it’s easily one of the most well-rounded tablets in its class.
