Haris
So, you are looking at the iPad 10th generation and wondering if it still makes sense to buy one in 2026. The short answer is yes, but only if you get it at the right price and know exactly what you are trading off. Since its release in October 2022, the iPad 10th generation has remained Apple’s baseline large-screen tablet, but the market has shifted.
In this guide, we will walk through every spec that matters, the current UK pricing landscape, and exactly how it compares to older models like the 9th generation and newer ones like the iPad Air. By the end, you will know whether the iPad 10th generation is the right tablet for you or if you should look elsewhere.
iPad 10th Generation Specs and Features
Before we talk value, let us get the facts straight. The iPad 10th generation brought the biggest redesign to the entry-level iPad line since 2017. It ditched the Home button and Lightning port for a modern, flat-edged look.
Display and Design
The iPad 10th generation features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360×1640 pixels. That gives you nearly 4 million pixels, which is sharp enough for reading, watching content, and light creative work. It uses an IPS panel and supports True Tone, which adjusts the colour temperature to match your ambient light.
One important thing to note is that this screen is not laminated. That means there is a small gap between the glass and the display itself. You will notice it when you use an Apple Pencil, as the tip feels slightly separated from the pixels underneath. For drawing or note-taking, that can be a deciding factor.
Performance and Battery
Under the hood, the iPad 10th generation runs on the A14 Bionic chip. That is the same processor that powered the iPhone 12 series, built on a 5nm process. In day-to-day use, it handles web browsing, streaming, email, and even some light gaming with ease. In Geekbench 6, it scores around 1,500 in single-core and 4,000 in multi-core performance tests.
Battery life is rated at up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching video. In real-world tests, most users report around 9 to 10 hours of mixed use, which easily gets you through a full day. The device charges via USB-C at up to 20W.
Cameras and Connectivity
Apple moved the front-facing camera to the landscape edge on the iPad 10th generation, which is a practical change for video calls. It is a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Centre Stage, which keeps you framed during calls. The rear camera is also 12MP and can shoot 4K video at 60fps.
For connectivity, the iPad 10th generation supports Wi-Fi 6 and, on cellular models, 5G. The USB-C port replaces the Lightning connector, which means you can use the same cables as most modern laptops and phones.
iPad 10th Generation UK Price in 2026
At launch in 2022, Apple priced the iPad 10th generation at £499 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and £679 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model. Cellular models added a £150 premium. In 2026, those official prices have softened across UK retailers.
You can now find the 64GB version for between £379 and £429 depending on the colour and retailer. The 256GB model typically sells for £579 to £619. Apple’s own refurbished store is worth checking, where prices often start at around £349 for the base model. These prices include UK VAT (20%) and are accurate as of August 2026.
[Table: current UK pricing for iPad 10th generation across different retailers]
| Model | Original Price (2022) | Typical 2026 Price (New) | Refurbished Price (Apple) |
| 64GB Wi-Fi | £499 | £379 – £429 | ~£349 |
| 256GB Wi-Fi | £679 | £579 – £619 | ~£519 |
| 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular | £649 | £529 – £559 | ~£489 |
Prices fluctuate during sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, where you might see the 64GB model dip below £350. Check the official Apple UK site for current refurbished stock before you commit.
iPad 10th Generation vs iPad 9th Generation
This is the most common comparison. The iPad 9th generation is still sold on the used market and occasionally as new old stock. Here is how they stack up.
The iPad 9th generation has a 10.2-inch screen, a Home button with Touch ID, a Lightning port, and the A13 Bionic chip. The iPad 10th generation is larger, has a USB-C port, a faster A14 chip, and the camera is in the landscape orientation.
[Table: comparison of iPad 9th vs 10th generation]
| Feature | iPad 9th Generation | iPad 10th Generation |
| Display Size | 10.2-inch (non-laminated) | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (non-laminated) |
| Chip | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Front Camera | 12MP (portrait) | 12MP Ultra Wide (landscape) with Centre Stage |
| Apple Pencil Support | 1st Gen only (requires adapter) | 1st Gen only (requires USB-C adapter) |
| UK Starting Price (2026) | ~£250 (used/refurbished) | ~£379 (new) |
If you can find a good deal on a used iPad 9th generation for under £300, it is still a solid device for basic tasks. However, the iPad 10th generation offers a more modern design and USB-C, which future-proofs your accessories.
iPad 10th Generation vs iPad Air (M1 or M2)
This is where things get interesting. In 2026, the iPad Air with the M1 chip (2022 model) is often discounted, and the newer M2 iPad Air is the premium option. The iPad 10th generation sits below both.
The key differences are the laminated display, the chip power, and the Apple Pencil support. The iPad Air supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which charges magnetically and is far more precise. The iPad 10th generation supports only the 1st generation Pencil, which requires a clunky adapter and charges via Lightning.
For creative professionals or students who take detailed notes, the laminated screen of the iPad Air is a noticeable upgrade. The M1 chip is also significantly faster for video editing, 3D modelling, and multitasking with Stage Manager.
However, if you are just watching Netflix, browsing, and using office apps, the iPad 10th generation’s A14 chip is more than adequate. The iPad Air (M1) typically costs around £549 to £599 in 2026, which is £150 to £200 more than the iPad 10th generation base model.
Who Is the iPad 10th Generation For?
After spending time with the device and analysing the market, the iPad 10th generation fits a specific profile. It is not for everyone.
- Students on a budget: If you need a large screen for reading textbooks, taking occasional notes, and attending Zoom lectures, this iPad does the job without breaking the bank.
- Home users and streamers: For families who want a shared tablet for streaming, games, and video calls, the 10.9-inch display is excellent. The landscape camera is a big win for FaceTime or WhatsApp calls.
- Business travellers on a light load: If your work involves email, PDF annotations, and Teams meetings, this is a cheap and cheerful companion for a laptop.
- Skip if you are a digital artist: The non-laminated display and lack of proper Pencil 2 support make this a frustrating choice for drawing or graphic work. Look at the iPad Air or iPad Pro instead.
- Skip if you are a power user: The 64GB base storage fills up quickly with apps and photos. If you plan to store files locally, upgrade to the 256GB model, but then you are approaching iPad Air pricing.
What About Storage and Accessories?
Storage is a sticking point. The 64GB base model is tight. After installing iPadOS 18 (which is about 8GB), you have roughly 50GB left for apps, photos, and files. For most people, that is enough for a year or two, but if you download games like Genshin Impact (20GB+) or keep a large offline media library, you will regret it.
The 256GB option is safer, but at that price, you are competing with used iPad Air M1 models. Accessories are another consideration. The Magic Keyboard Folio for the iPad 10th generation costs £249 from Apple, which is expensive for a keyboard case. Third-party Bluetooth keyboards are cheaper and work fine.
For the Apple Pencil, you must buy the 1st generation model (£89) plus a USB-C to Lightning adapter (£9) because the iPad uses USB-C. That is an awkward workaround that Apple has not refined.
iPad 10th Generation Software and Longevity
Apple devices are known for long software support, and the iPad 10th generation is no exception. It shipped with iPadOS 16 and received updates to iPadOS 17 and 18. In 2026, it runs iPadOS 18 smoothly.
Apple typically supports iPads for 5 to 6 years from release. Since it launched in 2022, you can expect major OS updates until at least 2028, with security patches continuing for a couple of years after that. That means buying one in 2026 gives you at least two more years of full feature updates and plenty of security support.
Features like Stage Manager (limited to M-series chips on iPad Air/Pro) are not available on the A14 chip, so you miss out on the multi-window desktop-like experience. If that matters to you, look at the iPad Air.
FAQ
Q: Is the iPad 10th generation worth buying in 2026?
Yes, but only if you find it below £400 for the 64GB model. It is a great media consumption and light productivity device. If you need a laminated screen or proper Apple Pencil support, skip it and get an iPad Air.
Q: What year was the iPad 10th generation released?
Apple announced and released the iPad 10th generation in October 2022. It replaced the iPad 9th generation as the entry-level full-size iPad.
Q: What chip does the iPad 10th generation have?
It uses the A14 Bionic chip, which first appeared in the iPhone 12 series. It is a 6-core CPU with a 4-core GPU, delivering solid performance for day-to-day apps.
Q: Does the iPad 10th generation have USB-C?
Yes. This is the first entry-level iPad to feature a USB-C port instead of Lightning. It supports charging and data transfer at USB 2.0 speeds (up to 480Mbps).
Q: Is the iPad 10th generation compatible with the Apple Pencil?
It is compatible with the Apple Pencil 1st generation, but you need a USB-C to Lightning adapter to charge it. The 2nd generation Pencil is not supported.
Q: What is the battery life of the iPad 10th generation?
Apple rates it at up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video. Using cellular data reduces battery life by roughly 15-20% under heavy load.
Q: How much does the iPad 10th generation cost in the UK?
In August 2026, new units range from £379 to £429 for 64GB, and £579 to £619 for 256GB. Apple refurbished models start at around £349. Prices include UK VAT.
Q: What is the difference between iPad 9th and 10th generation?
The main differences are the larger 10.9-inch display, USB-C port, landscape front camera, and A14 chip on the 10th gen. The 9th gen has a 10.2-inch screen, Lightning port, portrait camera, and A13 chip.
Q: Does the iPad 10th generation have a headphone jack?
No. Apple removed the 3.5mm headphone jack from this model. You will need to use wireless headphones or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
Q: Can the iPad 10th generation run iPadOS 18?
Yes, it runs iPadOS 18 smoothly. Apple includes it in the compatibility list for the current OS. It will likely receive updates until at least 2028.
