Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
For my exhibit booth for my side business, I wish I could get even cheaper iPads. All they do is run larger displays, allowing users to make the immersive experience interactive. $330 was cheap enough I felt I could justify a few, but more than that and I might have been forced into getting non-apple products.
 
Just picked up a new 256GB iPad 9th gen in space grey for £343.98. That’ll do to replace my aging iPad Air 2. 😀

From where?
I can‘t find new for less than £420
 
Last edited:
Correction: 9th Gen iPad is 10.2 ins. not 10.5.

A lot of mainstream buyers…
- will miss the home button.
- will miss the audio jack.
- will resent $170 (CAN) price increase for doing their basic stuff even if the 10th Gen has a notably 0.7 bigger screen and faster processor.
- won’t care squat about “newer” design.

For most mainstream buyers the 9th Gen is the better buy.
I guess I'm a (happy) "mainstream buyer" :)
 
For my exhibit booth for my side business, I wish I could get even cheaper iPads. All they do is run larger displays, allowing users to make the immersive experience interactive. $330 was cheap enough I felt I could justify a few, but more than that and I might have been forced into getting non-apple products.
Out of curiosity, what's the benefit of using iPads in this case then?
 
Out of curiosity, what's the benefit of using iPads in this case then?
I'm guessing the touch-ability of the iPad since they did say "interactive". Of course, I'm speculating here and I haven't priced larger TVs/Monitors that also add touch ability to see if a cheaper iPad is actually the cheaper route.
 
I'm guessing the touch-ability of the iPad since they did say "interactive". Of course, I'm speculating here and I haven't priced larger TVs/Monitors that also add touch ability to see if a cheaper iPad is actually the cheaper route.
Fair enough, although I meant if non-Apple tablets are an option and the use case is really that limited, why not go with the cheaper option from the start?
 
Out of curiosity, what's the benefit of using iPads in this case then?
In my day job, I make iPhone apps. So making an iPad app to let potential customers easily see and tap different video demonstrations of my side-business product which then get shown on a nice big screen in front of them (through the iPad's HDMI adapter), and do things like scrub back and forth through the videos is very easy for me to do. many people actually asked me "where did you get that demo app?".

Also originally, I had an "engagement" portion of the demo apps that would let people provide endorsements by using the apple pencil and writing in their own hand writing, but be able to type in information such as their email address. However, after I saw the first 5 people struggle with using an iPad keyboard, I brought out my back-up pre-printed fill-in-the-blank postcards from behind the desk and just had them use that instead. It was a shock that my target customers could not figure out how to use an iPad keyboard.
 
  • Like
Reactions: d686546s
It’s simple: Want a basic iPad for casual content consumption, such as YouTube videos, checking email, playing simple games, etc? Then get the 9th gen. Want it as as supplementary machine for work or school, or want to add a simple keyboard? Then the 10th gen is the better choice. Do you want to do some art, light video editing, or just want a beefier machine? Then the Air and up are right for you.

There is now an iPad for everyone at various price points. I know a lot of people hate the new line-up, but I kinda love it.
I think "...casual content consumption, such as YouTube videos, checking email, playing simple games, etc?" are what most do on their iPads. So, they base their purchasing decision on price and screen size.
 
The 10th gen is almost exactly what I was hoping for in the update (I don't use a pencil, so that whole fiasco wouldn't sway me), and I would have gladly surrendered my aging but still useful 7th gen for one, if the price was $379. I might even have given one a shot for $399. But they priced me out for sure. And it's not the price itself; I can buy any iPad I want at this moment. It's that my uses are so basic, it would be overkill for me to pay that for the Kindle app, browsing and YouTube videos.

Throw in the keyboard for free as a Black Friday deal, I'll reconsider 🤔

I'm guessing you'll see $399 or $379 within the next six months. Your seventh gen should hold out that long, I'd think.

MacRumors be like: Go and buy the iPad 10. Why? Because iTs oVerAlL BEttEr iPaD with exact same chip as last year and just 1 extra gig of RAM.

It's a generation newer chip. iPad 9th gen - A13. iPad 10th gen - A14. It's 250 odd points higher in single-thread and 900 or so in multi-thread, and a fair jump in graphical grunt as well. And yes, an extra GB of RAM on top of all the other side benefits.
 
I don’t know, MacRumors, is $120 worth the difference between having a 12 year old iPad and a brand new, cutting-edge 8 year old iPad? Maybe that’s a question you should ask Apple.
 




Overall, the 10th-generation iPad will be the more suitable device to buy for most people. With a faster chip and more memory, the 10th-generation iPad will be the better long-term purchase through annual software updates, not to mention 5G connectivity on the cellular models. Apple appears to be gradually transitioning to USB-C across all of its devices, so buying a device with this port instead of Lightning may be helpful in years to come. The design of the 10th-generation iPad is also considerably more future-proof, fitting in well with any of Apple's modern iPad or all-screen designs.


Article Link: iPad 9 vs. iPad 10 Buyer's Guide: Is the $120 Difference Worth It?

This is a bad recommendation that's just misleading. A better one would be:

"... Only choose the 10th generation iPad over the Air if you can't afford the additional $120 depreciated over the five years expected standard support cycle of iPadOS. The mismatch between Apple Pencil's Lightning and the iPad's USB-C charging, less CPU power, less memory, and no Display P3 are no-go for a discount of ~$2/month. If you're a penny-pincher, choose the 9th generation iPad instead and save even more money."
 
Last edited:
The 9th gen is the better purchase and will serve most people's needs just fine. However, the 10th gen LOOKS far more modern. It (sort of) matters.

I'd buy a 9th gen for my 2 kids, my mum, etc.
 
For me, the biggest issue with the iPad lineup is not the co-existence of two entry level models. It’s the absence of 128gb option on all non-Pro iPads. If it were an option, I think a lot of people would go for it instead of 256gb, and Apple’s profiteering on prices for higher storage would be more palatable.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: RiderX
This MR guide should be updated to mention the headphone jack. It’s a major feature for those who care. (Like me!)

I suspect the feature list was copied directly from Apple’s website (who also don’t mention the jack… I wonder why!! (No I don’t really, we all know why…)) and that’s the reason for its omission here.

I am enjoying my 9th gen very much, while slightly jealous of the flat edges of the 10th gen. Not jealous about much else about it considering the prices.

I’ll probably get a Pro next time when there is no longer a choice but to use an adapter. I would love Apple to make the jack an option in all models, I would happily pay extra for it.

In Apple’s own words…

“Using Bluetooth

You may notice a delay when playing
Touch Instruments or when playing
back your song.

OK”
— GarageBand for iOS


GBprob.jpg

(No Apple, it isn’t “OK“ when you’ve eliminated the built-in solution to that problem for no good reason other than to increase your sales of the thing you’ve just admitted is a problem, in one of your own apps!)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: sracer
This MR guide should be updated to mention the headphone jack. It’s a major feature for those who care. (Like me!)

I suspect the feature list was copied directly from Apple’s website (who also don’t mention the jack… I wonder why!! (No I don’t really, we all know why…)) and that’s the reason for its omission here.

I am enjoying my 9th gen very much, while slightly jealous of the flat edges of the 10th gen. Not jealous about much else about it considering the prices.

I’ll probably get a Pro next time when there is no longer a choice but to use an adapter. I would love Apple to make the jack an option in all models, I would happily pay extra for it.

In Apple’s own words…

“Using Bluetooth

You may notice a delay when playing
Touch Instruments or when playing
back your song.

OK”
— GarageBand for iOS


GBprob.jpg

(No Apple, it isn’t “OK“ when you’ve eliminated the built-in solution to that problem for no good reason other than to increase your sales of the thing you’ve just admitted is a problem, in one of your own apps!)
That might help
But I feel you.

Still waiting patiently for USB-C Earpods.
 
missing from the comparison is the cost of accessories. The smart cover ($50) and smart keyboard cover ($159) are only available for the 9th gen. Only folio cases ($80/$249) are available for the 10th gen.

Paying more for the 10th gen also includes paying more for Apple’s cases.
And beside that. No way i would pay 429+~150 for the 256 go version+249 = more expensive than a basic mba.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sracer
Apple prices are getting crazy, ya'll. I would recommend people stop buying their products until Apple learn their lesson. I'm going to recommend to my relations to not buy new Apple products. Spread the word. In the meantime, you can buy used Apple iPads and iPhones in good condition for much, much cheaper—and I don't mean from Apple. Brand new Pixels and Pixel Pros are 33-37% cheaper here in Europe now. If you must buy a brand new phone (I don't see, but if you must) they are far better value than iPhone.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Coochie Boogs
Apple prices are getting crazy, ya'll. I would recommend people stop buying their products until Apple learn their lesson. I'm going to recommend to my relations to not buy new Apple products.

I'd happily stop buying Apple stuff, but problem is there is no good-enough Android alternative to entry level iPads.

By good alternative, I mean something in the $300-$400 price range with A) around 4-5 years of software updates like you get with Apple, and B) secure biometric authentication like you get with Apple (not insecure face login based on 2D imaging). Maybe the upcoming Pixel tablet will provide an option, but at this time it's unclear.

I like having my tablet and phone running the same OS, so lack of compelling Android tablet in the entry level iPad price range means I won't currently consider an Android phone either (even though admittedly Android phones would otherwise be fine for my needs).

I partially attribute Apple's ability to raise prices to the inability of Android device makers to provide effective competition.
 
Last edited:
I often tell people that have never had a tablet or smartphone that Apple’s OS is easier to learn than Android. But if you’re already using an Android device then it’s often easier to stick with the same OS for your tablet so you don’t have to deal with two different operating systems. That said there are people who do indeed use both operating systems.

But it strikes me that Android seems to require you to one or sometimes two extra steps to do the same thing iOS does in one step, which to me is a nuisance. For a large swath of the buying public who aren’t intuitive with tech this is not a bright idea. Making it as straightforward as possible makes more sense to win people over.

Popularity can vary from market to market, but I can say that where I live the iPad is vastly more popular than Samsung’s Galaxy, and by a wide margin. Yes, Apple does a better job at marketing than Samsung does. But I also believe Apple does have the overall superior device.

- The iPad is built for a longer service life with more OS upgrades available to it.
- It has a better form with a slightly less rectangular display.
- It has a more premium feel to its construction, materials and finish.
- There are a lot more accessory options available for it.

Beyond the device itself Apple has scored a huge marketing coup in that many people think of the word “iPad” rather than “tablet” in much the same way people think of the word “Kleenex” rather than “tissue.” Often enough people come in asking, “Where are the iPads?” And after you bring them to the Apple table they then ask, “Are these the only iPads you have?”
 
"Overall, the 10th-generation ‌iPad‌ will be the more suitable device to buy for most people" - I disagree. "Most" people use iPads to surf the web, watch some videos, and play the occasional game. For this usage, the faster CPU and higher RAM is really irrelevant. And, certainly, 'most' people don't use cellular, much less 5G.

So what it basically boils down to for 'most' people is whether they want to spend $120 for 0.4" bigger screen and square edges. 'Most' people wouldn't, I suspect.

I'm pretty disappointed in Apple. This 10th generation iPad should have remained at the $329 price point. I get inflation and all that, but faster CPU, better RAM and display have been the typical ingredients to simply get people to upgrade from their older version. Now those people who just want to upgrade their basic iPad probably won't because they know to upgrade at their usual price means buying last year's tech.

It is a combination of inflation, which you can't just claim to "get" but then turn around and say the plan should be to ignore, and the lack of competition. The iPads are the best tablets and users get more years of better performance out of them than Android-based tablets. Google seems to be largely abandoning Android for tablets and it is questionable if any other company out there can pick up the OS programming slack due to Google having moved on. But Apple is committed to iPadOS as a core part of its business.

iPads last so long and work so well, they are good buys for most folks pretty much at any price if they think it is a device that will get used a lot. Apple gets that and so has raised its prices. Frankly though, for the price sensitive, look for refurbished or used. $150 will go a long way on the used iPad market.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.