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iPad 9th vs 10th Generation
iPad 9th vs 10th Gen: Which to Buy in 2026?
iPad 9th gen ($329 refurbished) vs iPad 10th gen ($349 new). $20 difference. Both budget iPads. Here's which to buy.
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âš¡ Accessories That Work on Both
These accessories support both 9th and 10th gen iPads.
MoKo Heavy-Duty Case (iPad 9/10)
Built-in screen protector + kickstand
Check Price →
Built-in screen protector + kickstand
Apple Pencil 1st Gen (iPad 9th)
9th gen uses 1st gen Pencil
Check Price →
9th gen uses 1st gen Pencil
Apple Pencil USB-C (iPad 10th)
10th gen requires USB-C Pencil
Check Price →
10th gen requires USB-C Pencil
Paperlike Screen Protector (iPad)
Matte paper-feel for either
Check Price →
Matte paper-feel for either
Cost Breakdown — All Options
| Where | Cost | Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | iPad 9th: $329 (refurb) | iPad 10th: $349 (new) | 10th is $20 more |
| Display | 10.2" Retina LCD | 10.9" Liquid Retina LCD | 10th wins (bigger) |
| Chip | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic | 10th wins |
| Front camera | Portrait orientation | Landscape orientation | 10th wins for video calls |
| Apple Pencil support | 1st gen Pencil ($99) | Apple Pencil USB-C ($79) | 10th's Pencil is cheaper |
| Connector | Lightning | USB-C | 10th wins (modern) |
| Headphone jack | Yes | No | 9th wins (some users) |
| Repair (screen) | $249 | $279 | 9th cheaper |
| Touch ID | Home button | Power button | Slightly different UX |
Why iPad 10th Gen Is Almost Always Better
For $20 more (or even similar price refurbished), the iPad 10th gen offers:
- Larger 10.9-inch screen vs 10.2-inch
- USB-C (modern, future-proof)
- Faster A14 chip (vs A13)
- Landscape front camera (better for FaceTime)
- Newer design (no home button)
Only the 9th gen wins on:
- $20 cheaper if buying refurbished
- Headphone jack (10th gen requires USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter)
- Slightly cheaper repair costs
For most users, iPad 10th gen is the call.
Why You Might Pick iPad 9th Gen Anyway
- Existing Apple Pencil 1st gen: If you already own a 1st gen Pencil ($99), the 9th gen iPad uses it natively. The 10th gen requires the new USB-C Pencil ($79) or Pencil 1st gen with adapter. Annoying.
- Headphone jack: 9th gen has it; 10th doesn't. If you use wired headphones for music or calls, 9th wins.
- Lower cost on refurbished market: 9th gen refurbs are widely available at $250–$300.
For Kids: 9th Gen Wins
The iPad 9th gen is the most kid-friendly iPad in Apple's lineup:
- Cheapest to repair ($249 screen vs newer iPads $279+)
- Most-stocked replacement parts at all repair shops
- Simpler form factor (Home button)
- Headphone jack for kid headphones
- Wide compatibility with kid-friendly cases (MoKo, BENTOBEN, etc.)
Mail-In Repair Service
Don't have time to wait for Apple? We offer mail-in repair with overnight return shipping.