Hey there!
In this post, I will answer one of the frequent questions I am getting from my community: “Is iPad 10th generation good for drawing and Procreate?”
The iPad 10 has numerous improvements compared to its predecessor, the iPad 9, making it a worthy consideration for your creative toolkit.
So let’s have a look at how well it fares in terms of display, number of Procreate layers, storage options, and Apple Pencil compatibility.
💡 Click on my post and video about the best iPad for Procreate if you are looking for a comparison of the different iPads for drawing on Procreate – iPad Pro 12.9″, iPad Pro 11″, iPad Air 10.9″, iPad Mini, iPad 10, and iPad 9.
💡 iPad 9th generation is the predecessor of the iPad 10, and it’s currently the cheapest iPad for drawing and Procreate
Latest iPad 10th Generation for Drawing
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Video: My Experience with iPad 10 for Drawing and Procreate
Drawing Experience on iPad 10th Generation
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The first thing you’ll notice about the iPad 10 is its modern, sleek look, a significant upgrade from the iPad 9.
The increased screen size offers a broader canvas for your drawings, an essential aspect for artists. Imagine having more room for your designs, sketches, and digital paintings, giving you that extra space to let your creativity flourish.
In case you are into tech specification, the iPad 10th generation has a great display:
This means you can look forward to:
- Creative industry-acceptable sRGB color profile with great color precision
- High-definition resolution offering crystal clear imagery
- A 60Hz refresh rate, guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable drawing experience
I felt that, for its price, iPad 10 provided a good enough drawing experience on Procreate, and I’ve enjoyed it despite coming from my iPad Pro 12.9″, which is Apple’s flagship model.
There were just a couple of things that bothered me a little bit. Though, if this is your first iPad, you may not even notice …
iPad 10 doesn’t have this anti-reflective coating available for iPad Pro models, iPad Air, and iPad mini. This means that why you are drawing it almost feels like a mirror. You can see all kind of reflections in my photos – my iPhone camera, me 😊, Apple Pencil and so on. That’s why I totally recommend you get a Paperlike screen protector to decrease these reflections and have this natural drawing feeling!
Matte Screen Protector for Drawing, Writing, and Note-taking like on Paper
Compared to more expensive models, iPad 10 also doesn’t come with a laminated display, which means the screen is not as vibrant and crisp, and it has this tiny gap between the Apple Pencil tip and your drawing.
This is because non-laminated displays have 3 layers, each separated by a tiny gap. Laminated displays on iPad Pros, iPad Air, and iPad mini have these 3 layers connected together.
And as is true to all iPad models (except iPad Pro 12.9″ and iPad Pro 11″), iPad 10 display also has the 60Hz refresh rate, which means you will notice this short lag when you are making long and fast strokes in Procreate.
On the plus side, If aesthetics are an essential factor in your device selection, you’re in for a treat.
The iPad 10 comes in multiple vibrant and funky colors. You can choose a color that suits your personality and style, whether it’s an understated gray or a vibrant red. So, if you would love your tablet to be an extension of your aesthetic sense, the iPad 10 might be the perfect choice for you.
Oh and one of the standout features of the iPad 10 is the side camera.
Unlike other models where the camera is on the shorter side, this iPad has its camera more landscape. This orientation is incredibly convenient, especially for video calls. Whether you’re attending a virtual workshop, sharing your artwork with others, or catching up with fellow artists, the side camera placement is a game-changer when your iPad is in a holder or stand.
iPad 10th Generation Screen Size Comparison
The iPad 10th generation has a screen size of 10.9″, which is the same as the iPad Air.
This larger screen size on the iPad 10 provides ample space for drawing and painting – a vital feature for artists. You will have more canvas space for your creations, drawings, and digital artworks!
Number of Procreate Layers on iPad 10th Generation
Layers are crucial in digital art, allowing you to add, tweak, and manipulate elements without affecting other parts of your artwork. My post on layer limits in Procreate explains what influences how many layers you can work with on different iPads.
Below is a table with the number of Procreate layers you will get with your iPad 10th generation.
Compared to the iPad 9th generation, the iPad 10’s key feature is its increased layer capacity. The iPad 10 offers a more generous number of layers. This is definitely a step up from what iPad generation 9 offers.
Canvas size | iPad 10th generation Number of layers in Procreate |
---|---|
3000 x 3000px | 55 |
16″ x 16″ @300 DPI | 19 |
A4 @300DPI | 57 |
A3 @300DPI | 26 |
A2 @300DPI | 11 |
Storage Options on iPad 10th Generation
As you see in the table below, iPad 10 comes with only two storage options.
iPad 10th generation | RAM |
---|---|
Storage 64GB | 4GB RAM |
Storage 256GB | 4GB RAM |
Before you decide, think about your storage needs.
There’s roughly a $150 price difference between the 256GB and the 64GB version of the iPad 10th generation.
My simple rule is this. If you will work on big artworks, download offline content such as videos from Netflix, YouTube, and Skillshare, get the 256GB model. It will save you from the headache of organizing and saving your files to an external hard drive.
iPad 10th Generation Apple Pencil Compatibility
First Generation Apple Pencil :: Compatible with: iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th (10.2″), 10th (10.9″) generation, iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st, 2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7-inch
iPad 10 is compatible with the first generation of Apple Pencil.
In terms of pairing and charging, because of the USB-C connector, the iPad 10 comes with a slight modification.
You can charge your Apple Pencil using a cable, but you’ll need a converter for it.
Luckily, my Apple Pencil included this adapter, so it’s nothing too inconvenient. Plus, compared to the iPad generation 9, I find the charging method of the iPad 10 to be an upgrade. It eliminates the fragility issue that came with the generation 9 where the Pencil, while charging, could potentially break if you moved the iPad awkwardly. I appreciate the thoughtfulness of this design change.
Below you see how it works:
One helpful note.
Make sure you get the case with a pencil holder. This will help you save your Apple Pencil from getting lost. Because it really does like to roll away 😊
MoKo iPad 10.9 Inch Case 2022, Soft TPU Smart Stand Back Cover Case for iPad 10th Generation, Support Touch ID&Auto Wake/Sleep
iPad 10th Generation Price
I think iPad 10 is the best budget upgrade iPad for drawing and Procreate!
At the time of writing, the price of the iPad 10th gen with 64GB of storage space is ±$400 – $450 and goes up to ±$550 – $600 for the version with 256GB.
This is higher than for the iPad 9th generation, however the design improvements and the increase in number of Procreate layers are worth it.
Who Should Get iPad 10th Generation for Drawing?
👩🏻💻 Get my Procreate Classes:
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🖌 Get my Procreate Brushes:
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So, who do I think should get the iPad 10th generation?
In conclusion, I think the iPad 10 brings an exciting collection of updates and features that make it an exciting choice for beginner digital artists and Procreate users or artists on a budget. The more modern look, larger screen size, increased layer capacity, convenient camera placement, and improved charging method for the Apple Pencil, among others, are improvements that can significantly enhance your digital art journey. If these factors resonate with your needs and preferences, I highly recommend considering the iPad 10 as your new creative companion.
Happy drawing!
iPad 10th Generation Drawing Accessories
When you get your own iPad 10 for drawing and Procreate, also consider these useful accessories. If you get only one thing, make sure it’s the case with a Pencil holder. You will thank me later 😊
Description: MoKo iPad 10.9 Inch Case 2022, Soft TPU Smart Stand Back Cover Case for iPad 10th Generation, Support Touch ID&Auto Wake/Sleep |
Description: Matte Screen Protector for Drawing, Writing, and Note-taking like on Paper |
Description: I recommend you get them if you use a matte Paperlike screen protector |
MoKo iPad 10.9 Inch Case 2022, Soft TPU Smart Stand Back Cover Case for iPad 10th Generation, Support Touch ID&Auto Wake/Sleep
Matte Screen Protector for Drawing, Writing, and Note-taking like on Paper
I recommend you get them if you use a matte Paperlike screen protector
FAQs
Yes, Procreate works on iPad 10, and based on my experience, it’s a joy to draw on it and make digital art.
Yes, iPad 10th generation is good for drawing. It has a big display, comes with an increased number of Procreate layers, and supports drawing with Apple Pencil 1. All of this makes it an amazing drawing tablet.
Yes, the 10.9-inch iPad, or iPad 10, is good for drawing. It comes with a big display, great storage options, and supports Apple Pencil 1, which makes it an awesome drawing tablet!
Yes, the iPad 10th generation is good for digital art. It runs Procreate and other drawing apps, has a big and bright display, good storage options, and supports drawing with Apple Pencil 1. Overall, it’s a great drawing tablet!
Yes, iPad 10 works with Apple Pencil 1. It comes with a USB-C cable and a special adapter to pair and charge.
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »