In this episode of Procreate FAQs, I am going to answer your question about Procreate iPad compatibility.
What iPad is Compatible with Procreate?
Procreate is compatible with any iPad that can run iPadOS 15.4.1 or newer, with iPadOS 16 being the best choice because of the higher number of Procreate layers, new features such as Apple Pencil hover, and overall improvements that enhance the drawing experience in Procreate.
So, which iPad models work with Procreate? Find out in my useful table below, which also features iPads compatibility with Apple Pencil, the best stylus for drawing in Procreate.
FYI – the current version of Procreate is 5.3.5 (Source: procreate.com), iPadOS 15 is 15.7.8 and iPadOS 16 is 16.6 (Source: apple.com)
Doesn't work with Apple Pencil
Doesn't work with Apple Pencil
Small RAM and way too little storage
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
Doesn't work with Apple Pencil
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Get it refurbished with a discount
iPadOS 16+
8GB or 16GB RAM for high number of Procreate layers
Get more details in my review of iPad Pro 12.9″ for Procreate and digital artists!
iPadOS 16+
8GB or 16GB RAM for high number of Procreate layers
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Great budget iPad for Procreate
Get more details in my review of the iPad 9th generation for Procreate and digital artists!
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Great budget iPad for Procreate
iPadOS 16+
8GB or 16GB RAM for high number of Procreate layers
M2 chip
Apple Pencil hover feature
Get more details in my review of iPad Pro 12.9″ for Procreate and digital artists!
iPadOS 16+
8GB or 16GB RAM for high number of Procreate layers
M2 chip
Apple Pencil hover feature
iPadOS 16+
Small RAM equals less Procreate layers
Great budget iPad for Procreate
iPadOS 16+
8GB RAM for high number of Procreate layers
Best value iPad for Procreate
iPadOS 16+
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Why is Procreate NOT Compatible with Your iPad?
Procreate is not compatible with your iPad because the iPadOS installed on your iPad is older than iPadOS 15.4.1. You most likely don’t see the option to download Procreate in the App Store.
The iPads NOT compatible with Procreate are the following: iPad Air 1st generation; iPad 1, 2, 3, and 4; iPad Mini 1, 2, and 3 (Source: wikipedia.org).
The following iPad models are compatible with Procreate but are not compatible with a stylus such as Apple Pencil, so I DON’T recommend them for Procreate: iPad Air 2nd generation; iPad Mini 4; iPad 5 (Source: apple.com)
FAQs – Does Procreate Work on All iPads?
No, Procreate doesn’t work on all iPads. I answered the most common questions about what iPads Procreate is compatible with below:
Yes, Procreate is compatible with iPad Air 2, 3, 4 and 5. I recommend iPad Air 5 as the best value iPad for Procreate.
Yes, Procreate is compatible with iPad 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. I recommend iPad 9 and 10 as the best iPads for Procreate on a budget.
Yes, Procreate is compatible with iPad Mini 4, 5 and 6. I recommend iPad Mini 6 as the best secondary iPad for professional artists and best iPad for Procreate for students and kids.
Yes, Procreate is compatible with iPad Air 2, but this iPad model doesn’t support Apple Pencil so I don’t recommend getting it for Procreate.
No, Procreate doesn’t not work on iPad 2, because the software support of this model was discontinued in 2015.
No, Procreate doesn’t not work on iPad 4, because the software support of this model was discontinued in 2016.
Yes, Procreate works on iPad 5, but this iPad model doesn’t support Apple Pencil so I don’t recommend getting it for Procreate.
Yes, you can use Procreate on iPad 6th generation. This iPad supports Apple Pencil 1.
Yes, Procreate works on iPad 7th generation. This iPad supports Apple Pencil 1.
Yes, Procreate works on iPad 8th generation. This iPad supports Apple Pencil 1.
Yes, Procreate works on iPad 9th generation. I recommend it as one of the iPads you should get if you are on a budget. This iPad supports Apple Pencil 1.
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 »