iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2018, A12 series)

The iPad 2021, also known as the 9th generation iPad, and the iPad Pro 2018, representing the 3rd generation of the Pro line, are two distinct tablet offerings from Apple. While both run on iPadOS and provide a versatile tablet experience, they cater to different user needs through their core specifications and design philosophies. The iPad 2021, released in September 2021, is positioned as a capable all-rounder, whereas the iPad Pro 2018, launched in November 2018, was designed for more demanding tasks and introduced several premium features to the iPad lineup.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical design.

• Release Timeline: The iPad 2021 was released in September 2021, making it a newer device compared to the iPad Pro 2018, which launched in November 2018. This difference in release date directly impacts the expected duration of software updates.
• Software Longevity: Both devices have received consistent iPadOS updates. The iPad 2021, being newer, is expected to receive software support for a longer period than the iPad Pro 2018. As of April 2026, both are compatible with iPadOS 26.x, but the iPad 2021 will likely continue to receive major OS updates for at least another year or two beyond the iPad Pro 2018.
• Repairability and Design: The iPad Pro 2018 features a more modern, thinner design at 5.9 mm, compared to the iPad 2021's 7.5 mm thickness. While repairability scores can vary, both devices are generally considered challenging to repair by independent users due to their construction. The practical lifespan for both, assuming typical usage and care, extends well beyond their active software support, often lasting several years for general tasks.

The performance capabilities of these two iPads differ, primarily due to the generation of their internal processing components and the amount of available memory.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2021 is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday applications, web browsing, and light gaming smoothly. The iPad Pro 2018, despite being an older model, features a more advanced processor from its release era, designed for professional-grade tasks, which allows for very fluid multitasking and demanding application usage.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: For typical daily use, both tablets offer a responsive experience. However, the iPad Pro 2018's more powerful processor and, in its higher storage configurations, increased memory, provide a noticeable advantage when running multiple complex applications simultaneously or engaging in intensive creative work like video editing or advanced graphic design.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2021 is available with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro 2018 offered a wider range of storage options, including 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and up to 1TB, with the 1TB models featuring more memory for enhanced performance.

The visual experience on these tablets is a key differentiator, with the iPad Pro 2018 offering several advanced display technologies.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPad 2021 features a 10.2-inch LED-backlit Retina IPS display, providing clear and vibrant visuals for general use. The iPad Pro 2018 comes with a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, available in 11-inch or 12.9-inch sizes, offering a larger viewing area and a more immersive experience.
• Resolution and Brightness: Both tablets have a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi), ensuring sharp text and images. The iPad 2021 has a typical brightness of 500 nits, suitable for most indoor and outdoor conditions. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a higher peak brightness of 600 nits, which can be beneficial in bright environments.
• Advanced Display Features: A significant advantage of the iPad Pro 2018 is its ProMotion technology, which provides an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel, particularly noticeable during fast-paced content or drawing with a stylus. The iPad Pro 2018 also includes a wide color (P3) gamut and an anti-reflective coating, enhancing color accuracy and reducing glare. Both models feature True Tone technology, which adjusts the display's color temperature to match ambient lighting.

The camera systems on these two iPads are designed for different primary uses, with the iPad Pro 2018 offering more advanced capabilities for photography and video.

• Rear Camera: The iPad 2021 features an 8-megapixel Wide rear camera, suitable for document scanning and casual photography. It supports 1080p HD video recording. The iPad Pro 2018 comes with a 12-megapixel Wide rear camera, offering better detail and low-light performance. It is capable of recording 4K video, providing higher resolution for video content creation.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: The iPad 2021 excels in video conferencing with its 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front camera, featuring a 122° field of view and Center Stage. Center Stage automatically keeps subjects framed during video calls, which is particularly useful for dynamic presentations or family chats. The iPad Pro 2018 has a 7-megapixel TrueDepth front camera, which supports Face ID for secure authentication.
• Audio Experience: The iPad Pro 2018 features a four-speaker audio system, delivering a more immersive and richer sound experience compared to the stereo speakers on the iPad 2021. Both devices include dual microphones for clear audio input during calls and recordings.