If you're looking for the best 10.2-inch iPad heavy duty cases that are tough and durable, then you're in the right place.

The 10.2-inch iPad is a fantastic piece of tech, and one of the best iPads you can buy today, which is why you'll want to keep it safe. In this guide, you'll find a list of cases specially made for the 10.2-inch iPad. They're all rugged and reliable, and some come with added features and a more stylish aesthetic, too. 

The ZAGG Rugged Messenger is the case that we feel truly checks all the boxes. It offers both the excellent looks and protection you'd need. However, if that design isn't your jam, there are plenty of 10.2-inch iPad heavy-duty cases that may be better suited to your tastes in our guide below.

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Q & A

Finding the best case for your new 10.2-inch iPad can be a challenge. There are so many choices available and it's difficult to know which features you need, like whether a stylish design is more important than a rugged case or a fancy stand.

It's worth asking yourself what your main priority is. If you're prone to dropping and knocking your tech, a case that prizes durability over all else is for you. But if you need a decent level of protection and want your iPad to look stylish, make sure you find a design you're happy with instead. 

When it comes to all your heavy-duty needs, the ZAGG Rugged Messenger is the best to get. It delivers on design and ruggedized nature, as it touts impressive military-grade drop protection with a spill-resistant, full-size keyboard. It's rare to see a case that is both slim and heavy-duty, all while carrying a top-notch keyboard in one complete package.

We also recommend the Mous Ultra-Protective Case. It might not be the cheapest option on the list, but it looks slick, boasts drop and shock protection and has a whole bunch of viewing angles to let you use your iPad in whichever way you please.

If you're looking for a new iPad case but it doesn't need to be a rugged one, take a look at our definitive best iPad cases guide. Our pick of the top covers, shells and keyboards for every iPad on sale now.

If you want more than a case and have your eyes on a brand new iPad instead, then we've got a bunch of new reviews for you to check out, including our iPad Pro (M2, 2022) review, iPad (2022) review and iPad Air 5 review. Or read our guide to best iPads you can buy today. 

Graphic designers have a few choices when it comes to purchasing an Apple iPad. Our number one choice is the latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which offers the largest display you can buy along with the best internals. It works with the second-generation Apple Pencil so that you can create anytime you'd like. We've gathered other noteworthy models to help you choose the one that fits your needs best.

Best Overall: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021)

The well-received 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) is Apple's largest and most feature-packed tablet to date. Featuring an all-screen design that's also shared with our runner-up, the 11-inch iPad Pro, this model supports the second Apple Pencil and comes with the super-powerful M1 chip also found in Apple's Mac lineup.

The Liquid Retina XDR display is the first, and currently only, iPad display to feature mini-LED technology for OLED-like blacks and up to 1,600 nits peak brightness for HDR content. Add to that ProMotion high-refresh rate, P3 wide color, and True Tone, it's far and away the best display on an iPad and a top pick for creatives.

If you're working with large files, you may also stand to benefit from the extra storage an iPad Pro offers with up to 2TB configurations available. The higher-capacity models also include 16GB RAM which may come in handy for your intensive workflows.

Further, the iPad Pro models are the only iPads to include a LiDAR scanner. Though not necessarily for graphic designers, the feature works with the device's dual cameras, motion sensors, and frameworks to measure depth. This combination makes iPad Pro great for augmented reality. A super-fast Thunderbolt / USB 4 port, Face ID, and mmWave 5G support are other reasons to go Pro.

Two reasons not to consider this tablet: The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the most expensive Apple tablet to date, with prices ranging from $1,099 to $2,399, depending on your configuration. A sixth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro could arrive in the near future and will almost certainly replace this model in Apple's retail stores.

Whether you want the largest canvas, the best display, the most power, or a lot of storage space, this is the tablet to buy.

Runner Up: 11-inch iPad Pro (2021)

If you love everything about the 12.9-inch iPad Pro but its large size, there's the third-generation 11-inch iPad Pro. This tablet has the same internals as our top pick but within a smaller footprint. Inside, you'll find a blazing-fast M1 chip and you can still spec up the storage as high as 2TB and benefit from that extra RAM.

Though the display is still edge-to-edge with gorgeous P3 wide color, True Tone, and ProMotion, it doesn't offer mini-LED technology so you won't benefit from the extra brightness or deeper blacks, so bear that in mind when deciding between the two. It is, however, smaller, lighter, and more portable while offering the same support for Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard. It also has an advanced rear camera setup, mmWave 5G, speedy Thunderbolt port, and Face ID.

Like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the 11-inch iPad Pro is expensive, ranging in price from $799 to $2,099. And like the larger model, rumors continue to swirl around new iPad Pro models potentially arriving later this year.

If you feel overwhelmed by the 12.9-inch iPad Pro but want the same specs (outside of the fancy mini-LED display), this is the iPad you should consider.

Best Alternative: iPad Air (2022)

The iPad Air (2022) is our overall best iPad. It brings many of the same features found on the iPad Pro series but for a little bit less, including the super-speedy M1 chip and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil.

Though the Air's display is not as advanced as the display in the iPad Pro models since it lacks ProMotion, it still goes edge-to-edge and offers a large 10.9-inch canvas, P3 wide color, and True Tone. If you can live without the higher refresh rate of the iPad Pro and the mini-LED tech offered by the 12.9-inch model, the Air could be a good way to save some cash while still enjoying the features that matter most.

As we mentioned above, the iPad Pro offers some advanced, AR-ready cameras, but those aren't necessarily all that useful for graphic designers. The iPad Air instead offers a single, 12MP shooter on the back which is totally adequate for day-to-day use. A USB-C port with up to 10Gbs data transfer speeds could also come in handy for designers, too.

It has Touch ID built into the top button, rather than Face ID, but it does support Apple's Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio. Finally, like all current-generation iPads, the iPad Air (2022) promises up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi or watching a video and up to nine hours of surfing the web using a cellular data network.

Apple's most colorful tablet, the iPad Air (2022) is available in space gray, starlight, pink, purple, and blue with 64GB or 256GB of storage. Prices start at $599 which is much more palatable than the iPad Pro models.

Apple's newest iPad Air skips some of the fanciest features in order to offer a more affordable price, though you still get the M1 chip and Apple Pencil 2 support.

Best Budget Choice: iPad (2021)

First introduced in 2010, the adjective-less iPad is now in its ninth generation. It's now the budget choice in Apple's tablet lineup and is the option designers should consider if affordability is key.

For nearly half the iPad Air (2022) price, the iPad (2021) includes a 10.2-inch display and up to 256GB of storage. It is the only current iPad model that offers the more traditional design with a thicker top and bottom bezels. With that also comes the old-school Touch ID Home button. Though it might look older, the familiar design may be a boon to those that are used to it — plus the internals have had a recent spec-bump!

Inside, it's powered by the A13 Bionic chip which, though first released in 2019, is still plenty powerful today. It also still has support for the Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil, though you'll be using the first-generation Pencil for any handwriting, sketching, or drawing.

The display is a little smaller than that of the iPad Air at 10.2 inches, versus the Air's 10.9 inches, and the display technology is also a little lesser. Instead of a Liquid Retina display, it includes a regular LED-backlit Retina display. It does feature True Tone, which automatically adjusts white levels to match your ambient lighting, but misses out on the P3 wide color display found on every other iPad, as well as the ProMotion of the Pro models. The display also isn't fully laminated like the other models in the lineup meaning your taps and Pencil swipes feel a little more detached from the content on-screen.

The 2021 iPad isn't a bad tablet, and price alone is what makes it very popular. Therefore, if money is the biggest factor in making your selection, buy it and start making new creations. Otherwise, spend the extra to get the iPad Air.

If bells and whistles aren't necessary, or you want to spend as little as possible on an iPad, you can't go wrong with this model.

Best for Portability: iPad mini (2021)

Weighing just 0.66 pounds, the iPad mini 6 is the most portable iPad you can get today. Despite being so small, Apple has managed to fit an 8.3-inch display into its chassis, going edge-to-edge like the Air and Pro models that came before it.

With the new and improved design comes support for Apple Pencil 2, making this an ideal sketchpad to take on the go. It's powered by the A15 Bionic chip too, so there's plenty of power packed into this diminutive iPad.

Despite being Apple's smallest tablet, it's not the most affordable option. Aimed squarely at those that need portability over all else, it's actually something of a premium purchase with a $499 starting price. If you can get away with a larger device, it may well be worth spending the additional $100 to get the extra screen real estate and M1 chip of the iPad Air. There's also no Smart Connector on the iPad mini meaning no special keyboard accessories.

When convenience and portability matter, consider the 8.3-inch iPad mini for your design needs.

Take your design work to the next level

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) is Apple's largest and most feature-rich tablet to date. Because of this, it's our choice for the best iPad for graphic designers. The premium iPad includes a desktop-class M1 chip plus the best display we've ever seen in a tablet. It supports the second-generation Apple Pencil and includes a super-fast Thunderbolt port for hooking up extra storage or an external display — all of which will be a boon to designers.

However, this tablet is going to cost you, with prices starting at $1,099, plus the cost of accessories like the aforementioned Pencil. It's also worth noting that the current iPad Pro is mid-cycle meaning a new one could be on the horizon in the near future, though that shouldn't put you off buying one today if you are in the market for a tablet upgrade as the current model will last you many years.

During the past year, the woes of virtual school have forced me to reconsider the benefits of a good iPad case. Not only are my kids clumsy and terribly rough on their homeschool devices (my son actually THREW the iPad down in a huff during a particularly frustrating class), they also need the case to provide a reliable stand so they can see and be seen during lessons. Thankfully, the Mous iPad case was an excellent solution to solve (at least a few of) our virtual-school problems.

Mous is known for creating high-quality and incredibly protective cases for Apple devices. I've used a few of their iPhone cases, but this is my first experience with a Mous iPad case. As expected, it looks great and performs equally well. My kids have managed to do a small bit of damage to the case, but it is holding up marvelously well, considering. Here is a rundown of my likes and dislikes about the Mous 10.2-inch iPad Case:

Mous 10.2-inch iPad Case: Price and availability

Like all Mous products, the 10.2-inch iPad Case is made with high-quality, long-lasting, and super protective materials. Because of this, the Mous iPad Case is certainly not cheap at $80. When it does go on promotion, we'll be sure to list it in our deals section.

Right now, you can buy the Mous iPad Case on their website or at Amazon. I personally prefer to shop the official Mous site because they include a wealth of information on every product, from in-depth info on the materials to informative videos. They even have demonstration and installation videos if you're in doubt about how to use a product.

Mous 10.2-inch iPad Case: Protection at every angle

After months of watching my kids wreak havoc on their devices during hours of daily virtual school, I knew I had to find an extremely protective case. That's the most important aspect of this case for me personally. Because of the tendency of iPads to bend and contort during really hard falls, Mous incorporates a rigid backplate combined with AiroFoam™ guards to protect against extreme drops, shocks, and falls. Since it also has a raised bezel to protect the screen, it has held up beautifully despite a lot of rough treatment by my kids.

The second benefit that I find really convenient about the Mous iPad Case is the built-in stand system. They made the cover flap and stand work together in a way that allows you to stand the iPad up to four different viewing angles. The tallest viewing angle is almost vertical, which works great for my kids so they can watch their lessons, and each teacher can also see their face through the camera lens instead of just a piece of their forehead (this was a problem with the previous cases I used). The lower stand settings are excellent for working on the iPad and even drawing with an Apple Pencil, even though I don't currently own the iPad stylus. I should mention here that the Mous Case also has a built-in slot to store the Apple Pencil, which I find pretty nifty even if I don't use the feature.

Besides the protective and standing features, you can tell that this case is built well from the moment you take it out of the box. Inside the front flap, you will find a set of detailed installation instructions, which is unique among iPad cases. I usually have to wrestle with the thing until I figure it out, so I found the instruction sheet refreshing and convenient. The microfiber lining is delightfully soft, and the rubberized back panel feels smooth and silky to the touch. This is also the part of the iPad that my kids managed to damage, though, so I will go into that in the next section.

Mous 10.2-inch iPad Case: It's not indestructible

I'll start by mentioning that my kids are not normal humans; they are rabid beasts sent by Karma as revenge for all the crap I pulled as a child, so I'm assuming that the average person will not damage the Mous Case as quickly. But since my kids are such special creatures, they did manage to put a few dents in the back panel of the case. Now, the actual rigid protective layer we discussed earlier is inlaid on the inside of the case, so the back panel I'm referring to is the rubberized folding panel that doubles as an iPad stand. It has a soft silky texture that feels lovely, but it is also susceptible to dents under duress. Hopefully, this is not the case for the average user, but my kids did manage to put some small dents in it after a couple of months of daily use.

Other than that, the case has performed well, and I don't have many negative things to say about it. It does seem a bit heavy, but I suppose that heftiness comes with the territory of military-grade protection. Since 10.2-inch iPads are not intended to be used one-handed anyhow, I don't think a bit of extra weight is a huge deal.

Mous 10.2-inch iPad Case: Competition

When it comes to high-level protection, there aren't many cases that also come with an adjustable stand. The Defender Series Case by OtterBox is probably the most similar as far as rugged protection goes. This case offers heavy-duty protection against drops, and it comes with a built-in screen protector. The detachable backplate doubles as an adjustable stand, which can be used in three different angles. Compared to the Mous iPad Case, the OtterBox Defender series is more bulky and cumbersome, and it's also more expensive. Spec by spec, the Mous is the more sleek, convenient, and affordable choice.

Mous 10.2-inch iPad Case: Should you buy it?

• Your iPad needs the best protection.
• You use your iPad for watching videos or drawing with the Apple Pencil.
• You need multiple hands-free viewing angles.
• You appreciate good design and high-quality materials.

• You can't abide the eventual mark or dent with rough use.
• You want an ultra-slim, lightweight case.

Whether you use your iPad to watch movies, attend virtual classes, or illustrate with an Apple Pencil, there are many convenient ways to use this adjustable case from Mous. I like that it can be adjusted to stand at four different angles depending on how I use it. This one will also protect your 10.2-inch iPad from any amount of rough treatment, even if it does take a couple of dents in the process. When you see and feel the case, you'll recognize its high quality and fine construction. It even comes with detailed instructions for those of us who need a little extra help with installation. Overall it's an excellent product of the high quality I have come to expect from Mous.

The OtterBox Kids iPad case has one simple job; stop my kid from breaking my iPad. That's it, that's all I ask. Has it managed to do that? So far, yes, everything is going according to plan. There is, of course, a little more nuance to the case than that; otherwise, there wouldn't be a need for a review, but at its core, it's a rugged case that does its job extremely well.

My co-conspirator in this review is my three-year-old daughter Emma, and between us, we have put the OtterBox kids through its paces. You will see muck and dirt on the photos in this review for that reason. I wanted to show what this case looks like when used, not the standard press shots you might see.

OtterBox Kids: Price and availability

As of the writing time, the OtterBox Kids is an exclusive at Target and costs $59.99 for the case, $39.99 for the Bluelight glass protector, and $39.99 for the Easy Grab cables. That's a total of $139.97 for the entire bundle that OtterBox sent me for review. The OtterBox Kids is also available at Otterbox.com, but there is no sign of it appearing anywhere else right now.

OtterBox Kids: What's good

Since the day I bought the 2020 version of the iPad, my daughter Emma has been in love with it. Having a device that she can interact with that allows her to use her little hands fills her with joy, and she loves to make pizza, stroke kitty cats, and watch her favorite shows on the big screen. She also likes to push it off the table, throw it like a frisbee, and generally beat the living microchips out of it. We had a cheap case on it before that was already starting to show signs of wear, so the Otterbox kids' arrival gave us some hope.

The case itself is made from three separate pieces — four if you count the rugged handle — two hard shells which clip around the iPad and a large rubber outer shell that acts as the bumper for the hard falls that happen all the time. The bundle Otterbox sent us included the Bluelight guard glass, and applying that was simple once we got rid of all the little particles on the screen. Because it is a glass protector, you don't have to worry about bubbles underneath it, as long as you install it correctly. The glass has a blue light filter that helps remove the stimulating spectrums of light. This has worked surprisingly well when it is time to take the iPad away at night. Emma isn't anywhere near as hyped up as she used to be.

With the glass protector and case on the iPad feels much more secure. The large soft-grip handle is easy for a three-year-old to carry, and the occasional bump as she swings it around is absorbed by the case with no problems. Having a good screen protector means that moment of panic you get when you see it laying face down is instantly replaced with the knowledge that the screen likely isn't damaged beyond repair.

Having a good case on a device that is worth hundreds of dollars is an investment that pays for itself over and over. The OtterBox Kids has given my wife and me a chance to breathe out even while our child plays with the iPad. Our only fear now is when Emma gets too close to the cups!

OtterBox Kids: What could be better

My only complaint — if it can even be called that — is that the OtterBox offers no real protection from water. While I don't expect my kid to take the iPad into the bath with her, I would have liked to see rubber caps for the headphone and power cable slots. This would have reduced the chance of her spilling her juice into the only two places that can cause any real damage. That hasn't happened yet, but I'm sure she is just biding her time, ready to strike.

OtterBox Kids: Competition

There is certainly no shortage of rugged iPad cases out there in the world today. We have managed to distill our favorites down into the best 10.2-inch iPad Kid-Friendly Cases, but the closest to the OtterBox Kids is probably the Fansong rugged case. It may not look as cool as some of the other cases; it is for grown-ups, after all, but it offers similar protection as the Otterbox. It even comes with a strap and a place for your Apple Pencil, something that the OtterBox is sorely missing.

OtterBox Kids: Should you buy it?

• You have an iPad used primarily for kids
• You use the iPad for traveling in the car
• You want extra shock protection

• You don't have a child
• You want water protection

If we are looking at just the OtterBox Kids iPad case, then this is a great choice for anyone who either lets their child use their iPad or has bought an iPad for the child to own. The case is tough, durable, and, coupled with the glass screen protector, provides enough all-around protection for any situation except submerging it in water.

I'm delighted with the OtterBox Kids case, and I can see it being a permanent fixture in our lives until Emma is old enough to treat things with care. The entire bundle is great, though; if you are looking to save some money, you can probably forego the cable bundle. I didn't really find any advantage to them. You really don't want to have your iPad plugged in when your child is using it anyway, and while they are of good quality, I don't think it's $40 worth of quality.

That being said, if you stick to the case itself and the Bluelight guard screen protector, the OtterBox Kids is an excellent investment to protect your iPad from your smallest humans.

If you're on the lookout for the best iPad deals available, Woot has just kicked off not one but two sales today that you need to check out. The first offers recent iPad models (from 2017 or later) in refurbished condition with prices as low as $240 which gives you the chance to snag your next daily tablet for less. Alternatively, its second sale on early-gen iPads offers prices from just $70.

Though none of the devices are new, they have been tested to ensure they are fully functional and Woot offers a 90-day warranty with whichever you choose. Both sales are set to expire tonight or when sold out, so be sure to take a look now.

$899.99 $1299.00 Save $399 1623157769

Having now been replaced by the 24-inch M1 iMac, Apple's 21.5-inch iMac has been discontinued. That means big savings at third-party retailers including at Amazon where it's discounted by $399.

Prices Vary 1622214797

This sale includes iPhone models, the Apple Watch, iMac and iPad devices, Beats headphones, Apple services, and more. The deals vary by product, so be sure to check them all out now.

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Change how you use your iPad with the Apple Pencil. This stylus lets you use your iPad as a notepad, a canvas, or a drawing board for all of your ideas. Today's deal saves you 20% instantly at Verizon.

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Updated in late 2020, the Mac Mini has Apple's M1 chip that combines CPU, GPU, and machine learning for faster performance, better graphics, and an all around streamlined device. This version has 8GB RAM and a 256GB solid state drive.

From $329 1621244196

Apple Watch Series 6 models are available for some of their best prices ever right now. The lowest price is on the red 40mm version which is $70 off with 44mm and cellular models seeing discounts of up to $91.

For something more recent that will likely last you the longest, check out the first Woot sale going on today. It offers iPad models from 2017 or later, including 9.7- and 10.2-inch iPad models as well as 10.5- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro devices, with prices from $240.

With whichever iPad you view, it's worth comparing the price with the best iPad deals available for brand new models to ensure you're making the best choice. While the devices on sale at Woot are all previous-gen devices and a direct comparison isn't available, you can get an idea of which is worth snagging quite easily.

The 2020 iPad, for example, is available brand new at Amazon for just $299 which would be a wiser investment than the 2019 version for $330 at Woot. That being said, grabbing a refurb 10.5-inch iPad Pro at Woot for $370 might work better for you than the new 10.9-inch iPad Air starting at $600.

If you want the most affordable iPad possible, or your needs are more basic or you just want an easy-to-use tablet for a kid, one of the early-gen iPad models may still serve you well — especially if you can score one from $70.

That sale includes iPad mini models as well as the iPad 2 and iPad 3. It's worth noting that none of the devices included in that sale support the current iPadOS 14 software so you'd be using it with an older version which may lose support for certain apps over time.

Woot generally charges $6 per order for shipping, though you can score free shipping on today's order by logging in with an Amazon Prime account before checking out. If you've never been a member before, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial to have your orders shipped for free at Woot and Amazon. You'll also gain access to perks like the Prime Video streaming service, exclusive members-only discounts, and more.

Apple recently introduced an all-new iPad and iPad Air for 2020. These introductions don't mean their predecessors are suddenly bound for the trash heap. Both the iPad (2019) and iPad Air (2019) still pack plenty of power, but because Apple is no longer making them, you'll be able to purchase them for less. The iPad mini (2019), which offers similar specs to the iPad Air (2019) remains on the market, but that doesn't mean you won't still find discounts on the 7.9-inch device.

Last year's iPad and the latest model are nearly identical, with the same screen size, storage options, cameras, RAM, connection ports, and more. The difference lies with the processor, an A10 Fusion on the earlier model vs. an A12 Bionic found on this year's version. If you find Prime Day deals on an iPad (2019), hit the buy button and never look back. You'll be getting a great discount on a product that's nearly identical to its successor.

By contrast, Apple made significant changes between last year's iPad Air and the new model. The newest model has a bigger display, better processor and rear-facing camera, support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, 4K video recording, a USB-C connector, and more.

Despite this, last year's model is still worth considering. With a 10.5-inch display, the iPad Air (2019) is larger than the iPad (2019 and 2020), and it still supports an Apple Pencil (first-generation). Plus, the front-facing camera is the same one you'll find on the newer model. If you aren't quite ready to switch to USB-C, keep in mind that the iPad Air (2019) still comes with a Lightning connector.

On price, even without an Amazon Prime Day discount, last year's model is cheaper. The iPad Air (2020) is $100 more expensive across all options.

The current iPad mini isn't likely to get a 2020 replacement like the iPad (2019) and iPad Air (2019). And yet, Amazon often discounts this model regardless. Though we don't yet know how much Amazon will discount the iPad mini (2019) on Prime Day, it could prove significant. The iPad mini (2019) is best described as an iPad Air (2019), but with a smaller display. Not surprisingly, it makes our list of the best iPads of the year!

This year, Prime Day is very close to Black Friday, which is another day we oftentimes see big sales on iPad devices. What's important to realize is that the sales on Prime Day might affect supplies for Black Friday. Something that is available now, may not be at the end of November. And, shipping times have been sporadic, at best, this past year. If you want to be sure your item makes it to your doorstep before December 25, it'd be smarter to buy now on Prime Day and don't wait until Black Friday.

Best Buy has the latest 10.2-inch iPad on sale for as little as just $249.99 right now. That's almost $80 off its regular price at Apple and other retailers for the 32GB model. You can also save on the 128GB model at a $99 discount, though these are limited to in-store/curbside pickup. If you missed the deals when the iPad dropped to this price last week, now's your chance to snag one that low again. Before that, we hadn't seen a deal this good since around the holidays.

Check out our review of Apple's newest iPad. We gave it 4.5 stars out of 5 and said "... for anyone not wanting to spend a dollar more on an iPad than they absolutely have to, or are buying in bulk for education or enterprise, this new iPad is absolutely the new, better best value in tech today."

The most-recent iPad has a 10.2-inch Retina display with a 2243 x 1668 pixel resolution. Our review points out this size, which is larger than previous generations, helps with productivity since you can put apps side-by-side and work with both of them at the same time.

It also comes with the A10 Fusion chip, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and a 10-hour battery life. You'll get the 8MP 1080p camera on the back with a 1.2MP 720p camera on the front. Some of these things, like the A10 Fusion chip and the cameras, aren't quite up to par with Apple's more advanced machines like the iPad Pro, but they help keep the cost at a much more reasonable level.

Once you've placed your order at Best Buy, head to this guide of the best iPad 10.2-inch cases to pick out some protection and make sure your tablet is covered as soon as it arrives at your home. If you're in the market for a different iPad model, check out our list of the best iPad deals out there right now.

When it debuted in 2017, the entry-level iPad wasn't a powerhouse, but it was a decent choice for anyone that needed a low-cost tablet. But it's powered by the A9 system-on-a-chip, which is almost five years old at this point. It may run iPadOS 13, but features like multitasking aren't going to work as well as they do on newer iPads.

There's also the lack of accessory support. The 2017 iPad doesn't support the Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard, both of which are supported by the 2019 iPad. It also features a 9.7-inch display, compared to the 10.2-inch one found in the current iPad.

Then there's the matter of actually finding one. Apple discontinued the fifth-generation iPad when it debuted the sixth-generation model in 2018, and now the only place to find the 2017 version is renewed through third-party sellers. What's more, those sellers are still charging for the refreshed iPad as though it was new, even though they acknowledge it as refurbished.

The 2019 iPad is a superior tablet to the 2017 model in every conceivable way. Not only does it have a bigger 10.2-inch display, but it also does so in a frame that much bigger than the fifth-generation model.

The 2019 iPad also does support Apple's Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil accessories. This makes it a better tool for productivity. It's also powered by the Apple A10 system-on-a-chip. It uses the variant originally found in the iPhone 7 Plus, which means that it has 3GB of RAM, giving it more headroom for things like multitasking. This is an improvement over the 2GB of RAM found in the fifth-generation iPad's A9 chip.

There's also the matter that the seventh-generation iPad is just over six months old, where the fifth-generation model is now over three years. And you can even get the current iPad at a discount that brings it well under some prices at which the 2017 iPad is available.

The 2019 iPad is a more versatile, powerful, and impressive device than the 2017 model, and it's the place where you should put your money.

What you need to know

• The new products got teased at last month's CES in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• ZAGG now offers three keyboard cases for the 10.2-inch iPad, which was released by Apple late last year.
• The new InvisibleShield protects your Apple Watch Series 5 from scratches and dents.

ZAGG has officially released some of the Apple-related accessories it first announced at last month's Consumer Electronics Shows (CES). New protective cases for the 10.2-inch iPad and an InvisibleShield for the Apple Watch Series 5 are now available and beginning to ship to users.

As Christine Chan previously reported, the new ZAGG Slim Book Go is among the slimmest on the market for the 2019 10.2-inch iPad. It features an ultra-slim profile keyboard with backlit keys and a detachable case. The keyboard is pairable with up to two devices simultaneously so you can go back and forth between your tablet and computer. There's also an Apple Pencil holder to keep your writing and drawing tool safe and easily accessible.

The Slim Book Go has been designed so you can detach the keyboard when not in use. As a bonus, the case includes a reversible kickstand to give you over 100-degrees of optimal viewing and working angles.

The ZAGG Slim Book Go is $99.99 and available through the ZAGG website.

For something different, there's the new ZAGG Rugged Messenger for the 10.2-inch iPad. Also $99.99 and available through the ZAGG website, the Messenger also includes a built-in keyboard to use with your iPad. Featuring backlighting in seven different colors, the keyboard is designed to work in lowlight conditions. You can pair the keyboard with two devices at once and sync toggle between them.

Impact-resistant, the case can withstand drops of up to two meters and offers multiple viewing angles. There's also room for your Apple Pencil and note that the laptop-style keyboard's battery lasts up to two years between charges.

A previously released ZAGG Messenger Folio is also available for the 10.2-inch iPad. The tablet keyboard and case is $59.99 online.

Finally, there's InvisibleShield's GlassFusion 360 for the Apple Watch Series 5. The nearly unbreakable hybrid glass screen protector absorbs and disperses impact to prevent cracks and shattered screens. Additionally, the polycarbonate bumper protects the bezel of the Apple Watch from nicks and scratches, and the full-screen adhesion helps preserve the screen's touch sensitivity.

Available for both the 40mm and 44mm Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch Series 4, the InvisibleShield Glass Fusion 360 is $39.99 and available for purchase through the ZAGG website. You can purchase one in black or gold; a silver model is launching soon.

ZAGG and InvisibleShield are just two of the companies under the ZAGG Brands name. The others include mophie, Braven, iFrogz, Gear4, and Halo.

What you need to know

• ESR has announced the Sentry Stand Case.
• It's for the 10.2-inch iPad.
• It has seven viewing angles and can be hung on things.

Accessory maker ESR has announced an all-new case designed for the 10.2-inch iPad, and it has a couple of tricks up its sleeve. Not least the fact that it can be used to hang your iPad on a fridge.

Starting with the more mundane, the case supports seven different viewing angles when propping your iPad up, so you're never going to be unable to find just the right one when watching "The Mandalorian." And there's somewhere to keep your Apple Pencil safe as well. Which is all great, but it's the fridge sticking thing that got you here, isn't it?

According to ESR, this case uses the magic of the magnet to allow it to be attached to metal surfaces, like your fridge. I'm not 100% sure why you might want to do that, but ESR reckons people like to do it when cooking. Or something.

Oh yeah. You can hang it on a hook, too.

If you want to pick the new Sentry Stand Case up you can get one of your very own for around $30, although there tends to be the odd voucher on Amazon, too. Unfortunately, it appears that black is your only color option, too.

When Apple introduced the 6th generation, 9.7-inch iPad with Apple Pencil support starting at $329, many of us called it the best deal in tech.Now, Apple has introduced the 7th generation, 10.2-inch iPad with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard support, still starting at $329, the obvious question became — is it now an even better deal? So, is it?

iPad 7 (2019): Design

Last year's entry-level iPad felt like the love child of the original iPad Air and the iPad Air 2. This one, not surprisingly, feels much the same. Except, now, the original iPad and iPad Air 3.

The color options are the same: Silver, space gray, and gold. So is the design, all bezels and Touch ID. The size is almost the same. Same height, same weight, just ever so slightly thicker and heavier, not that I can really notice.

The iPad 7 display, at 10.2 inches and 2243 by 1668 pixels, is comfortably bigger than last year's iPad 6, which was 9.7-inches at 2048‑by‑1536. But, not quite as big as this year's iPad Air 3, which is 10.5 inches at 2160 by 1620 pixels.

That I can notice, but only when holding them side-by-side. Using either one of them alone and the difference is small enough it effectively disappears. The same isn't true with the rest of the display tech. The iPad 7 isn't laminated like the Air 3, it doesn't have the same anti-reflective coating, it's sRGB gamut rather than the wider DCI-P3 gamut, and it doesn't have Apple's TrueTone ambient color temperature matching, so it can look a little blue in warm light and yellow in cold light. It's also not 120hz dynamic refresh like the last couple of iPads Pro.

I notice all of that because I'm used to the iPads that have all of that. And it's really hard going back. Coming from an iPad Air 1 or older, or an iPad 5 or 6, you'll see no difference because there's no difference to see. Other than the display is bigger now than any of those. And for the target market, kids and parents, first-timers and long-timers, bigger is better.

For productivity, it lets you side-by-side app bigger. Web browser on one side, notes on the other. Keynote or Pages filling the screen. Microsoft Office the app or GSuite the website, now in desktop-class Safari. For creativity, it lets you draw or paint or compose or edit just that much more easily.

9.7- to 10.2-inches doesn't sound like that much of a difference, but at this scale, when you touch it, when you use it, it makes all the difference.

iPad 7 (2019): Performance

Some people might assume anyone interested in buying a $329 iPad isn't interested in the silicon running it. I'm not those people. Just because price might be high on the feature list doesn't mean performance and power efficiency aren't right up there as well. Because, what you pay is important. The value you get for what you pay is even more important.

So, here, at the heart of the machine, you have the Apple A10 Fusion. It's the chipset that debuted with the 2016 iPhone 7, and Apple's first performance.EFFICIENCY processor.

It's not the A12X powerhouse that's in the current generation iPads Pro. The ones that make Intel's coreM cry. It's not the regular A12 in the 10.5-inch iPad Air from earlier this year either, or the previous A10X Fusion from the 10.5-inch, 2017, iPads Pro. In point of fact, it's exactly the same A10 Fusion that was in last year's 9.7-inch iPad 6.

So, on one hand, no real upgrade here. But, on the other, I don't think many people, if any people, are upgrading entry-level iPads every year either. No schools or enterprise mass-purchasers, especially.I would have loved to have seen Apple take the iPad to A11. Sorry, I'm never not going to use that line.

The additional and independent cores would have been great to offset the extra pixels in the display, and to add to the overhead for future operating systems and software. And the first-gen neural engine block would no doubt have helped with machine learning tasks. In practice, I haven't seen any real impact so far. The A10 still has enough performance to handle the web and apps as well this year as last. That includes some of the more strenuous augmented reality and art apps I tried out. Which is what will likely be most important to kids using them at home and at school, and companies using them in the office and out on the field.

It's not going to handle the highest end creative or pro apps with anywhere nearly the speed and scalability, of course. But that's why there are higher end iPads for pros. As to the headroom, we're just going to have to wait and see how long the A10 remains not just supported but sufficient. My guess is, a few years still at least.

Wi-Fi is the same as last year and same as the Air as well. Up to 866 Mbps MIMO. Bluetooth is 4.2, unlike the 5.0 on the Air. Cellular has been boosted to gigabit, though, which is a big improvement over last year's 300 Mbps, and on par with the Air. Great news for anyone who's looking or needing to take an iPad on the road.

Battery life has been consistent as well. Apple rates it at the exact same 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi, 9 hours on cellular, as pretty much every other iPad ever, mini, Air, Pro, whatever, and year after year, they've gotten really good at hitting that number.

iPad 7 (2019): Cameras

The biggest thing I didn't like about last year's entry-level 9.7-inch iPad was the camera system. Well, this year's entry-level 10.2-inch iPad has kept the exact same one.

The good news — or worse news, depending on your perspective? — is that it's also still really not far behind this year's iPad Air or iPad mini either. They're all 8-megapixel, f/2.4, with 1080p 30fps video on the back. Which isn't great for me because I'm hooked on the current iPhone 11 Pro's 12-megapixel, f/1.8, with 4K 60fps…

Likewise, the front camera is the same 1.2-megapixel, 720p sensor as last year, not the updated 7-megapixel 1080p sensor on the new Air. Which is kinda a crime against selfies.

I mean, I get it. Apple wants to hit a low, low price point with non-Pro iPads in general and the entry-level in particular. That means something has to give. There have to be compromises. And with the screen getting bigger, there's no budget left for the camera system to get better. At least not this year. It does mean I can't recommend you use these as your primary cameras to capture your most important memories, not unless they're absolutely the only option you have.

But, for most of its intended use cases — for anyone who just needs to shoot a photo or some video to use for a project at home or at school, or scan a document at work or on the road, these cameras are serviceable.

Still, I'd love it if Apple could find a way for them to be more. Even on the entry-level.

iPad 7 (2019): Smart Keyboard

The Apple Pencil story for the entry-level iPad is the same this year as it was last. It uses the original, first-generation Pencil. Yes, the one you can quick charge in the Lightning port at the coffee shop and will make fun of up until and maybe even after it saves your butt by letting you do just that.

Thanks to iPadOS — iOS 13 for iPad — it's even more responsive than ever before. And, yes, it still works with the Logitech Crayon as well, if that's what you prefer to use or deploy. I loved it when Apple introduced it with the original iPad Pro in 2015 and I still love it today. No digitizer layer, no air extra air gap, no reticule, just fast, satisfying draw what I want and what I want gets drawn.

It's not as singular or convenient as the magnetically charging Apple Pencil 2 that works with the current generation iPads Pro, but it still works great.

What's new on the accessory side this year is Smart Keyboard support, which I also love. I'll go so far as to guess the entire reason Apple went to this size for the entry-level iPad is so that it could fit the full-size Smart Keyboard Apple debuted with the 10.5-inch Pro and re-upped with the 10.5-inch Air.

I've been using one, day in, day out, since they came out in 2017 and I'm still really happy with it. it works great. It feels great. And it's pretty much spill-proof, which is especially great for education and a lot of other sectors. I think I even like this, origami-like version more than the next-gen folio model Apple began selling with the current iPad Pro.

Should an iPad need a pencil and a keyboard? Should paper need a pen or a typewriter?

Yes. Yes. Fingers are great but sometimes you want the precision of the pencil and speed of the keyboard and having both doesn't make the iPad any less a tablet. It makes it more a tool.

Sure, they greatly inflate the starting price, and for some they just won't be worth it. But I'd argue they greatly increase the value, so for me, they're more than worth it. Even for the entry-level.

iPad 7 (2019): Conclusion

This year the entry-level iPad has a bigger screen and an optional Smart Keyboard. If you want a one-line review or summation, that's it. But it belies just how much better those two differences make this new iPad, especially with a price that's stayed the same — $329.

For perspective, a couple of years ago, Apple introduced a 10.5-inch iPad Pro starting at $649. And I loved it. It was my primary iPad, which means my primary computer for everything but video, for over a year. Until the current version came out.

Now, just over 2 years later, Apple is introducing a 10.2-inch iPad starting, like I said, at $329.

It doesn't have the same display, camera, or even starting storage, but it runs all the same apps, with the same pencil, and even the same keyboard. So, functionally, it's not too dissimilar to the old Pro, and again, starting at only $329.

Last year, I called the iPad 6 half a pro for half the price. Since then, Apple has seriously escalated the Pros with a new design and new capabilities.

So much so, I can't call the iPad 7 three-quarters of a pro for a third the price, and be done with it. I'm terrible at fractions anyway. But I'm also amazed at how well and how fast Apple continues to push iPad Pro technology down into not just the mid-range but the entry-level iPads as well.

I mean, who would have guessed the biggest rival to the 2019 iPad Air would legit be the 2019 iPad nothing?

But it is. It totally is. And for anyone not wanting to spend a dollar more on an iPad than they absolutely have to, or are buying in bulk for education or enterprise, this new iPad is absolutely the new, better best value in tech today.

Buy iPad Air: https://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPad-Air-10-5-inch-Wi-Fi-64GB/dp/B07NHNG1GJ?tag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUimUdUnU59471

Buy iPad 7: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XL7G4H6?tag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUimUdUnU59471

Buy iPad mini: https://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPad-Mini-Wi-Fi-64GB/dp/B07PRD2NQ7?tag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUimUdUnU59471

Buy iPad Pro: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K344J3N?tag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUimUdUnU59471

The iPad Air 3 and the new 10.2-inch iPad are very similar in size, so much so, that we don't think most cases will have a problem fitting both; however, there are a few differences.

While both models have the exact same height and width — 9.8 inches and 6.8 inches respectively — the new 10.2-inch iPad is slightly thicker with a depth measurement or 0.29 inches rather than the 0.25 inches of the iPad Air. This difference is not likely to affect too many cases, but the depth difference could make an older iPad Air 3 case sit a little less snug on the new iPad.

It's important to note that both Apple's Smart Cover and Smart Keyboard accessories fit the iPad Air 3 and the 10.2-inch iPad.

The 10.2-inch iPad has a slightly smaller screen that the iPad Air 3 — the latter of which has a 10.5-inch screen. If you have an iPad Air 3 case that has a built-in screen protector, that screen protector will be a little off if you slap that case on the new 10.2-inch iPad.

Cases we like so far

There have been some cases that have caught our eye for the new 10.2-inch iPad. If you want to absolutely make sure you get a case that fits the new iPad, check out our favorite 10.2-inch iPad cases.

The new 10.2-inch iPad is available in three color choices: silver, space gray, and gold. Whichever color you choose is ultimately up to you, but there are a couple of things you might want to consider before you purchase your new iPad.

Black bezel vs. white bezel

Although you'll need to consider your iPad's back color, the color on the front around your screen is worth your consideration as well. The silver and gold iPads have white faceplates, while the space gray iPad models use a black bezel.

Some prefer the look of black — which, like almost all TV sets these days, lets the border practically disappear into the screen. This makes watching videos particularly pleasing to the eye, particularly when watching in low-light situations. But, the black faceplate is also prone to showcase fingerprints and smudges.

In contrast, if you use your iPad as a personal reader, a white bezel can prove easier on the eyes when reading websites, documents, and ebooks with bright or white backgrounds. Plus, a white bezel doesn't show fingerprints or small scratches nearly as easily as a black bezel.

Classic or flashy style

All around, the space gray iPad is a very classic look. Black is a trendy color for all sorts of electronics, and if you don't want your iPad to stick out from your various devices, black goes with everything.

The silver iPad, while more bright and attention-grabbing than the black, still has a more understated look. It's very classy and won't likely turn any heads.

Lastly, the gold iPad is the flashiest, and although Apple has used the gold color on a number of its devices now, it still sticks out. The gold color on the back is pretty bright, and can occasionally look a bit rosy or even have a copper hue depending on the light.

What you need to know

• October means Inktober is here.
• Inktober is a month-long event that urges artists to draw one new item every day.
• Artists are encourage to take up anything from a pencil to an iPad with an Apple Pencil and draw.

With October days away, that only means one thing: Inktober is here. In case you are unfamiliar with Inktober, it is a month-long drawing challenge that was started by illustrator and animator Jake Parker in 2014.

The event offers a prompt list for every day in October that starts with a "ring" on October 1 and ends with a "ripe" on October 31. Artists are urged to share their drawings online and on social media.

Here are is the full prompt list for Inktober.

Artists, illustrators and everyone is welcomed to take up their pens, pencil, brushes, or digital styluses and join in on the challenge. The most notable digital stylus artists have at their disposal is the Apple Pencil which works great with apps like Linea Sketch. It's much more accessible now that the entry-level iPad supports the Apple Pencil.

If you own an iPad and want to join the challenge, grab the prompt list and get to drawing during October.

The best iPad you can buy in 2019

What you need to know

• Apple said the new 10.2-inch iPad will begin shipping on Wednesday, September 25.
• The tablet will also be available in stores later this week.
• Apple originally said the device wouldn't be available until September 30.

If you're looking to buy your first iPad — maybe for school or for work — Apple's newest 10.2-inch model is a terrific option. And the good news is the device starts shipping tomorrow, so it should be in your hands in time for the weekend.

Apple originally planned to release the new 10.2-inch iPad, which retails for just $329, on September 30. But with iPadsOS now available, it appears Apple wants the device out as early as possible so users can start enjoying what the software update has to offer.

For all intents and purposes, the new 10.2-inch iPad is meant to be Apple's entry-level tablet. But its design, specs, and capabilities are more premium than the price would suggest.

The 10.2-inch iPad features Smart Keyboard support, Apple Pencil support, and a large, vibrant Retina display. The device also packs Apple's A10 Fusion chip, which is still plenty fast even though it's a few years old. And while the design isn't quite as sleek as the iPad Pro, it's an upgrade compared to the outgoing 9.7-inch entry-level iPad.

The new 10.2-inch iPad starts at $329 for the Wi-Fi model and $459 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The device will begin shipping Wednesday, September 25, and Apple also said it'll be in stores later this week.

What you need to know

• A Wi-Fi-only iPad was lost at LAX.
• It was located using the new Find My offline features.
• The owner was able to retrieve it successfully.

With the release of iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 Apple will introduce the updated and renamed Find My app. Part of the update includes the ability to locate devices even when they are offline. And it's already done its job with one Reddit user locating a lost Wi-Fi-only iPad at an airport.

The story goes that the person lost their Wi-Fi-only airport at Los Angeles International Airport and appears to have given up hope of finding it. However, the next morning they were greeted by two notifications saying that the iPad "has been seen". After returning to the airport they were able to locate and then retrieve the lost device.

The way this is made possible is pretty mind-blowing. Users mark their devices as lost and then other peoples' iPhones, iPads, and Macs effectively start looking for them via an encrypted Bluetooth signal. If a lost devices is spotted, its location is then sent back to Apple which in turn forwards it to the Apple ID that the device is registered with.

What makes this case even more amazing is the fact that iOS 13 iPadOS 13, nor macOS Catalina are available yet. That means this was all made possible via beta software and that someone running a device with that software installed must have gotten close enough to register the missing iPad's location.

When your luck's in, you don't question it!

What you need to know

• Logitech has announced the Rugged Folio and Slim Folio cases for the 10.2-inch iPad.
• Both cases offer case protection and large, easy to use keyboards.
• The Rugged Folio will launch in October for $140, while the Slim Folio will launch in November for $100.

If you're not a fan of Apple's Smart Keyboard, Logitech has some other really great keyboard cases for the new, and affordable, 10.2-inch iPad.

There are two new keyboard cases: the Logitech Rugged Folio and the Logitech Slim Folio. Both keyboards offer a typing experience that promises to elevate the new iPad's capabilities. You can get work done and easily pack up to move to your next project.

"Logitech has expanded its portfolio to have the ideal keyboard case for the new seventh-generation iPad based on what kind of iPad user you are," said Michele Hermann, Vice President of mobility at Logitech.

The Rugged Folio is for the iPad user who takes their tablet to the construction site. Along with a kickstand, it features shock-absorbent technology that Logitech claims exceeds military standard drop tests, so you can rest assured your iPad will be safe from harm.

The Slim Folio, meanwhile, will turn your iPad into a productivity machine. It's light, protects the iPad from bumps and bruises, and features a typing angle that's held in place with magnets, so you can comfortably type on a desk or your lap. The keyboard case also features a loop to hold the Logitech Crayon.

The Rugged Folio will be available in October for $140, while the Slim Folio will launch in November for $100. You can pick up a 10.2-inch iPad for $329 right now.

First, it was a new product category to fit somewhere between iPhone and MacBook. That despite, of course, a decade of Tablet PC that had come before it. Then, it was the intersection of technology and the liberal arts. Most recently, it was the clearest expression of Apple's vision for the future of computing… Even as Apple continued introducing new Macs. but what's a computer, right?

It's the iPad, and rumor has it we're about to get a new, slightly bigger, and overall improved entry-level model again this spring.

But what does that mean, exactly?

Rather watch than read? Hit play on the video above!

The Rumors

While rumors surrounding the 7th-generation iPad — non-Pro version, linear successor to the iPad, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad 5, and last year's iPad 6 — haven't been as volumenous as your average iPhone, there have been several over the last few months.

December 20, 2018, The China Times:

Past can be seen as prologue here: In 2016, Apple took the 9.7-inch iPad, kept the screen size but added Pro features like Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard, and then topped it off with even higher-end bells and whistles, like TrueTone and a much better camera system.

In 2017, Apple discontinued the 9.7-inch model for a new 10.5-inch model that had smaller bezels but a size Apple said was just perfect for both the on-screen and Smart Keyboard accessory.

Now that Apple has also discontinued the 10.5-inch iPad Pro in favor of an even newer, redesigned, 11-inch iPad Pro, that opens up the non-Pro's 10-inch potential, with lack of differentiation no longer a factor.

January 29, 2019, Steve Troughton-Smith on Twitter:

Those both sizes being the 7.9-inch iPad mini, which I've covered previously, and the new 10-inch full-ish sized iPad non-Pro.

Last year Apple brought Pencil support to the lower end, then 9.7-inch model, so that continuing obviously makes the kind of sense that does. Unless Apple intends to bring over all or part of the new iPad Pro's flattened redesign, which is necessary to house the magnetic inductive charging pad for Apple Pencil 2, and they might not be just yet, the less expensive iPad will likely also stick to the less expensive Apple Pencil.

As for the Smart Keyboard, now that the Pros have that all new design, maybe Apple feels like they don't need Smart Keyboard to be exclusive and maintain differentiation anymore?

Face ID is a different story since that's a big part of the new Pro models — and expensive — it's likely to stay exclusive for another year or to. No Touch ID, though? Unless Apple has some other easy authentication technology up their sleeves, and intend on debuted it with a new iPad instead of iPhone or Pro, that's harder to reconcile. At least for now.

January 30, 2019, Mark Gurman and Debby Wu, writing for Bloomberg:

The current 9.7-inch iPad packs the 2016 Apple A10 Fusion system-on-a-chip, which debuted inside the iPhone 7. The Fusion name is in reference to its two efficiency and two performance cores. I won't call the big.LITTLE, I've learned from that previous pain, but they were best in class a couple of years ago and still pack a healthy punch today.

Faster, though, likely means an Apple A11 Bionic, the chip that debuted inside the iPhone 8 and iPhone X last year. It had more efficiency and performance cores that, rather than being fused in pairs, could all operate independently and together. It also had Apple's first generation neural engine, which powered Face ID.

If Face ID really is unlikely for the non-Pro iPad this year, then there's still an extra year of substantive performance gains in the rest of that silicon, and boosts to machine learning and a variety of other tasks in the neural engine.

Retaining Lighting isn't a huge surprise either. Apple positioned USB-C as a decidedly Pro feature in iPad Pro and, besides, if Apple sticks to the original Pencil here, the only thing more awkward than the way it charges in the Lightning port would be trying to charge it with no Lightning port.

That and all the other accessories all the schools and enterprise customers have bought for the last few years that connect via Lightning.

On February 17, 2019, supply chain exfilitrator Kuo Ming-Chi dropped his first rumor bomb of the year, including:

Why 10.2 and not 10.5 like the previous generation iPad Pro? These are the questions that keep Jony Ive's industrial design team up and endlessly perseverating over CNC machines at night.

OK, not really, so despite being the aforementioned perfect size for on-screen and external keyboards, Apple might be wanting to keep the size down for education. But that's just a wild guess. We'll have to wait for Apple to explain the new sizes to know for sure.

The Questions

Will it finally get back the laminated screen that debuted with iPad Air 2 but became the exclusive providence of the iPad Pro line ever since the lower priced iPad emerged in 2017? If Apple wants to keep costs down, non-laminated will probably stick around. And that doesn't bode well for TrueTone dynamic white balance matching or ProMotion 120hz refresh rates. Though we may see the one before the other.

And sure, yes, Samsung has just shown off a new, mid-range tablet that, to the surprise of no one, looks a lot like the newly redesigned iPad Pro, albeit with much worse silicon and an OLED display.

Now, as of last year Apple still wasn't happy with the consistency of larger OLED displays, and they're almost certainly not happy with the huge markup Samsung's components division charges them for it, so it's my guess neither the technology nor the pricing work out for OLED on iPad, especially the low-end iPad, right now.

But, yeah, with that new tab on the market, the hardware pressure, if nothing else, is certainly on.

Will the cameras improve? There's currently an 8-megapixel on back and 1.2 megapixels on the front which, while enjoying the much better image signal processors of the A-series chipsets, have increasingly aging hardware. Again, it'll depend on what Apple can fit into the price point.

Same with radios, mics, and speakers. And given the iPhone XS, MacBook, and MacBook Pro lineup, the colors.

Which, hey, would at least still include the current coppery gold, something even the newly redesigned iPads Pro didn't get last year.

It also won't transform and roll out into a phone, like the Galaxy Fold or Huawei Mate X, also at least not yet. Apple may have been experimenting with foldables for years but they're nowhere near ready for primetime. And that's fine because I don't think I could take the $2000 price tag jokes all y'all would throw at me if they were.

The opportunity

It's not the popularity of the lower-end iPad line that fascinates me as much as Apple's strategy of continuously pushing the boundaries of hardware and pricing on the Pro end, but at the same time pushing their technologies like Apple Pencil and, maybe this year, Smart Keyboard, down to that lower end.

It makes me wonder if Apple couldn't do the same with iPhone. You know, like they did before with iPhone SE. Nothing helps take the sting off the top like a little bit of savings at the bottom.