Is The Ipad 10th Gen Still Relevant In 2025 Or Outdated Tech

The iPad 10th generation, released in October 2022, marked a significant visual shift from its predecessors—introducing a modern, edge-to-edge design with a centered front camera and USB-C port. At the time, it was praised for bringing premium aesthetics to Apple’s most affordable full-sized iPad. But now, in 2025, consumers are asking: does this model still hold up? With new iPads launching regularly and software demands increasing, is the iPad 10th gen a smart buy today—or has it become outdated tech?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Relevance depends on individual needs, usage patterns, and expectations. For some users, especially students, casual media consumers, or those needing a secondary device, the 10th-gen iPad remains surprisingly capable. For others—particularly creatives or power users—it may already feel constrained.

Performance and Hardware: Still Fit for Purpose?

At its core, the iPad 10th gen runs on Apple’s A14 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 12 series. In 2025, that places it three generations behind Apple’s current A17 chips. While not top-tier by today’s standards, the A14 remains competent for everyday tasks. It handles web browsing, email, video streaming, note-taking, and even light photo editing without noticeable lag.

However, limitations emerge under sustained workloads. Multitasking across multiple apps, using split-screen with demanding tools like Google Docs and YouTube simultaneously, or running complex educational apps can expose memory bottlenecks. The device ships with only 4GB of RAM, which Apple optimizes well through iOS, but cannot match the 6GB or 8GB found in newer iPad Air and Pro models.

Tip: Close unused background apps regularly to free up memory and maintain responsiveness on long usage sessions.

The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is another strong point. Bright, sharp, and color-accurate enough for general consumption, it lacks True Tone and laminated glass—features that reduce glare and improve readability in variable lighting. This becomes noticeable when reading outdoors or drawing with an Apple Pencil (1st gen), where slight parallax exists between stylus tip and cursor.

Software Support Outlook Through 2025 and Beyond

One of the most critical factors in determining relevance is software longevity. Apple typically supports iPads with major OS updates for about five to six years. Given that the 10th-gen iPad launched with iPadOS 16 and has since received iPadOS 17 and 18, it’s likely to receive updates through at least 2027—possibly into 2028.

This means users purchasing the device in 2025 can expect at least two more years of feature updates and security patches. That’s significant compared to Android tablets, many of which stop receiving updates after just three years.

“Apple’s long-term software support gives older iPads extended usability, making them better long-term investments than similarly priced competitors.” — Mark Tran, Mobile Device Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Still, future compatibility doesn’t guarantee smooth performance. As iPadOS evolves—with richer animations, deeper multitasking features, and AI-driven tools introduced in iPadOS 18 and beyond—older hardware may struggle. For example, features like enhanced on-device dictation powered by larger language models run less efficiently on the A14 chip, leading to delays or reduced functionality.

Real-World Use Cases in 2025: Who Should Consider It?

The iPad 10th gen excels in specific scenarios where raw power isn't the priority. Let’s examine a few realistic user profiles.

Educational Use: A Solid Choice for Students

In K–12 education, the 10th-gen iPad continues to be widely adopted. Its durability, compatibility with keyboard cases and the Apple Pencil (1st gen), and access to a vast library of educational apps make it ideal for digital textbooks, quizzes, note-taking, and classroom collaboration.

Schools appreciate the standardized experience and centralized management via Apple School Manager. For families, buying a refurbished or discounted 10th-gen iPad offers a cost-effective entry point without sacrificing essential functionality.

Casual Home Use: Media, Messaging, and Light Tasks

For seniors or non-tech-savvy users who primarily browse the web, watch Netflix, video call family, or read e-books, the iPad 10th gen performs flawlessly. The interface remains intuitive, battery life lasts all day, and iCloud integration ensures seamless syncing with other Apple devices.

Mini Case Study: Remote Learning Adaptation

Linda, a middle school teacher in Oregon, purchased a 10th-gen iPad in early 2023 to transition her curriculum online during hybrid teaching. She uses it daily with a Bluetooth keyboard and Apple Pencil to annotate PDFs, record short lessons, and manage student submissions via Google Classroom. In 2025, she reports “no slowdowns” and says, “It does everything I need without costing a fortune.” She recently upgraded to iPadOS 18 and notes that while some new AI tools are slower to respond, core functions remain stable.

Comparison with Newer Models: Where It Stands Today

To assess relevance, it helps to compare the 10th-gen iPad directly against current alternatives.

Feature	iPad 10th Gen (2022)	iPad Air 5th Gen (2024)	iPad Pro M2 (2024)
Chipset	A14 Bionic	M2	M2
Ram	4GB	8GB	8–16GB
Display	10.9\" LCD, 60Hz	11\" Liquid Retina, 60Hz	11\"/13\" ProMotion, 120Hz
Pencil Support	Pencil (1st gen)	Pencil (USB-C) + Hover	Pencil Pro with Haptic Feedback
Storage Options	64GB / 256GB	128GB–1TB	128GB–2TB
Starting Price (2025)	$399 (refurbished)	$599	$799
Best For	Budget learners, casual users	Creatives, professionals	Pro artists, developers

The table shows a clear tiered ecosystem. While the 10th-gen iPad lags in processing, storage flexibility, and stylus innovation, it holds value at its price point. For someone unwilling or unable to spend $600+, it remains one of the few Apple devices offering genuine iPadOS functionality at near-entry pricing.

When the iPad 10th Gen Falls Short

Despite its strengths, there are situations where the 10th-gen iPad feels outdated in 2025.

• Digital Artists: Lack of Pencil hover, lower screen lamination, and absence of pressure sensitivity tuning limit precision for illustrators.
• Content Creators: No support for external displays, limited multitasking capabilities, and weaker camera system hinder productivity workflows.
• Long-Term Buyers: Those expecting to use the device heavily for 4+ years may hit performance walls sooner due to aging hardware.
• Business Users: Missing Stage Manager, limited file system access, and fewer enterprise management tools reduce its appeal in professional environments.

Additionally, the Smart Keyboard Folio—while functional—is bulkier and less typing-efficient than third-party Bluetooth keyboards designed for the Air or Pro lines. The lack of landscape front camera also makes video conferencing awkward unless propped externally.

Smart Buying Checklist for 2025

If you're considering the iPad 10th gen in 2025, ask yourself these questions before purchasing:

1. Will I primarily use this for reading, watching videos, or basic web tasks?
2. Do I need advanced multitasking (e.g., running three apps side-by-side)?
3. Am I planning to use an Apple Pencil regularly for drawing or note-taking?
4. Is my budget capped below $450, including accessories?
5. Will this be my primary computing device, or a secondary/backup?
6. Do I plan to keep it for more than four years?
7. Am I already in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, Mac, iCloud)?

If you answered “yes” to questions 1, 4, and 7—and “no” to 2, 5, and 6—the 10th-gen iPad could still be a sensible choice.

FAQ

Can the iPad 10th gen run the latest iPadOS updates smoothly?

Yes, it currently runs iPadOS 18 with acceptable performance for everyday tasks. However, resource-heavy features like enhanced Siri interactions and AI-powered text summarization may be slower or partially disabled.

Is it worth buying a new 10th-gen iPad in 2025?

New units are rarely sold at retail as Apple has moved to newer models. However, certified refurbished units from Apple or trusted resellers at $350–$400 offer excellent value for light users. Avoid paying full price ($499) if still available.

Can I use the iPad 10th gen for college-level work?

Yes, but with caveats. It works well for writing papers, attending lectures, accessing course materials, and taking notes. However, students in graphic design, engineering, or coding-heavy majors will benefit more from an iPad Air or MacBook pairing.

Step-by-Step: How to Maximize Your iPad 10th Gen Experience in 2025

Follow these steps to extend usability and optimize performance:

1. Update to the latest iPadOS version for security fixes and minor performance improvements.
2. Limit background app refresh in Settings > General > Background App Refresh to preserve RAM and battery.
3. Use lightweight apps—opt for native Apple apps (Notes, Pages, Safari) over heavier third-party alternatives.
4. Enable Low Power Mode during long study or travel sessions to stretch battery life.
5. Invest in a protective case with keyboard support to enhance productivity without adding bulk.
6. Regularly offload unused apps to free up storage space, especially if using the 64GB model.
7. Back up to iCloud weekly to prevent data loss and simplify potential future transfers.

Conclusion: A Balanced Verdict on Relevance

The iPad 10th generation is neither obsolete nor cutting-edge in 2025. It occupies a middle ground—a transitional device that brought modern design to Apple’s budget line and continues to serve a vital role for cost-conscious users.

Its enduring relevance lies in Apple’s commitment to long-term software support, robust build quality, and seamless integration within the broader ecosystem. For students, older adults, or households needing a reliable second screen, it remains a practical option—especially when purchased refurbished.

Yet, it’s no longer the best starting point for new iPad buyers with evolving needs. The gap between entry-level and mid-tier models has narrowed, and investing slightly more in an iPad Air often pays dividends in longevity and versatility.

💬 Have you used a 10th-gen iPad in 2025? Share your experience below. Whether you’re holding onto yours or upgrading, your insights can help others decide what’s next.