With very capable hardware, a high-precision stylus, and excellent graphic design software, the iPad is now a real alternative to a laptop or desktop for graphics work.
We’ll examine all the iPad models available as of 2024, along with official Apple iPad accessories. Run through their pros and cons and have some idea of whether an iPad is the right choice for graphic design.
Our Recommendations
- iPad Air 3 – Best Overall
- The New Apple iPad – Best Value
- 2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro – Best In Visuals
- iPad mini 5 – Best In Portability
iPad Air 3 – Best All-Around
Best All-Around iPad. Powerful and light, the go-to option for most graphic designers
Introduction
The third-generation iPad Air and fifth-generation iPad mini launched side-by-side in 2024, both with identical internal specs, with the six-core A12 Bionic processor, 3GB of system memory, Apple Pencil support and either 64GB or 256GB of storage. The iPad Air is larger though, with a 10.5-inch display as well as being slightly more expensive.
With identical performance, any preference depends on portability and screen size. Some will prefer a larger screen to work on, which is probably better for graphics work and illustration. But the advantage of the iPad mini’s light weight and portability makes it easier to whip out on a long journey and carry on with work. However, weighing just 1 pound the 10.5-inch iPad Air is already an astonishingly light computing device. It’s a tough choice.
One major hardware difference with the iPad Air is the Smart Connector, located along the side, which allows you to hook up Apple’s official Smart Keyboard accessory. That could swing the decision in the Air’s favor.
Pros
- Best all-round iPad for graphic design
- Powerful six core A12 Bionic processor
- 10.5-inch display optimal for graphics work
- Smart connector available for [link url=”https://amzn.to/36lhLRd”]Smart Keyboard accessory[/link] (might be necessary for some admin/office work).
- Weighs just 1 pound!
Cons
- Not the most affordable iPad
The New Apple iPad – Best Value
Affordable, lightweight and more than capable
In the world of iPads the iPad Pro as the most expensive, the iPad mini for is most portable and the iPad Air is the best all around for most people. These are all somewhat expensive compared with competing tablets (especially Chromebooks).
That’s why Apple sells a slightly cut-down, more affordable model it simply calls iPad, which received its most recent update at the end of 2024.
Crucially though the 2024 iPad now has the same 3GB of system memory found on the other iPads, and starting at $329, it’s a much more affordable way to own an Apple tablet. The A10 might sound old but Apple’s processors are so advanced the A10 still performs very well. We’d certainly recommend this affordable iPad for light use, as an iPad for children, or older relatives.
Pros
- Most affordable iPad
- Now with Apple Pencil support
- More system memory
- Laminated display
- Up to 128 GB storage
- 3 GB of system memory (up to par with other, more expensive iPads)
Cons
- A10 Processor is a few generations behind
2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro
The Apple iPad Pro carries an M1 chip that boasts exemplary performance. Visuals are clear and crisp thanks to its 12.9-inch liquid retina display. It also provides True Tone, ProMotion, and P3 wide color. Staying connected is also easy because of its speedy Wi-Fi. Work all day because of its battery life. Connecting is easy because of the Thunderbolt port.
Pros
- Excellent processing power.
- Light, slim, portable
- Long battery life
Cons
- Expensive
iPad mini 5 (2019)
Ultra portable and ultra powerful, iPad mini is fantastic
Being the lightest (300.5g) and smallest (7.9-inch) iPad, the fifth-generation 2024 iPad mini is in an entirely different class to every other iPad. It’s so small it’s almost pocketable, but it presents the same excellent computing experience you get with the iPad Air, with the same screaming fast six-core A12 Bionic processor, 3GB of system memory, Apple Pencil support and either 64GB of 256GB of storage.
A fifth-generation iPad mini is capable of running even the most highly detailed games, head duty graphics editing applications, illustration and note taking, 3D modelling, audio software and more without breaking a sweat. It’s by far the most powerful mini tablet there is.
Unfortunately, it lacks an official keyboard, unlike the larger models. You’ll have to look at third-party accessories here, such as the backlit Zagg Folio iPad mini 5 keyboard case.
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Same A12 Bionic Processor as other iPads
- Same memory (3GB) as bigger iPads
- Apple Pencil Support
Cons
- Smaller screen not ideal for graphic design
- iPad mini design remains unchanged since the first version
That’s all we’ve got for iPads, but you may be interested in some accessories to help with your graphic design work. See them below!
You May Also Be Interested in: The Best iPad Accessories for Artists and Graphic Designers
In order for artists to take full advantage of the iPads or other tablets, they’ll need some accessories. A stylus? Headphones? How about a keyboard? We’ve gone ahead and wrote up a quick guide to help you make the best decisions, enjoy!
Apple Pencil / Pencil 2
Has Apple reinvented the stylus?
Steve Jobs may have dismissed the use of a stylus when the iPhone first launched, but that didn’t stop Apple from later releasing an official stylus for use with iPad, which has raised the bar for stylus performance and quality and vastly improving digital graphics illustration as well as handwriting recognition supported throughout iPadOS.
Apple Pencil is a high precision stylus with just 9ms latency, resulting in exceptionally fluid drawing and writing. Pressure sensitivity as well as a wide variety of brushes supported in Apple’s own apps, such as Notes, add a new layer of functionality to the iPad, making it easy to scribble down notes, make annotations to documents and sign forms, in addition to the aforementioned precise illustration for graphic designers.
Notably, to use Apple’s nifty Sidecar feature in MacOS Catalina that turns your iPad into a second screen for your Mac, you have to use a Pencil as touch interaction won’t work.
The only problem with the first generation Apple Pencil is that it’s a bit clunky. The removable charging tip is easily lost and there’s no easy way to store it with the iPad. That’s why Apple sells a second-generation Pencil 2, for use with the iPad Pro only. It magnetically attaches to the tablet and charges wirelessly, making life a whole lot easier.
Pros
- High precision, low latency.
- Great battery life.
Cons
- Charging tip on first-generation Pencil easily misplaced
- Pencil 2 only works on iPad Pro
Apple Smart Keyboard / Smart Keyboard Folio
One of the best options for typing on an iPad
Apple’s official Smart Keyboard line comes in three flavours. There’s the Smart Keyboard, which works with the iPad Air, iPad (2019) and previous-generation 10.5-inch iPad Pro, models which all have a Smart Connector to supply power and data to the keyboard. As well as attaching magnetically to the iPad to hold securely in place, the keyboard folds back behind the iPad when not in use, the whole case offers good rear scratch protection.
Then there are two versions of the Smart Keyboard Folio for the iPad Pro (2018), one for the 11-inch model and one for the 12.9-inch model. Slight design changes with the Smart Keyboard Folio improve portability when the keyboard is attached, and the larger keyboard has a bit more physical space, and feel less cramped as a result.
Both Smart Keyboard and Smart Keyboard are brilliant to type on and don’t add much to the weight or portability of the iPad. Although the keys are made out of a hardened felt-like material, they are laid out with the same satisfying key travel as classic butterfly keyboard design and brings a computing-like experience closer to the iPad, which might be useful when working with complex graphic design tablet software.
Pros
- Great to type on
- Lightweight
Cons
- They’re all pricey
Apple AirPods / AirPods Pro
The ubiquitous earbuds work great with iPad too
AirPods need no introduction. Chances are you’ve already seen someone wearing them today, a testament to the pervasive nature of Apple’s wireless bluetooth earbuds, which have been an absolute smash hit with consumers all around the world. They pair very nicely with all iOS devices, from the iPhone to Apple Watch, and the iPad is no exception. In fact, as long as you’re signed in to a single iCloud account, your AirPods will simply be picked up by your iPad automatically for immediate use.
The biggest criticism of AirPods is their sound quality, leaving a little to be desired compared with other manufacturers of bluetooth headphones and earbuds. That’s one reason for the pricey AirPods Pro, Apple’s recently launched new AirPods design, which gives a selection of ear tips for an even better fit in different shaped ears, and of course, vastly improved audio quality.
Pros
- Fit snugly in most people’s ears
- Work well with all Apple products
Cons
- Expensive
The hardware and software in Apple’s iPad has evolved significantly since the first model was unveiled exactly ten years ago. Additions such as a high-resolution display, stylus and keyboard support, more storage, better cameras, more memory and considerably more processing power has transformed the iPad into a formidable computing device that is now a valid alternative to a traditional laptop for graphic design.
In particular Apple’s A-series processors are absolute performance beasts, and the processing power of the latest iPads is enough to leave behind the entire range of Android tablets on the market, even overtaking some Intel processors in benchmark tests.
The iPad range now includes four models, differing in screen size, performance and affordability. The iPad Pro stands out with a completely new design, the highest iPad performance and availability in a giant 12.9-inch format, which is fantastic for working on detailed visual work.
Combined with Apple’s exceptionally high quality Pencil stylus and the newfound flexibility added in the latest iPadOS operating system, the iPad is now a great platform for portable graphic design. This is supported by increasingly high quality iPad graphics software. Adobe recently launched an iPad-specific version of Photoshop, and there are also some fantastic alternative graphic design applications on iPad, such as Serif’s Affinity suite, Pixelmator and ProCreate.
Final Conclusion
Artists depend on wide-ranging tools to do their work. They need these tools to practice, improve their skills, and draw masterpieces. One such tool is the iPad. The choice of an iPad or tablet depends on a few factors. Some of these factors include accuracy, size, and pressure sensitivity. Some artists choose a tablet that enables them to draw for fun while others want the sort of gadgets that enable them to draw professionally. The popularity of iPads stems from the fact that they are replete with all the right specifications an artist needs. Below is a list of the best iPads for artists.
iPads no doubt have a number of benefits and features useful to any artist who is a fan of technology. However, just as with phones and any other electronics, there are things that you need to consider when you go looking for an iPad. Otherwise, you might end up with an expensive piece of technology that doesn’t meet your needs. Check out the iPads discussed above.