iPad 2021 – Everything about the new entry-level iPad of the year
The iPad 2021 is Apple’s new entry-level tablet. The tablet is faster, has a better camera and more storage. On this page we will keep you up to date!
iPad 2021: the most important things at a glance
- New chip: the A13 Bionic (known from the iPhone 11)
- 20% faster than the previous generation
- Another one 10.2-inch Retina display (now with TrueTone)
- Enhanced Center Stage Camera
- Price starts again at 389 euros
- Storage: 64 GB or 256 GB
- Home button with Touch ID
- Available in silver and space gray
- Support for Apple Pencil 1st generation

iPad 2021 design
The appearance of the iPad 2021 is the same as the previous generation and again has a home button with Touch ID fingerprint scanner. It is the only iPad where the home button is still present, making the 2021 iPad look somewhat outdated. The 2021 iPad is available in two colors: silver and space gray. The iPad line is the entry-level model and Apple wants to keep the price relatively low. It is the cheapest iPad that Apple offers.
iPad 2021: the most important specs
The most affordable iPad of 2021 has an A13 Bionic chip on board. This is the same processor you see in the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE. The previous generation iPad had an A12 Bionic. According to Apple, the iPad 2021 is now 20% faster.
The tablet has a 10.2-inch screen and the resolution is still the same (2160 x 1620). It’s a Retina display with True Tone. With True Tone, the image is matched to the color temperature of the room. This makes images look more natural and the viewing experience is better in any light.
Do you often work with (graphically) heavy programs? Then you better take a look at the iPad Air, iPad mini or the iPad Pro. These tablets have more powerful hardware on board. The ‘regular’ iPad 2021 is particularly ideal for people who are looking for a tablet for everyday tasks such as browsing, word processing and occasionally want to play a game.

Apple Pencil 1 and iPadOS 15
The iPad from 2020 could only handle the first-generation Apple Pencil. With the iPad 2021, that is still the case. That’s a shame, because now you still have to charge the pen by plugging it into the Lightning port of the tablet. This is somewhat inconvenient and not as nice as with the Apple Pencil 2. It can be charged wirelessly on the edge of the tablet.
Furthermore, the cheapest iPad has iPadOS 15 as standard. The new version of the operating system brings many new functions with it. For example, iOS 15 improves your iPhone’s Messages app. In addition, FaceTime, the Apple video calling app, is being given a new look. FaceTime will soon also be available on Android. Furthermore, iOS 15 focuses on privacy. For example, websites (and advertisers) no longer see your real IP address (which is comparable to the home address of your internet connection). They are presented with a ‘fake’ instead.
Read more: Everything about iOS 15

Improved Camera and Center Stage (Center Stage)
The Centerpiece feature is now also available on iPad thanks to the new 12MP ultra-wide-angle front camera and Neural Engine. With the Center point function, the camera automatically moves with you as you move. Do you pace a lot during meetings? Then this is the position for you. When others join you, the camera automatically zooms out. This way everyone fits into the picture and no one is left out of the conversation.
Touch ID: Still Not Gone
Because Apple wants to keep the iPad 2021 accessible and affordable (and not too much in the way of the iPad Air), the tablet still has a classic Touch ID button. Unfortunately! Face ID is again missing. You therefore still have to put your thumb (or finger) on the home button to log in or, for example, to approve payments.

More storage for iPad 2021
The new iPad is available with a storage capacity from 64 GB. This is twice as much as the previous generation. Do you need more storage? Then there is also a version with 256 GB storage.
Compare these iPads
iPad 2021 release and price
The new iPad 2021 can now be ordered and is available on September 24 in the shops. This also applies to the iPad mini 2021. Both devices come in a WiFi and cellular version. You can read below what the tablets will cost in the Netherlands and Belgium.
- iPad (2021, Wi-Fi): 389 euros
- iPad (2021, Cellular): 529 euros
A Smart Keyboard for iPad is available separately for €165. The Smart Cover for iPad is available for €55 in black, white and English lavender. For an iPad Pencil (1st generation) you are €99 lost.
Contents
- 1 iPad 2021 – Everything about the new entry-level iPad of the year
- 2 iPad 2021: the most important things at a glance
- 3 iPad 2021 design
- 4 iPad 2021: the most important specs
- 5 Apple Pencil 1 and iPadOS 15
- 6 Improved Camera and Center Stage (Center Stage)
- 7 Touch ID: Still Not Gone
- 8 More storage for iPad 2021
- 9 Compare these iPads
- 10 iPad 2021 release and price