Everything you need to know about the 6th-generation Apple iPad

Apple’s 6th-generation iPad, revealed in April 2018, brought a subtle yet impactful refresh to its most affordable tablet. While its design remained familiar, the key additions of Apple Pencil support and a faster processor significantly broadened its appeal, particularly in educational settings.

Design and display: Keeping it classic

The 6th-generation iPad retained the same form factor as its predecessor: a sleek aluminium body with a 9.7-inch Retina display. This display, while not laminated, still offered vibrant colours and sharp text, making it ideal for reading, browsing, and watching videos. The familiar Touch ID home button remained, providing quick and secure access to the device.

Performance boost with the A10 Fusion chip

Under the hood, Apple upgraded the 6th-generation iPad with the A10 Fusion chip, previously seen in the iPhone 7. This brought a noticeable improvement in performance compared to the previous model, allowing for smoother multitasking and faster app launches.

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It also enabled the iPad to handle more demanding tasks like video editing and light gaming with ease.

Apple Pencil support: A game-changer for education

Perhaps the most significant addition to the 6th-generation iPad was support for the Apple Pencil. This opened up a world of possibilities for students, artists, and note-takers, allowing them to sketch, draw, and annotate directly on the screen. For schools, the combination of affordability and Apple Pencil compatibility made the iPad a compelling option for classroom use.

Software and features: iOS 11 and beyond

The 6th generation iPad launched with iOS 11, which introduced features like a redesigned App Store, a Files app for better file management, and a more powerful multitasking interface. It also received updates to iPadOS, benefiting from features like improved multitasking and support for trackpads and mice.

Connectivity and battery life

For connectivity, the iPad includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.2, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model also supports 4G LTE, providing additional flexibility for users who need connectivity on the go.

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The battery life is impressive, with up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos, or listening to music, and up to 9 hours of surfing the web using a mobile data network.

Education and AR capabilities

Apple has positioned the iPad (6th generation) as a powerful tool for education. It supports various educational apps and tools, making it an asset in the classroom. Additionally, the iPad includes support for augmented reality (AR) experiences, thanks to the A10 Fusion chip. This allows users to explore immersive AR apps and games, further enhancing its educational and entertainment potential.

While the 6th-generation iPad didn’t revolutionise the iPad lineup, it delivered meaningful upgrades that made it a valuable tool for students, educators, and everyday users. The addition of Apple Pencil support and the improved processor breathed new life into the entry-level iPad, solidifying its position as a versatile and affordable tablet for a wide range of use cases.