03/22/2023 06:29 am GMT

Graphic design is an essential aspect of many industries, from marketing and advertising to web design and product development.

The iPad has become an increasingly popular tool for graphic designers thanks to its versatility and powerful software capabilities. But with so many options available for you, choosing the right iPad for graphic design can be overwhelming.

In this guide, we’ve selected the best iPads for graphic design based on their features, functionality, and overall value.

Whether you’re a professional graphic designer or just starting out, our list includes options that suit your needs and budget. We’ve got you covered, from the latest iPad Pro models to more affordable alternatives.

These iPads will help you bring out the best of your creative work, from creating artwork to editing animations. Each device on this list is capable, so don’t think twice about choosing any of these iPads.

We’ve personally tested and reviewed each iPad on this list, considering factors such as processing power, display quality, and compatibility with graphic design software.

Our goal is to help you find the perfect iPad for your graphic design needs, whether you’re working on digital illustrations, photo editing, or graphic design projects. So, let’s dive in and find the best iPad for your next design project.

If you don’t need an iPad specifically for graphic design, consider our article on the best iPads for drawing. Need something different from an iPad?

Consider our articles on the best tablets, best iPad alternatives, and best tablets for graphic design.

If you have decided to go ahead with an iPad, you will need accessories to go with it, so here are our guides on the best iPad stylus and best iPad accessories.

Top iPads for Graphic Design Compared

Are you looking for details on some of our other choices? Check out our comparison table below.

6+ Best iPads for Graphic Design in 2023

1. Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 2022 (Editor’s choice)

The best iPad for graphic design in 2023 overall 

Display: 11-inch (1668 x 2388 pixels) Liquid Retina IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate | Processor: Apple M2 | RAM: 8GB/16GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB | Camera: 12MP wide+10MP ultrawide+TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (rear), 12MP ultrawide (front) | Dimensions: ‎‎0.23 x 7.03 x 9.75 inches | Weight: ‎1.03 pounds

If you’re a graphic designer, like us, you know how crucial it is to have a powerful and reliable device that can handle demanding graphics-intensive workflows. That’s where the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 2022 comes in. Sharing the same hardware as the bigger and more expensive 12-inch iPad Pro, we found this to be the perfect tablet for graphic design professionals who demand high performance and precision at the best price.

The iPad Pro 11-inch 2022 boasts the latest 8-core Apple M2 CPU and a 10-core Apple GPU GPU. Apple’s powerful chipset makes it a force to be reckoned with when it comes to processing power. We could run complex design software and applications without worrying about lag or performance issues, allowing us to focus on our creative work.

The Liquid Retina XDR display on the 12.9-inch model is a standout feature for us. And the 11-inch model isn’t far behind. When testing out the Liquid Retina IPS LCD, we found it to be not as bright and crisp as the Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD on its larger sibling. The display is vibrant and incredibly detailed with True Tone and P3 wide color, which is a critical factor when it comes to creating and editing graphics as a designer.

Additionally, we were wowed by the 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide back camera, and LiDAR Scanner.  You can immerse yourself in AR experiences, while the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage ensures that your video conferences and meetings always look their best.

Finally, the iPad Pro 11-inch 2022 is compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard Folio, making it a versatile and customizable tool for any graphic designer. And with all-day battery life, you can stay productive no matter where your work takes you.

It might be pricey, but the 11-inch 2022 iPad Pro still offers the best price-to-feature ratio among any iPad.

What we loved	What we didn’t love
➕Great value	➖Pricey
➕Similar specs but more affordable than the 12-inch model	➖LCD display instead of LED
➕Gorgeous Liquid Retina XDR display with a 120Hz refresh rate
➕Solid performance
➕Brilliant quad-speaker setup
➕ All-day battery life

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

2. Apple iPad 2021 (9th Generation)

The best iPad for graphic design on a budget

Display: 10.9-inch (1620 x 2160 pixels) Retina IPS LCD | Processor: Apple A13 Bionic | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 64GB/256GB | Camera: 8MP (rear), 12MP ultrawide (front) | Dimensions: 9.87 x 6.85 x 0.3 inches | Weight: ‎1.07 pounds

The 2021 Apple iPad is the most affordable iPad on this list, and it is great for those who are new to graphic design or those who want a budget-friendly iPad that ticks all the boxes needed for doing creative work.

It boasts an Apple A13 Bionic processor paired with a 3-core Apple GPU and 3GB of RAM, and while it might not be the fastest combination around, you should be able to create illustrations and work on designs without any hiccups. But if you want to edit videos or work on 3D animations, you might have to look elsewhere for more power.

The 10.2-inch Full HD Retina display is bright and vivid with an accurate color gamut, making it an ideal canvas for artistic expression. It also features True Tone technology, which adjusts the display’s color temperature based on the ambient lighting conditions, providing a more comfortable viewing experience while you work.

Plus, with Apple Pencil support, you can take your creativity to the next level by sketching, drawing, and painting with precision and control. The Apple Pencil offers low latency, making it feel like you’re drawing on paper, and it’s highly responsive to pressure and tilt, allowing for a more natural drawing experience.

To summarize, the 2021 Apple iPad’s greatest strength is its affordability. It isn’t too fast, but if you want a reliable workhorse that will support you in your graphic design work and some more without burning a hole in your pocket, it will do the job better than most tablets available at the same price.

Pros	Cons
➕Decent screen	➖Old design
➕Affordable	➖Only 3GB of RAM
➕Reliable battery life	➖Only works with 1st gen Apple Pencil
➕Physical home button
➕Compatible with older keyboard cases
➕Headphone jack

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

3. Apple iPad Air 2022

The best value iPad for graphic design

Display: 10.9-inch (1640 x 2360 pixels) Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Processor: Apple M1 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 64GB/256GB | Camera: 12MP wide (rear), 12MP ultrawide (front) | Dimensions: ‎9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches | Weight: ‎1.02 pounds

At first glance, it might seem hard to believe that the 2022 iPad Air exists. It isn’t just lightweight, but for a sub-$500 price, you get a flagship quality iPad that is lightning fast with all the latest hardware and features without being old and outdated.

Beginners and pros alike will love using the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color technology for accurate colors and highly-detailed visuals. The battery life is also great, so it will easily last a full day of mixed use without problems.

However, the show’s real star is the octa-core M1 chip, the same used on older MacBooks, that works with the 8-core Apple GPU and 8GB of RAM to offer desktop-class performance.

From video editing to graphic design, it can handle the most demanding tasks without slowing down. If you want the most bang for your buck, it will be hard to find a better value than the 2022 iPad Air.

Pros	Cons
➕Extremely lightweight	➖No Face ID
➕Unbeatable value for an iPad	➖Average battery life
➕Compatible with second-gen Apple Pencil
➕Crisp display
➕Fast M!-powered performance

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

4. Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2022

The most powerful iPad for graphic design

Display: 12.9-inch (2048 x 2732 pixels) Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate | Processor: Apple M2 | RAM: 8GB/16GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB | Camera: 12MP wide+10MP ultrawide+TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (rear), 12MP ultrawide (front) | Dimensions: ‎0.25 x 8.46 x 11.05 inches | Weight: ‎1.5 pounds

The flagship 12.9-inch 2022 Apple iPad Pro is simply the best iPad available whether it is performance, display, battery life, or other factors. It is meant for those serious about their graphic design work and professionals in the industry who need a device that reflects their skill level.

With the same M2 chip powering the latest MacBook Air and 10-core Apple GPU paired with up to 16GB of RAM, this iPad is fast, really fast. In fact, it is the closest you can get to replacing your laptop or desktop with an actual iPad. Just add a wireless Magic Keyboard and a wireless mouse or an Apple Pencil, and we bet you won’t even be able to tell the difference.

It makes light work of any heavy tasks, whether illustration or 4K video editing, but it isn’t all about raw power. The stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD is the best display on any iPad yet and the perfect canvas for graphic design with a mind-boggling 1000-nit brightness and an impressive contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 in addition to P3 wide color, True Tone technology, and a 120Hz refresh rate.

The camera setup is similar to the iPhone 13 Pro, with a 12MP wide, 10MP ultrawide sensor and a TOF 3D LiDAR scanner on the rear that works to capture pro-grade pictures effortlessly. It has a 12MP ultrawide camera with gyro-EIS for selfies, so you always get crisp, clear pictures without blur.

Also worth mentioning is that it comes with a massive 10758 mAh battery four-speaker system so it can last an entire day of work and play without needing a recharge. All of these features come at a premium price tag, so it isn’t meant for everyone, but if you want the best iPad, regardless of budget, this is it.

Pros	Cons
➕Fantastic 12.9-inch XDR mini-LED display	➖Expensive
➕Same M2 chip as the MacBook Air	➖Bulky
➕Large battery
➕Elegant design
➕Excellent cameras

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

5. Apple iPad Mini 2021

The best compact iPad for graphic design

Display: 8.3-inch (1488 x 2266 pixels) Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Processor: Apple A15 Bionic | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB/256GB | Camera: 12MP wide (rear), 12MP ultrawide (front) | Dimensions: 7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 inches | Weight: ‎1.28 pounds

As the name suggests, the highlight of the iPad Mini is its smaller 8.3-inch and compact form factor. While it might be too small for some, it is perfect for those with little hands or those needing a portable iPad they can take anywhere.

The iPad Mini might be small, but it does have a massive advantage. In comparison to the latest 10th gen Apple iPad which costs slightly less, the iPad Mini has an Apple A15 Bionic processor and a 5-core Apple GPU compared to an Apple A14 Bionic processor and 4-core Apple GPU, so even though the difference seems incremental, it is much faster and can handle graphic design tasks without any lag.

The screen is a Liquid Retina IPS LCD with a 1488 x 2266 resolution, the standard True Tone, and wide color technology, so you can easily work on it regardless of the limited screen real estate. And it is compatible with the Apple Pencil so that you can illustrate and doodle to your heart’s content.

Its compact size does mean that it has a smaller battery life, but for what it offers at its price, we think it is something negligible that you wouldn’t mind too much.

Pros	Cons
➕Compact design	➖Average battery life
➕Bright high-res display
➕Faster than the 10th gen iPad
➕USB-C port

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

6. Apple iPad 2022 (10th Generation)

The best mid-range iPad for graphic design

Display: 10.9-inch (1640 x 2360 pixels) Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Processor: Apple A14 Bionic | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB/256GB | Camera: 12MP wide (rear), 12MP ultrawide (front) | Dimensions: 0.28 x 7.07 x 9.79 inches | Weight: ‎1.05 pounds

A massive update to the original iPad injected much-needed life into the best-selling iPad line. With a larger and brighter display, speedy Apple A14 Bionic processor, upgraded cameras, and a fresh design with a larger screen-to-body ratio while still being priced competitively, the 10th generation iPad is a real winner for graphic designers looking for a great mid-range iPad.

With a powerful A14 chipset and 4GB of RAM instead of 3GB on the previous generation, it can easily handle your demanding tasks such as video editing and graphic design.

Additionally, the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with 500 nits of brightness and 264 ppi pixel density delivers excellent image detail and sharpness, perfect for designing all day. The iPad 2022 offers up to 10 hours of battery life to last long workdays.

If you want to dabble in photography on the side, the rear camera has also got a bump from 8MP to 12MP and can now shoot higher quality images and 4K video. And while the design has been updated, and there are no physical buttons on the front, it still retains the fingerprint sensor on the side for those concerned about privacy.

It seems the obvious choice for those who want a newer iPad on a budget that will receive software updates for years to come, but it does have a downside. As tempting as the price is, it comes in only two storage options—64GB and 256 GB. It isn’t impossible to manage graphic design with just 64GB of space onboard and cloud storage to help, but if you pick the 256GB option, it will cost you more.

Pros	Cons
➕Slimmer design with lots of fun colors to choose from	➖Limited storage options
➕Zippy A14 Bionic processor
➕Improved cameras
➕5G compatible

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

Best iPad Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best iPad for Graphic Design

If you’re a graphic designer looking for an iPad to help with your work, you’ll want to consider several key factors before making a purchase. Here is our buying guide to help you choose the best iPad for graphic design:

Display

The display is the most important factor to consider when buying an iPad for graphic design. While all iPads have great displays, some come with a Liquid Retina display which has a higher resolution and is brighter than an LCD display. You may want to consider an iPad with a larger screen size, such as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, to give you more space to work.

Another aspect you should consider is the refresh rate. It refers to the number of times your display refreshes to display a new image every second, measured in hertz (Hz). Most iPads have a 60Hz refresh rate by default, but the higher-end iPads have a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, which is important for creating artwork and makes everything feel smooth and more responsive.

Processor

All iPads are designed to be fast, but some models are faster than others. For example, the Apple M2 chip on the latest iPad Pro offers much better performance than the Apple A13 Bionic on the 2021 iPad, but both can handle graphic design tasks without problems.

RAM

The amount of RAM you have on your iPad will affect how quickly it can perform tasks. For graphic design work, you’ll want an iPad with at least 3GB of RAM, although 6GB or more is even better.

Storage

When it comes to storage, the amount you need will depend on how many apps and files you plan to store on your iPad. You’ll likely need more storage for graphic design work than the average user. Look for an iPad with at least 128GB of storage, although 256GB or more is recommended.

Battery Life

Graphic design work can be intensive, so you’ll want an iPad with long battery life. Look for an iPad that lasts at least 10 hours on a single charge. The iPads with bigger displays tend to have bigger batteries, so that is one thing you should consider.

Stylus Compatibility

A stylus is a must-have if you plan to do graphic design on your iPad, but not all iPads are compatible with the Apple Pencil. The 1st generation Apple Pencil is only compatible with iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad Pro 9.7-inch.

Whereas the latest 2nd generation Apple Pencil is only compatible with iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), and iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later). There is the option of using third-party styluses with your iPad, but the official Apple Pencil is the clear-cut best choice.

 

Related posts

• Best tablets for graphic design
• Best Apple iPad Accessories
• Best tablets
• Best iPad Stylus
• Best iPad for Drawing
• Best tablet keyboards
• Best iPad Alternatives
• Best Tablets with Stylus Pen

 

Summary for Best Graphic Design iPads in 2023

With iPads on this list, the possibilities are endless. So, why wait? Get your creative juices flowing and take your graphic design skills to the next level with the best iPad for graphic design.

To summarise these are our top 3 picks:

1. Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 2022 — The best iPad for graphic design 2023 overall
2. Apple iPad 2021 (9th Generation) — The best budget iPad for graphic design
3. Apple iPad Air 2022 — The best value iPad for graphic design

Which iPad would you like to use on your next project? Let us know in the comments below!