Introduction

Apple’s “iPad,” a tablet first released in 2010, carved out a new product category positioned between smartphones and notebook PCs and sparked a major social reaction. In particular, the standard (base) model of the iPad was embraced by a wide range of users for its convenient size and ease of use, recording staggering sales from the outset. The first‑generation iPad sold 3 million units in the first 80 days and more than 15 million units within its first year, capturing about 75% of the tablet market by the end of 2010. This report looks back at the development background and the detailed history of each model in the standard iPad series (excluding the iPad mini, Air, and Pro). It explains, in detail, the evolution points and characteristics of each generation as well as user evaluations.

Background of Development and the First Generation

Apple co‑founder Steve Jobs had talked about the concept of a tablet device since the 1980s. In a 1983 talk, for example, he said, “We want to make a wonderful computer that you can learn to use in 20 minutes and carry around like a book,” foreshadowing the later iPad. Apple released its first tablet device, the Newton MessagePad, in 1993, but it did not achieve commercial success and production ended in 1998. Apple then re‑entered the mobile market with the iPhone in 2007, and by that time industry rumors had long circulated that “Apple would release a tablet.” The tablet development project—code‑named “K48”—was temporarily shelved to focus on the iPhone, but on January 27, 2010 (U.S. time), Jobs himself unveiled the “iPad” at an Apple event.

First‑generation iPad (2010) was released in the United States on April 3, 2010 (and in Japan on May 28 of the same year). Running iPhone OS (later iOS), it appeared as a “magical” device that made web browsing, email, viewing photos and videos, and reading e‑books comfortable through intuitive multi‑touch operation. The aim was a device that sat “between a notebook PC and a smartphone,” and at the launch event Jobs demonstrated using iPad on a sofa to enjoy the web and photos, emphasizing a new experience different from both PCs and smartphones.

The main specifications of the first iPad included Apple’s in‑house‑developed SoC “Apple A4” clocked at 1 GHz, a 9.7‑inch LED‑backlit multi‑touch display (1024×768 pixels), and a simple aluminum body with a Home button on the front. The initial OS was iPhone OS 3.2, and later updates added multitasking and folder features. In addition to a Wi‑Fi model, there was a Wi‑Fi + 3G model that supported 3G data communication, including monthly plans offered by AT&T. Although some initially questioned whether there was demand for tablets, the device caused a huge stir once released: Apple Stores saw long lines on day one, with many purchasers saying “it was worth the wait.” The base model’s price of $499—lower than expected—was also well received. While there was criticism over the lack of Flash support and the closed software environment, Android tablets at the time were immature and had few apps, so the iPad stood out for its completeness and abundant app ecosystem.

About a year after launch, on March 2, 2011, the first iPad was discontinued following the announcement of its successor, the iPad 2. In the end, the first model sold more than 15 million units worldwide and effectively created the tablet market in one fell swoop.

Series Expansion and Model‑by‑Model History

iPad (First Generation, 2010)

The first iPad featured the Apple A4 (single‑core CPU, GPU PowerVR SGX535), which was high‑performance for a mobile CPU at the time, and delivered intuitive usability on a large 9.7‑inch display. It was groundbreaking in letting users quickly and easily handle everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and photo viewing with just their fingertips—earning it the moniker “magical device.” Its 10‑hour battery life and high‑quality multimedia and e‑book experience were also praised.

Key characteristics at the time:

• Chassis – A silver unibody aluminum enclosure with a simple design featuring a Home button below the display. Size: height 242.8 mm, thickness 13.4 mm, and weight about 0.68 kg. The back was offered only in silver (with a black front bezel) at launch.
• Display – A 9.7‑inch IPS LCD (LED backlit) with a 4:3 aspect ratio and 1024×768‑pixel resolution (132 ppi). It offered excellent color reproduction and viewing angles and was a large, beautiful touchscreen for its day.
• Interfaces – A legacy 30‑pin Dock connector on the bottom for charging and syncing with a PC; 3.5 mm headphone jack; volume buttons; and a screen rotation lock (initially combined with a mute switch, but changed before launch). A single mono speaker was built into the bottom of the chassis.
• Other – No front or rear cameras. Wireless communication supported Wi‑Fi (802.11b/g/n), and higher‑end models included 3G data (micro‑SIM). The initial OS was iPhone OS 3.2 without multitasking, but iOS 4.2 (released in November of the same year) added multitasking and folders. Apple offered official accessories such as a keyboard dock and case. The Wi‑Fi 16 GB model launched at $499 in the U.S. (¥48,800 in Japan).

The first iPad earned high marks for its usability—often called a “victory of software and UI.” It was named one of Time’s “Best Inventions of 2010.” On the other hand, the lack of Flash, the absence of an SD card slot, and its weight (fatiguing to hold for long periods) were noted—but these were expected to improve in the next generation.

iPad 2 (2nd Generation, 2011)

On March 2, 2011 (released in Japan on March 25), iPad 2 was announced and launched. Arriving roughly a year after the first model, iPad 2 significantly refreshed the exterior design while improving performance and features. Although Steve Jobs was on medical leave, he took the stage for this announcement, confidently saying, “While competitors try to copy us, we’re moving further ahead with iPad 2.”

Overview of the update

• Chassis – Thickness was reduced by 33% to 8.8 mm, and weight by about 15% to around 0.6 kg. The back remained aluminum, but color options expanded to include black and white in addition to silver. Front bezels were offered in black or white from launch, letting users choose. Magnets were built into the side for the first time to support the Smart Cover.
• Display – The 9.7‑inch 1024×768 LCD remained the same size and resolution as the first generation (no change to the display spec). The aspect ratio stayed 4:3.
• Interfaces – The 30‑pin Dock connector remained. The basic button layout was also similar, but magnets were added to the side for the Smart Cover, allowing easy attachment and removal. The Smart Cover also supported waking/sleeping the screen when opened/closed. Additionally, iPad 2 supported an HDMI adapter for screen mirroring, enabling 1080p video output via the 30‑pin port.
• Other – A new Apple A5 chip (dual‑core CPU at 1 GHz × 2) delivered a major performance boost. A three‑axis gyroscope was added for improved tilt detection. The headline feature was the first‑ever cameras: roughly 0.7‑MP (720p video) on the back and VGA on the front. This enabled FaceTime video calls, as well as photo/video capture and AR apps. Alongside the Wi‑Fi model, a 3G model now included a Verizon (CDMA) version in the U.S. in addition to AT&T (GSM). Battery life stayed at about 10 hours, so the slimming didn’t sacrifice endurance. Apple also launched official accessories such as Smart Covers (polyurethane $39, leather $69) and the Digital AV Adapter.

iPad 2 greatly improved upon the “weight/thickness” complaints about the first model, broadened use cases via the added cameras, and delivered stronger performance. It remained in high demand and short supply for months, and even after its successor launched it continued to be sold at a lower price for more than a year and a half, spreading into education and other fields. Overall it was seen as “a higher‑polish, more portable iPad,” helping expand iPad usage from homes to business and education.

iPad (3rd Generation, 2012)

On March 16, 2012, the 3rd‑generation iPad went on sale (announced March 7 the same year). Officially called simply “the new iPad,” its standout feature was the Retina display. Keeping the same approximate 9.7‑inch size, it quadrupled the resolution to 2048×1536 (264 ppi). With roughly 3.1 million pixels—more than an HDTV—it delivered print‑like smooth text that left a strong impression. Apple branded this high‑resolution panel as a “Retina display,” making it a major selling point.

To support Retina, the hardware adopted the Apple A5X chip (dual‑core CPU + quad‑core GPU) to strengthen graphics performance. RAM doubled to 1 GB. The rear camera improved from the earlier models’ shortcomings to a 5‑MP iSight camera with 1080p video capture. The front FaceTime camera remained VGA, but overall photo/video capabilities jumped significantly. The cellular model finally supported 4G LTE for high‑speed mobile data. In the U.S., LTE worked on AT&T and Verizon, and in Japan the SoftBank Mobile network enabled up to 75 Mbps downlink. Wi‑Fi was upgraded to dual‑band 802.11a/b/g/n, and Bluetooth 4.0 was supported.

The exterior design largely followed the iPad 2, but the high‑resolution display and larger battery made it 0.6 mm thicker at 9.4 mm and about 50 g heavier (652 g on Wi‑Fi). This slight increase was noticeable to some when compared directly with iPad 2. The display size and connectors were unchanged; it still had the Home button and 30‑pin Dock connector, and iPad 2 accessories (such as the Smart Cover) continued to work.

The 3rd‑generation iPad drew immediate attention for its high‑resolution screen—“Finally, you can read fine text on a tablet as if on paper.” Some users noted heat under load and a slightly heftier feel, but Apple had implemented careful internal engineering to handle cooling and battery size. Overall it was well received as “a long‑awaited Retina upgrade that elevated completeness,” and it further spurred business and creative adoption of the iPad.

Why it had a short life: Although groundbreaking, the 3rd generation became the shortest‑lived iPad, replaced just seven months after launch in October 2012. It’s said Apple moved sooner than planned to deliver better performance and compatibility.

iPad (4th Generation, 2012)

At an event on October 23, 2012, Apple unveiled the 4th‑generation iPad alongside the smaller iPad mini. Officially called “iPad with Retina Display (4th generation),” it inherited the basic design and Retina display of the 3rd generation but made important internal and connector changes.

The biggest change was adopting the new Apple A6X chip. Compared to the A5X, the A6X offered up to 2× the CPU and GPU performance while reducing heat and power consumption. In practice, the multitasking heat concerns of the 3rd generation were largely improved by the A6X. Another major change was replacing the legacy 30‑pin connector with the new Lightning connector. Lightning is small and reversible (works either way up) and had first appeared on the iPhone 5 earlier in 2012; iPad now followed suit, severing ties with the old Dock connector. While older Dock‑based accessories now required an adapter, the benefits of unifying connectivity across Apple devices were substantial and welcomed by users.

Other specs: the front camera was upgraded to FaceTime HD (1.2 MP, 720p). The rear camera stayed at 5 MP but benefitted from improved image processing. Storage SKUs initially were 16/32/64 GB, and in 2013 a 128 GB option was added. The display remained a 9.7‑inch Retina (2048×1536). Thickness (9.4 mm) and weight (~652 g) were essentially unchanged from the 3rd generation.

Because it arrived barely half a year after the 3rd generation, the 4th‑gen surprised many. Yet, in performance and forward compatibility (new connector), it was seen as a very complete, “true finished version of the Retina generation.” With the 4th generation, the 30‑pin era that began with the original iPad ended, and the series moved into a new phase.

2013–2016 developments: After the 4th‑gen iPad, the “iPad Air” series (equivalent to a 5th generation) debuted in fall 2013 with a new chassis. For a time, there were no models bearing the simple “iPad” name. From 2013–2014 Apple offered iPad Air/Air 2; from 2015, the lineup centered on the higher‑end iPad Pro and the iPad mini. In 2017, however, Apple revived the standard iPad as a lower‑priced model. The following covers the 5th through 11th generations from 2017 onward.

iPad (5th Generation, 2017)

In March 2017, about four years after the last standard iPad, Apple announced the iPad (5th generation) (announced March 21, on sale March 24). Though simply named “iPad,” it’s considered the 5th generation as the successor to the 4th‑gen model. Its standout feature was a significant price reduction: the 32 GB Wi‑Fi model was set at an unprecedented $329 (¥37,800 in Japan). This was a strategy to differentiate from higher‑end models (iPad Pro at the time) and drive adoption in education and among light users. It was lauded as “the simple, affordable iPad many people wanted,” and the pricing drew a big response.

Hardware‑wise, it used the Apple A9 chip (dual‑core 64‑bit CPU with M9 motion coprocessor), similar to the iPhone 6s. Compared to the A8X in the iPad Air 2, CPU performance was slightly higher while GPU performance was similar. RAM was 2 GB. The display remained a 9.7‑inch Retina (2048×1536), but to reduce costs it used a non‑laminated panel (with an air gap), resulting in a slightly thicker build than the iPad Air 2 but lower manufacturing cost. Brightness improved, marketed as a “brighter Retina display.” Externally, it closely matched the first‑generation iPad Air (2013) in design and size (7.5 mm thick, ~469 g). Colors were Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. A notable difference from the original iPad Air was Touch ID in the Home button (the first time for the standard iPad).

Other specs: rear 8‑MP iSight camera and 1.2‑MP FaceTime HD front camera, in line with the Air 2; Wi‑Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth 4.2; LTE on cellular models. It had a Lightning port and 3.5 mm headphone jack. No Smart Connector (for external keyboards) was included—another cost‑saving measure. It did not support Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard (which remained for higher‑tier models at the time).

While not flashy, the 5th‑gen iPad was praised as “an excellent tablet for the price‑to‑performance.” Although it followed the iPad Air 2 and slightly reduced some specs, it was fast enough for daily use and still delivered the traditional 10‑hour battery life. Apple offered an even lower $299 price for education, and there were many large‑scale school deployments. Apple itself promoted it as “the world’s most popular 9.7‑inch iPad, now with better performance and a more affordable price,” and indeed it became a best‑seller in the 2017 tablet market.

iPad (6th Generation, 2018)

A year later, in March 2018, at an education‑focused event Apple announced the iPad (6th generation) (released March 27). It largely followed the 5th generation in design and price, but with reinforced performance and features. The headline was support for Apple Pencil (1st generation)—the first official stylus support for the standard iPad. This enabled students to take handwritten notes or create illustrations, broadening creative use cases for the base iPad.

Hardware moved to Apple A10 Fusion (same as iPhone 7/7 Plus). CPU performance improved by about 40% over the A9; GPU saw a 50% boost. Apple emphasized that it could handle higher‑load tasks like AR apps. RAM remained 2 GB. The 9.7‑inch Retina display (2048×1536) kept the same size and resolution, but the touch sensor precision was improved to support Apple Pencil pressure and tilt. The panel itself remained non‑fully‑laminated.

The exterior, dimensions (7.5 mm thick, ~469 g), and color options (Silver, Gold, Space Gray) mirrored the 5th generation. Touch ID, Lightning, and the headphone jack remained; Smart Connector was still absent. Cameras stayed at 8 MP rear and 1.2 MP front, but Pencil support expanded software‑driven use cases like annotation on photos and documents.

This model was clearly aimed at education, with a $299 school price in the U.S. Apple offered an “Everyone Can Create” curriculum to help educators use the new iPad and Apple Pencil to foster creativity. Overall, the 6th‑gen iPad retained the strong cost‑performance of its predecessor while adding pen input, earning it the label “the most affordable creative tool.” While the CPU uplift was modest for 5th‑gen owners, it was an attractive upgrade for students and education use.

iPad (7th Generation, 2019)

In September 2019, at the iPhone 11 event, Apple unveiled the iPad (7th generation) (released September 25). For the first time in the standard series, the display size increased to 10.2 inches, the biggest change of this model. The body grew slightly to 250.6 × 174.1 mm (up from 240 × 169.5 mm on the 9.7‑inch models) while thickness stayed 7.5 mm.

The 10.2‑inch Retina display had a 2160×1620 resolution, with pixel density unchanged at 264 ppi. The display area increased to roughly 3.5 million pixels—about 16% larger than before—providing a bigger canvas. Importantly, this was the first standard iPad to support Apple’s Smart Keyboard, thanks to the addition of a Smart Connector on the side. With the dedicated full‑size keyboard magnetically attached, users could type with hardware keys, improving productivity.

Performance‑wise, it retained the Apple A10 Fusion (with M10 coprocessor) from the previous generation, but RAM increased from 2 GB to 3 GB, providing a bit more headroom for multitasking. From this model, the iPad shipped with the iPad‑optimized iPadOS 13.1. Cameras and connectivity were largely unchanged: 8‑MP rear, 1.2‑MP front, Lightning port, Touch ID Home button, and a headphone jack. The enclosure used 100% recycled aluminum for environmental considerations.

The 7th‑gen iPad was praised for bringing the standard model “closer to a PC” with the larger screen and keyboard support. Apple touted it as “the most popular, affordable iPad made even more valuable,” appealing to both education and general audiences. While some lamented the A10’s age, the $329 price held firm, and the bigger screen and accessory support were seen as strong improvements. At the same time, iPadOS debuted with widget‑enhanced home screens and stronger multitasking, boosting productivity on the software side as well. It became the “new standard” for entry‑class iPads and continued seeing widespread deployment in schools.

iPad (8th Generation, 2020)

On September 15, 2020, at the “Time Flies” online event, Apple announced the iPad (8th generation) (released September 18). This was primarily an internal update: the design and 10.2‑inch display remained, but the SoC moved to Apple A12 Bionic. The A12, from the iPhone XS/XR era, introduced the Neural Engine, making full machine‑learning acceleration available on a standard iPad for the first time.

Apple said the A12 Bionic brought 40% faster CPU and 2× faster graphics versus the previous model. Benchmarks showed a large leap over the A10, reportedly outperforming many Windows laptops and Android tablets in its class. RAM remained 3 GB; storage stayed 32/128 GB.

The 10.2‑inch Retina display (2160×1620, 264 ppi) was unchanged, but the Neural Engine made image processing for photo editing and AR apps smoother. This model continued to support Apple Pencil (1st gen) and the Smart Keyboard. Physical interfaces—Lightning, Touch ID Home button, headphone jack, and Smart Connector—matched the 7th generation.

While visually unchanged, the 8th‑gen iPad’s performance boost extended its useful life and earned it the reputation of “rock‑solid completeness for an entry tablet.” In education, AR and advanced learning apps ran more comfortably. Although overshadowed by the redesigned iPad Air (4th gen) and the iPhone 12 series, the 8th‑gen iPad was a popular 2020 holiday item. Priced again at $329, Apple highlighted adding “more power to its most popular iPad,” emphasizing value.

iPad (9th Generation, 2021)

On September 14, 2021, alongside the iPhone 13, Apple announced the iPad (9th generation) (released September 24). The exterior remained the familiar 10.2‑inch display with a Home button, but internals and related features were upgraded.

The SoC moved to Apple A13 Bionic (same as iPhone 11), delivering 20%+ CPU and GPU gains over the previous generation. The Neural Engine remained, improving machine‑learning performance. RAM stayed 3 GB, but storage doubled from 32/128 GB to 64/256 GB, allowing more apps and data even in the base model.

The display remained a 10.2‑inch Retina (2160×1620), but now included True Tone, which automatically adjusts the display’s white balance to match ambient light for improved viewing comfort—long standard on other iPads and iPhones and finally on the base iPad.

The biggest upgrade was the front camera: from a 1.2‑MP HD unit to a 12‑MP ultra‑wide front camera with a 122‑degree field of view. It supported Center Stage, which uses AI to keep the subject (you) centered during video calls even as you move. Initially introduced on the 2021 iPad Pro, Center Stage made its way to the standard iPad as remote communication surged. The rear camera remained 8 MP.

Other features were largely carried over: Touch ID Home button, Lightning, headphone jack, and Smart Connector support (since the 7th generation). Colors were Silver and Space Gray. It shipped with iPadOS 15, adding widget placement, improved multitasking, and Live Text.

The 9th‑gen iPad was seen as a “modest but meaningful upgrade,” with storage doubling and a much better front camera—at the same $329 price—keeping it highly competitive. Some predicted it would be the last Home‑button model, and indeed the next generation brought a major design shift.

iPad (10th Generation, 2022)

On October 18, 2022, Apple announced the iPad (10th generation) via press release (released October 26). It marked a major design overhaul for the standard iPad—the most significant since the iPad Air of 2013—adopting an all‑screen design similar to the iPad Pro/Air. Bezels were slimmer and the display stretched closer to the edges. Accordingly, Touch ID moved from the front Home button to the top button. The chassis shifted from a rounded back to a flat‑sided design consistent with newer Air/Pro models. It came in four vibrant colors—blue, pink, yellow, and silver—for a fun, pop aesthetic.

The display grew to 10.9 inches. The “Liquid Retina” IPS panel offered 2360×1640 resolution (264 ppi), up to 500 nits brightness, and True Tone. This spec closely matched the iPad Air (4th gen), though it likely lacked wide color (P3) and full lamination to control costs. Even so, the 0.7‑inch increase over 10.2 inches expanded the viewing and working area.

The SoC became Apple A14 Bionic (5‑nm, iPhone 12‑class). Compared to the A13, Apple cited roughly 20% CPU and 10% GPU improvements, with 16‑core Neural Engine doubling ML throughput (~80% uplift). RAM reportedly increased to 4 GB (unofficial). Storage remained 64/256 GB.

Connectivity changes were substantial: Lightning gave way to USB‑C, enabling broad accessory compatibility and cable unification with other USB‑C iPads and Macs. Wireless was upgraded to Wi‑Fi 6, and the cellular model supported 5G (Sub‑6)—a first for the standard iPad. Bluetooth moved to 5.2. The Smart Connector remained but shifted to the lower back to support the new Magic Keyboard Folio, a two‑piece detachable keyboard with a trackpad for laptop‑like operation. The 3.5 mm headphone jack was removed.

Cameras improved too. The front camera moved to the long (landscape) edge, making eye contact more natural in landscape video calls, and retained the 12‑MP ultra‑wide spec with Center Stage. The rear camera upgraded for the first time to 12 MP (f/1.8), supporting up to 4K/60 video. Stereo speakers supported landscape playback.

By modernizing the chassis and boosting performance, the 10th‑gen iPad caught up to contemporary standards for the base model. However, the price increase (from $349 to $449 in the U.S.; in Japan, from ¥39,800 pre‑tax to ¥68,800) drew mixed reactions for an entry device. That said, many appreciated the fresh design, capable performance, and fun colors; Apple continued selling the 9th‑gen at a lower price alongside it. Pencil support remained limited to Apple Pencil (1st gen), requiring an adapter for charging/pairing (connecting a Lightning Pencil to a USB‑C port), which some criticized as inelegant. A USB‑C version of Apple Pencil (1st gen’s connector revised) arrived in 2023 to ease this issue.

Overall, the 10th‑gen iPad was a major turning point for the standard line. Moving from the classic design to an all‑screen look unified the user experience and expanded the accessory ecosystem. Future updates for the base iPad were expected to follow this direction.

iPad (11th Generation, 2025)

Roughly two and a half years after the 10th generation, on March 4, 2025, Apple announced the iPad (11th generation) (released March 12). While the look and core specs followed the 10th generation, internal performance and value improved.

The headline was an upgrade to the Apple A16 chip (with a 5‑core GPU configuration). Originally used in the iPhone 14 Pro series, the A16 represented a substantial jump over the A14. Apple said CPU and GPU performance improved significantly over the A14, with stronger ML as well. For product segmentation reasons, the iPad’s A16 configuration reportedly disabled one CPU core (resulting in a 5‑core CPU + 4‑core GPU), but even so it offered one of the largest performance leaps ever for the standard iPad.

Another important change was expanded storage. Whereas prior base models started at 64 GB, the 11th generation moved to 128 GB as the entry capacity while keeping the same $349 starting price (¥59,800 in Japan). This effectively amounted to a price‑value improvement and was welcomed as “more for the same.” Upper tiers included 256 GB and 512 GB at lower prices than before.

The chassis and display mirrored the 10th generation: a 10.9‑inch Liquid Retina (2360×1640, 264 ppi, True Tone), Touch ID in the top button, USB‑C, and the same Smart Connector placement. Accessories such as Magic Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil (including the USB‑C model of the 1st‑gen Pencil) were supported. Cameras remained a 12‑MP ultra‑wide front with Center Stage and a 12‑MP wide rear. Colors stayed blue, pink, yellow, and silver.

At first glance, the 11th‑gen iPad looked like a “spec‑boosted refresh,” but the stronger chip and doubled base storage significantly lifted its overall value. Starting at 128 GB addressed the “64 GB isn’t enough” concern for many, and the $349 price felt notably lower than the 10th generation’s launch. Clear differentiation from higher‑end models remained—for example, the 11th‑gen iPad did not support Apple’s latest on‑device AI suite “Apple Intelligence” due to memory requirements not being met on A16—but for everyday use, the omissions were minor. In short, the 11th‑gen iPad represented a substantial internal upgrade despite an unchanged exterior, and remained a very attractive tablet in 2025.

User Reception

The standard iPad series has evolved to meet the needs of each era and has been supported by many users.

The first iPad popularized the tablet category among the general public. It was praised as a device for reading content that could replace paper media and notebooks, and it became a breakout hit with over 15 million units sold in 15 months. Reviews highlighted the intuitive UI, 10‑hour battery life, and rich App Store catalog, calling it “the shape of future computing.” While there were complaints about the lack of Flash and the weight, software polish compensated, reinforcing the idea that “software matters more than hardware.”

From iPad 2 onward, the thinner, lighter design and the addition of cameras increased practicality, expanding use beyond the home into education and business. iPad 2 in particular cemented the image of “tablet = iPad,” and became commonplace for classroom content display and corporate presentations. Early iPad users spanned the young to the elderly; for seniors especially, the device was embraced as an easy way to read with larger text and browse the web.

With the 3rd‑generation Retina display, readability improved dramatically—“fine text looks crisp on a tablet”—boosting satisfaction. The slightly heavier, warmer chassis under load drew some criticism, but the 4th generation’s added performance alleviated concerns. After 2013, as the lineup diversified into Air/mini/Pro and the standard iPad paused, the notion that “iPads last a long time” took hold. Indeed, iPad users tend to replace devices less frequently than phones, often using the same device for years; Apple supports models over long periods.

When the standard iPad returned in 2017, the substantial price cut was key. The “$329 iPad” brought the device within reach for many, shifting its image from a “pricey computer of the future” to “an affordable, high‑quality tablet that fits daily life.” Users welcomed it as “exactly the regular iPad we wanted,” driving adoption in schools and as a shared family device. Support for Apple Pencil (from the 6th generation) and the larger screen (7th generation) further expanded what users could do. Especially in education, the combination of low cost with pen and keyboard support differentiated it from rivals, leading to widespread adoption.

In recent years, some have expressed concerns about rising entry‑level prices and feature gaps with higher‑end models. The 10th‑generation price increase, for example, drew criticism that the base iPad had become too expensive, and the lack of Apple Pencil (2nd gen) support remained a sore point. However, Apple rebalanced with the 11th generation, doubling storage and boosting the chip to restore “better value.”

Overall, the standard iPad has established a reputation as “a reliable tablet at a reasonable price,” blending into everyday life for many. Unlike the Pro (which pursues top performance) or the mini (which prioritizes portability), the base iPad hits a “just right” balance of performance and size—leading to many long‑time fans. More than 15 years after its debut, a wide range of generations—from the original to the latest—are still in active use, and its consistently high user satisfaction stands out even among Apple products.

List of Main Models with Release Years and Key Features

• 2010 — iPad (1st generation) – 9.7‑inch display (1024×768), Apple A4, no cameras, Wi‑Fi and 3G. The inaugural device that created the tablet market.
• 2011 — iPad 2 (2nd generation) – Dual‑core Apple A5 for faster performance; 33% thinner and 15% lighter. First with front and rear cameras; FaceTime‑capable. Supports Smart Cover (screen protector).
• 2012 — iPad (3rd generation) – Retina display (2048×1536) with 4× resolution; Apple A5X (quad‑core GPU) for stronger graphics; 5‑MP camera and 1080p video; first LTE support.
• 2012 — iPad (4th generation) – Lightning connector replaces the old Dock; Apple A6X delivers roughly 2× CPU/GPU performance over its predecessor; front camera upgraded to 720p FaceTime HD; design follows the 3rd generation.
• 2017 — iPad (5th generation) – Return of the affordable standard model. 9.7‑inch Retina, Apple A9. First Touch ID on a standard iPad. The standout is the $329 price.
• 2018 — iPad (6th generation) – Apple A10 Fusion for higher performance; first standard iPad with Apple Pencil (1st gen) support; 9.7‑inch display and Touch ID retained; education‑oriented.
• 2019 — iPad (7th generation) – Larger 10.2‑inch display; Apple A10 unchanged; Smart Connector added for a full‑size Smart Keyboard; 3 GB RAM; first larger‑screen base model.
• 2020 — iPad (8th generation) – Apple A12 Bionic yields 40% faster CPU; same 10.2‑inch design; Neural Engine boosts ML performance; performance‑focused update.
• 2021 — iPad (9th generation) – Apple A13 Bionic; first standard iPad with True Tone; major front camera upgrade to 12‑MP ultra‑wide + Center Stage; storage doubled (from 64 GB).
• 2022 — iPad (10th generation) – Design overhaul (all‑screen, no Home button); 10.9‑inch Liquid Retina; Apple A14; USB‑C; 5G; front camera moved to landscape edge; four color options.
• 2025 — iPad (11th generation) – Apple A16 with a major performance jump; same 10.9‑inch design as 10th gen; base storage doubled to 128 GB; better price‑to‑performance at an unchanged starting price.

Conclusion

Looking back at the standard iPad’s trajectory, it’s clear it has steadily evolved to meet user needs at each stage. The first generation established the tablet market; subsequent generations refined the product through thinning and higher resolution; after a pause, the revived models balanced competitive pricing with expanded capabilities. The “iPad for everyone” positioning remains intact. As seen with the bold redesign in the 10th generation and the performance/storage upgrades in the 11th, Apple continues to actively bring newer technologies and usability improvements to the standard line.

As of 2025, the standard iPad is widely used from classrooms to homes and is firmly established as the de facto standard tablet. Going forward, while continuing to differentiate from other lines (mini, Air, Pro), it will likely keep evolving as an accessible, easy‑to‑use model. The trust built over its history is strong, and the name iPad has become synonymous with “tablet.” Future models are expected to uphold this tradition while delivering new value. The journey of the standard iPad is, in effect, the history of the tablet culture Apple created.

Reference

Apple Launches iPad (January 27, 2010) — Apple Newsroom
iPad Available in Nine More Countries on May 28 (May 7, 2010) — Apple Newsroom
Apple Sells Three Million iPads in 80 Days (June 22, 2010) — Apple Newsroom
Apple Launches iPad 2 (March 2, 2011) — Apple Newsroom
iPad 2 Arrives in 25 More Countries This Friday (March 22, 2011) — Apple Newsroom
Apple Launches New iPad (March 7, 2012) — Apple Newsroom
Apple Introduces iPad mini; Unveils Fourth-Generation iPad with Retina Display (October 23, 2012) — Apple Newsroom
New 9.7‑inch iPad features stunning Retina display and incredible performance (March 21, 2017) — Apple Newsroom
Apple introduces new 9.7‑inch iPad with Apple Pencil support (March 27, 2018) — Apple Newsroom
Apple introduces new version of the most popular iPad, starting at $329 (September 10, 2019) — Apple Newsroom
Apple introduces eighth‑generation iPad with a huge jump in performance (September 15, 2020) — Apple Newsroom
Apple’s most popular iPad delivers even more performance and advanced features (September 14, 2021) — Apple Newsroom
Apple unveils completely redesigned iPad in four vibrant colors (October 18, 2022) — Apple Newsroom
Apple introduces new Apple Pencil (USB‑C), bringing more value and choice to the lineup (October 17, 2023) — Apple Newsroom
Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard — also updates iPad with A16 and doubles starting storage (March 4, 2025) — Apple Newsroom
iPad (11‑inch, A16) — Product page

iPad (1st generation) — Wikipedia
iPad 2 — Wikipedia
iPad (3rd generation) — Wikipedia
iPad (4th generation) — Wikipedia
iPad (5th generation) — Wikipedia
iPad (6th generation) — Wikipedia
iPad (7th generation) — Wikipedia
iPad (8th generation) — Wikipedia
iPad (9th generation) — Wikipedia
iPad (10th generation) — Wikipedia
iPad (11th generation) — Wikipedia

The 50 Best Inventions of 2010 — TIME (includes iPad)
Apple Reports First Quarter Results (January 18, 2011) — Apple Newsroom