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The Best iPads for Procreate in 2023

Best iPads for Procreate-01 (1)

The Best iPads for Procreate will have to run iPad OS 15.4.1 or newer if you want the latest version of Procreate. This article has compiled the best ones to help you choose and avoid compatibility issues.

It is important to also note that some specific Procreate features such as Facepaint, will require specific features on your iPad to work. For example, you will need to have an A12 chip or newer and a TrueDepth camera.

If you do not normally use this feature you can just ignore and get any compatible iPad, but if not avoid the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 4 because this feature will not work. All other features will work perfectly.

Which is the best iPad for Procreate?

  1. Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch – Best overall
  2. Apple iPad 10.5 inch – Compact iPad
  3. Apple 10.2-inch iPad – Best budget
  4. Apple iPad Mini 7.9 – Best for beginners
  5. Apple iPad Air – Best for hobby artists

Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch – Best overall

If you’re looking for the best iPad for Procreate, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 stands out with its powerful M2 chip and Pro display.

This device is capable of handling high-resolution artwork without performance issues. It also provides an incredibly detailed and responsive user experience.

The iPad Pro 12.9 is a powerful pro-level tablet. First, the large working area screen at 12.9 inches is large and comfortable to use.

Additionally, the screen has a high 2732 x 2048 Pixels resolution and a liquid retina screen display that is crisp and clear.

It works with the Apple Pencil 2 which offers 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity tilt recognition and palm rejection, making it a great choice for professionals. Unfortunately, you have to get the pen separately.

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 inch comes with an M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, plus 8 GB RAM. This makes it easy to handle intensive Procreate tasks without any issues.

You need a reasonable amount of storage space for your files and software installation. Anywhere from 64 GB is ok for Procreate. The Apple iPad Pro comes with 128 GB minimum storage and has up to terabyte options so this will not be a problem.

The tablet also comes with an advanced anti-reflection coating that reduces glare light to protect your eyes. This iPad is not only great for Procreate, but it can also handle the most demanding tasks with ease.

One problem is that the price tag is much higher than other iPad models, so it’s important to consider it as an upgrade rather than a beginner device.

Furthermore, most other cheaper tablets match up in terms of most features only that they are smaller in screen size. It would be wise to consider whether you can work with a small screen for similar features and cheaper prices.

Pros

  • Nice pro-level 12.9-inch Liquid Retina screen
  • Fast M2 chip powered by 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
  • Clear 12 MP Ultra Wide front camera and 10MP Wide back camera
  • Ultrafast Wi-Fi 6E
  • Thunderbolt / USB 4 supported USB-C connector
  • Apple Pay is protected by Face ID technology
  • Long 10-hour battery life
  • Compatible with iPad accessories such as Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Magic Keyboard

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Accessories come separately
  • Storage not expandable
  • Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard are bought separately.

Apple iPad Air 10.5 inch – Compact iPad

The Apple iPad is a great alternative to an iPad Pro, offering the same apps and the same M1 series chip. It’s ideal for most users who need an iPad that has great performance but at a more affordable price point.

When it comes to Procreate, the multi-touch and Pencil support means you can use this tablet without any problems. The M1 chip is fast enough to be able to handle any requirements of the application.

The stylus is perfect and features tilt recognition and pressure mapping, giving you an incredibly accurate drawing experience. While it may not have all the features of a more expensive iPad Pencil, it certainly packs enough power to give you a great drawing experience.

The 10.9-inch display is perfect for drawing. It comes with a 2360 x 1640 Pixels resolution display and a liquid retina display. Additionally, it supports Apple Pencil 1st, Gen, for improved precision on the canvas.

This device is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact yet high-performance tablet for their creative pursuits.

Pros

  • Clear 10.9-inch screen with Liquid Retina display
  • A14 Bionic chip plus 6-core CPU powered by 4-core GPU
  • Clear 12Mp back Cam and 12MP Ultra Wide front camera
  • Apple Pay with Touch ID authentication
  • Fast Wi-Fi 6
  • USB-C connector for charging and accessories
  • 10-hour battery life
  • Works well with other accessories such as Magic Folio or Apple Pencil (1st generation)

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Accessories come separately

Apple 10.2-inch iPad – best budget iPad

  • Gorgeous 10.2-inch screen size Retina display with True Tone
  • Powerful A13 Bionic chip Plus Neural Engine
  • 8MP Wide back cam against a 12MP Wide front camera
  • From 64 to 256 GB storage space
  • Quality stereo speakers
  • Touch ID for secure Apple Pay
  • Long 10 hours of battery life
  • It has a lightning connector used to charge accessories
  • Works with Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Smart Keyboard

Apple iPad Mini 7.9 – Best for beginners

The Apple iPad Mini is a great, versatile choice for those who need a tablet that is both small and powerful. It’s perfect if you want to be able to carry your device around easily or use it while traveling.

 The iPad Mini is powered by the same A12 Bionic chipset found in the full-size iPads, so you’ll get similar performance with Procreate without needing to worry about lagging or slowdowns.

The battery life is also great as it can last up to 10 hours of continuous use before needing a recharge. This makes it ideal for long drawing sessions.

It comes with either 64 GB or 256 GB of storage space, allowing you to save a lot of drawings and designs.

It also has Apple Pencil support that works well when used with Procreate. However, since the display size is smaller than on the larger model iPads, the accuracy may be affected when using the Apple Pencil.

The iPad mini 7.9 inch is perfect for those seeking a lightweight, ultraportable device for their Procreate work. Its A12 Bionic chip is more than capable of handling intensive drawing tasks and the bright 7.9-inch Retina display ensures precise detail on the canvas.

 It also supports Apple Pencil 1st, Gen, for improved performance and sensitivity when sketching digitally. It also does not come with it. This model is an ideal choice for those who want a powerful yet highly mobile device to take with them and start crafting right away!

Which iPads are compatible with Procreate?

iPadGeneration
iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st to 6th generation
iPad Pro 11 1st to 4th generation
iPad Pro 10.5, iPad Pro 9.7
iPad 5th to 10th generation
iPad mini4th to 6th generation
iPad Air2nd to 5th generation

The 5 best iPads for Procreate

  1. Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch – Best overall
  2. Apple iPad 10.5 inch – Compact iPad
  3. Apple 10.2-inch iPad – Best budget
  4. Apple iPad Mini 7.9 – Best for beginners
  5. Apple iPad Air – Best for hobby artists

What is Procreate?

Procreate is a graphic editing and drawing software that is designed to be used on an iPad.

How Much Does Procreate Cost?

Procreate is a cheap art application that is fit for any art level. It only costs 9.99$ which you pay as a 1 off payment. It is very affordable because unlike other art applications like Adobe Illustrator that have a recurring subscription, you do not have to pay a recurring subscription.