When Apple dropped the iPad 10th generation pink, the internet had a collective meltdown. Not because of the A14 Bionic chip or the finally-sensible landscape selfie camera, but because of that specific shade of pink. It wasn’t the "rose gold" of yesteryear. It wasn't a soft, whispery pastel. It was—and still is—loud. Intense. Almost neon in certain lighting.
Honestly, if you're looking at this tablet in 2026, you've probably noticed it’s become something of a cult classic. While the "pro" users are busy debating M4 versus M5 chips, a whole different crowd is hunting down the 10th gen specifically for its personality. But buying a piece of tech based on a vibe can be a trap if you don't know the hardware limitations lurking under that flamingo-pink aluminum.
The color isn't what you see on the website
Let's get one thing straight. Apple’s marketing renders make the pink look like a saturated, deep candy color. In real life? It’s a shapeshifter. Under the harsh fluorescent lights of a Best Buy or a college library, it leans toward a hot coral. Put it in the sun, and it glows like a highlighter.
Stan Schroeder from Mashable once described it as "gloriously pink," and he wasn't exaggerating. It’s the boldest color Apple has put on a tablet since the original iMac G3 days. For some, it’s "coquette aesthetic" perfection. For others, it’s a bit much for a board meeting. You've really gotta be okay with your device being the loudest thing on the table.
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Why the iPad 10th generation pink is still a 2026 powerhouse
You might think a chip from the iPhone 12 era (the A14 Bionic) would be e-waste by now. It isn't. Not even close.
I’ve seen students running split-screen multitasking with Goodnotes and YouTube without a hint of lag. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is sharp, even if it lacks the fancy 120Hz ProMotion of the Pro models. Most people simply don't need that. What they do need is a battery that actually lasts a full day of classes or a cross-country flight, and the iPad 10th generation pink still delivers about 10 hours of solid screen time.
- The Landscape Camera: This was the first iPad to move the camera to the long side. It makes Zoom calls look like you're actually looking at the person, not off to the side like a weirdo.
- USB-C Power: No more Lightning cables. You can use the same charger as your MacBook or Android phone.
- Magic Keyboard Folio: This is arguably better than the Pro's keyboard because it has a function row. Need to mute your mic or change brightness quickly? You can.
The "Apple Intelligence" Elephant in the Room
Here is the nuance most "best of" lists won't tell you: the 10th gen is the odd man out in the AI era. Since it doesn't have an M-series chip, it doesn't support the full suite of "Apple Intelligence" features that launched recently.
If you want your iPad to rewrite your emails or generate custom emojis of your cat, this isn't the one. But if you’re using it for Netflix, Procreate, or taking notes in a lecture hall, you literally won't care. Most people use their tablets as consumption devices. For that, the 10th gen is essentially the sweet spot of value.
The Pencil Drama
Okay, we have to talk about the stylus. It’s annoying.
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The iPad 10th generation pink supports the 1st gen Apple Pencil (the one with the cap) and the USB-C Apple Pencil. If you get the 1st gen, you need a goofy little adapter to charge it because the pencil has a Lightning connector and the iPad has a USB-C port. It’s a clunky, very "un-Apple" solution.
If you aren't a serious artist, just get the USB-C Pencil. It’s cheaper, it’s easier to charge, and it sticks magnetically to the side (though it doesn't charge there).
Real-world durability and resale
In 2026, the secondary market for the pink model is surprisingly strong. Swappa data shows that while Blue is the most common color, the Pink retains its value well because it’s a "statement" color. It doesn't show fingerprints as badly as the Silver, and the matte finish hides those tiny micro-scratches that usually plague the back of mobile devices.
Is 64GB actually enough?
Probably not. Honestly, unless you live entirely in the cloud, the 64GB base model is a struggle. Between iPadOS system files and a few heavy apps like Genshin Impact or some high-res Netflix downloads, you'll be hitting a wall within months.
If you find a 256GB iPad 10th generation pink on sale, grab it. That’s the version that will actually feel like a modern computer for the next three or four years.
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Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Serial Number: If buying used, ensure you're getting the A2696 (Wi-Fi) or A2757 (Cellular) model to confirm it's actually a 10th gen and not a rebranded older model.
- Verify the Pencil: Don't buy a 2nd Gen Apple Pencil (the one with wireless charging). It will not work with this iPad. You need the USB-C version or the 1st Gen with an adapter.
- Screen Protector: Since the display isn't laminated (there's a tiny air gap between the glass and the LCD), a "paper-feel" screen protector actually works better here than on the Pro models for note-taking.
- Shop the Sales: With newer models out, you should never pay the original $449 MSRP. Look for prices hovering around $299 to $349 for the best value-to-performance ratio in 2026.