Honestly, walking into the electronics section at Target can be a bit of a sensory overload. You have the massive iPads that cost more than a decent used car and then you have the weirdly cheap tablets that feel like they might snap if you tap too hard. Right in that "Goldilocks" zone sits the target ipad 10th generation. It’s the tablet that basically everyone should buy, even though Apple has released newer, flashier models like the A16-powered 11-inch version.
I've spent way too much time looking at these price tags. As of January 2026, Target has been holding steady with the iPad 10th Gen at roughly $349.99 for the 64GB base model. If you're lucky enough to catch a Target Circle Week sale or happen to have that RedCard (or whatever they’re calling the Circle Card these days) for the 5% discount, you’re looking at an even better deal.
But why are we still talking about a device that technically debuted in late 2022? Because it’s the last "normal" iPad that doesn't feel like a luxury car payment.
The Weird Apple Pencil Situation Nobody Tells You
Most people think, "Hey, it's a newer iPad, it must work with the latest Pencil."
Wrong. Sorta.
This is where the target ipad 10th generation gets a little bit messy. Unlike the iPad Air or the Pro models of the same era, this one doesn't have the magnetic charging strip on the side for the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation. If you bought one thinking it would snap on and charge, you're going to be disappointed. Because Apple moved the front-facing camera to the "landscape" edge—which is actually awesome for Zoom calls—there was no room left for the magnets.
So, you're stuck with two choices. You can use the original 1st Gen Apple Pencil, but you’ll need a ridiculous USB-C to Lightning adapter to pair and charge it. It’s a dongle-fest. Or, you do what most smart Target shoppers do and grab the Apple Pencil (USB-C) for about $79. It’s cheaper, it pairs via a cable, and it magnetically sticks to the side even though it doesn't charge there.
Screen Quality and the "Non-Laminated" Debate
If you talk to tech snobs, they’ll complain that the 10th Gen screen isn't "laminated." Basically, there’s a tiny air gap between the glass you touch and the actual display pixels.
Does it matter?
For 90% of people, no. If you’re a professional digital illustrator, yeah, it might feel a little hollow. For watching Netflix in bed or scrolling through recipes, you won’t even notice. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is still bright (500 nits) and plenty sharp. It’s a massive upgrade from the old 9.2-inch versions with the home buttons.
Performance Reality Check
The A14 Bionic chip inside this thing is a workhorse. It’s the same chip that was in the iPhone 12. In 2026, it still flies.
- Multitasking: You can run Split View without the tablet stuttering.
- Gaming: It handles Genshin Impact or Minecraft just fine, though maybe not on "Ultra" settings.
- Battery: You're still getting that classic "10 hours of use" that Apple has promised since the dawn of time.
Target vs. The Rest: Where to Buy?
Target usually stocks four colors: Silver, Blue, Pink, and that very loud Yellow.
Silver is the safe bet, but the Blue is actually quite nice in person. One thing I've noticed is that Target often has better stock of the 256GB version than smaller retailers. If you plan on downloading movies for a flight or have a ton of photos, 64GB is going to feel like a prison very quickly. Upgrading to the 256GB model usually bumps the price to around $499 at Target, which puts it dangerously close to iPad Air territory.
If you see it for $299 on sale, buy it immediately. That’s the "buy now" price.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Keyboard
You'll see the Magic Keyboard Folio sitting next to the iPad in the Target aisle. It’s the one with the kickstand and the detachable keyboard. It costs about $249.
That is a lot of money for a keyboard.
Before you drop that much, look for the Logitech Combo Touch. It’s usually about $100 cheaper at Target and, honestly, I think the keyboard feel is better. Plus, it protects the corners of the iPad, which the official Apple one doesn't really do.
Target Certified Refurbished: Is it a Trap?
You’ll often see "Target Certified Refurbished" iPad 10th Gen units online for around $294. These aren't the same as "Apple Refurbished." While Target does a good job with their 90-day guarantee and rigorous testing, these might show minor cosmetic blemishes. If you’re buying for a kid who’s going to put it in a chunky foam case anyway, save the $50 and go refurbished. If it’s a gift for yourself, the "new" box experience is probably worth the extra cash.
Actionable Insights for Your Purchase
If you're ready to pull the trigger on a target ipad 10th generation, here is the smartest way to do it:
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- Check the DPCI: The Target item number (DPCI) for the base 64GB model is usually 057-10-1203. You can use apps like BrickSeek to check local inventory if the website says "limited stock."
- Skip the 1st Gen Pencil: Save yourself the headache of adapters. Buy the USB-C version of the Apple Pencil or a high-quality third-party stylus like the ZAGG Pro Stylus 2.
- The Landscape Camera is Key: Remember that this is the first base iPad where the camera is on the long side. If you do a lot of video calls, this is a much better choice than the older 9th Gen or even some older Pro models.
- Wait for the Sunday Ad: Target typically resets their electronics sales every Sunday morning. If it’s Saturday and the iPad is full price, wait 24 hours. You might save $50.
- Protection Matters: The screen is durable, but because it’s not a laminated display, a crack in the top glass is a bit easier to repair than on an iPad Pro, but still annoying. Grab a $10 screen protector while you're at the store.
This tablet isn't a professional workstation. It’s a "everything else" device. It’s for the couch, the plane, the kitchen counter, and the classroom. In a world where tech prices keep climbing, the 10th Gen remains the most sensible choice for a "real" iPad without the "Pro" tax.