It’s bright. I mean, really bright. When you first pull the 10th gen pink iPad out of its white box, the color hits you like a shot of espresso. It isn’t that muted, "rose gold" whisper of a pink we saw on the Air or the old Pros. No. This is a punchy, unapologetic, almost neon salmon that demands you look at it.
Honestly? It's polarizing.
Some people hate it. They find it too "toy-like" compared to the sleek, industrial vibes of the Space Gray or Silver models. But for everyone else—students, digital diarists, or just people tired of boring slabs of aluminum—it’s the most personality Apple has injected into a base-model tablet in a decade.
Why the 10th gen pink iPad still owns the mid-range market
Apple released the 10th generation iPad back in late 2022, and it was a bit of a shock to the system. They finally killed the home button on the base model. They moved the FaceTime camera to the landscape edge (where it actually belongs). They added USB-C. But mostly, they gave us these wild colors.
The pink version is the standout.
The hardware under that pink shell is still surprisingly relevant today. You’re looking at the A14 Bionic chip. It’s the same silicon that powered the iPhone 12. While it isn't going to outrun an M4 iPad Pro in a 4K video rendering race, for 90% of what people actually do on an iPad—scrolling TikTok, replying to emails, or sketching in Procreate—it’s plenty fast. You won't notice lag when switching between Safari and Spotify.
The display is a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina panel. It looks great. However, it’s not laminated. If you’re a pro artist, you’ll notice a tiny gap between the glass and the actual screen. For taking notes in a lecture hall? You’ll never care.
The camera placement is the real hero here
I need to talk about the camera for a second because it’s the biggest "finally!" moment in iPad history. On almost every other iPad (including the expensive ones from that era), the front-facing camera is on the short side. If you use it in landscape mode for a Zoom call, it looks like you’re staring off into space.
On the 10th gen pink iPad, the 12MP Ultra Wide camera is on the long side.
When you clip it into a keyboard, you’re actually centered. It makes a massive difference for school or work meetings. Plus, it has Center Stage, so the camera software crops and zooms to keep you in the frame even if you’re moving around your room or kitchen.
The Apple Pencil 1st Gen dilemma is annoying but fixable
Okay, let’s be real. We have to talk about the "dongle" situation. It’s the one thing that everyone rightfully complained about when this tablet launched.
The 10th gen pink iPad uses USB-C. But it only supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which has a Lightning connector. To pair them or charge the pencil from the iPad, you need a small USB-C to Lightning adapter. It’s clunky. It feels very "not Apple."
However, since then, Apple released the Apple Pencil (USB-C).
This newer, cheaper pencil sticks to the side of the 10th gen pink iPad magnetically (it doesn't charge there, though) and plugs directly into the bottom with a cable. It lacks pressure sensitivity, which sucks for serious painters, but for students who just need to annotate PDFs, it’s the much smarter buy. It solves the biggest headache this iPad ever had.
Performance in the real world
I’ve seen people try to compare this to a laptop. It isn't one. Don't buy it thinking you’re getting a MacBook replacement. Buy it because you want a portable, vibrantly colored screen that handles the basics with zero friction.
- Battery Life: You get about 10 hours. In my experience, that’s a full day of "on and off" use.
- Speakers: Landscape stereo speakers. They’re loud and surprisingly punchy for a thin tablet.
- Gaming: It handles Genshin Impact or Roblox on medium-high settings without turning into a space heater.
Does the pink hold up over time?
If you're worried about the 10th gen pink iPad looking "dated" in a year, don't be. Apple's anodized aluminum finishes are incredibly durable. Unlike the plastic backs of cheaper tablets, this pink is baked into the metal. It doesn't chip or fade.
The only issue is finding a case that doesn't hide the color.
A lot of people buy this specific iPad because they love the pink, then they slap a thick black Otterbox on it. Kind of defeats the purpose, right? If you want to show it off, look for clear-back folios or the official Apple Smart Folio in "Watermelon" or "White." The Watermelon color actually complements the pink frame perfectly without making it look like a highlighter exploded.
Is it worth buying right now?
Wait for a sale.
The 10th gen pink iPad frequently drops in price at big retailers like Amazon or Best Buy. At its original MSRP, it was a tough sell. At a discounted price? It’s arguably the best value in the entire iPad lineup. You’re getting the modern, "all-screen" design language for hundreds of dollars less than an iPad Air.
You aren't getting a 120Hz ProMotion display. You aren't getting the M-series chips for Stage Manager (external monitor support). But most people don't need those things. Most people want a tablet that works, has a great battery, and looks cool on a coffee shop table.
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This pink slab hits all three.
Common misconceptions about the 10th gen
One thing people get wrong: they think it’s "slow" because it doesn't have an M1 or M2 chip. That’s just tech-bro noise. Unless you are editing three streams of 4K video or doing heavy 3D modeling, the A14 is still a powerhouse for iPadOS. The operating system just isn't demanding enough to make the A14 feel old yet.
Another myth? That you can't use it for "real work." With the Magic Keyboard Folio—which has a great trackpad and a kickstand—this thing is a fantastic machine for writing, blogging, or managing a small business. The keys feel tactile and "clicky," not mushy.
How to get the most out of your 10th gen pink iPad
If you've decided to pull the trigger on this model, here is the "pro" way to set it up.
First, skip the 64GB storage if you can afford to. 64GB fills up fast if you download movies for flights or have a massive photo library. If you’re stuck with the base model, lean heavily on iCloud Drive.
Second, get a screen protector. Since the screen isn't laminated, the glass feels a bit "hollow" when you tap it with a plastic stylus. A matte, "paper-like" screen protector actually improves the sound and feel of the Apple Pencil on this specific hardware.
Third, use the multitasking features. Swipe up slightly from the bottom to bring up the dock and drag a second app onto the screen. Even on the base iPad, Split View works flawlessly. You can have your notes on the left and a YouTube lecture on the right.
Actionable steps for buyers
- Check the model number: Ensure you are getting the 10th generation (released late 2022) and not the 9th generation (which still has the home button and looks very old).
- Pencil Choice: If you want to draw, get the 1st Gen Pencil + the adapter. If you just want to write, get the Apple Pencil (USB-C).
- Storage check: Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage after a week of use. If you’re already at 40GB, start offloading photos to the cloud immediately.
- Keyboard options: If the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio is too expensive (it usually is), Logitech makes the Combo Touch for this iPad. It’s cheaper, tougher, and the keyboard is detachable.
The 10th gen pink iPad is a statement piece. It’s for the person who wants their technology to feel a bit more "human" and a bit less like a piece of clinical lab equipment. It’s fun. It’s fast enough. And yeah, it’s really, really pink.