6 Best iPads For Procreate in 2024, September

Procreate is one of the most popular apps for digital artists and illustrators. It’s exclusively available for iPads only. On Procreate, you can create digital illustrations and paintings, customize your brushes, work with layers, record your entire creative process with time-lapse recording, produce animations, and export your artwork in various file formats.

The current Procreate version requires iPadOS 15.4.1 or newer to be installed. All the iPads on this list will work with Procreate’s latest version.

Top 6 iPads For Drawing with Procreate

Apple iPad Pro 13

OS: iPadOS
Release Date: May 2024
Screen Size: Large (13”)
Processor: Apple M4
Price: ~$1299

9.9

Check Price

Apple iPad Pro 13 was released in 2024, featuring a 38.99-watt-hour rechargeable lithium‑polymer battery with up to 10 hours of life, a 13-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 2064 x 2752 screen resolution and ~86.9% screen-to-body ratio. This iPad runs on iPadOS.

The iPad model can be purchased with 4 different storage options. 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. There’s no memory card slot, though. Also, the RAM changes with each storage alternative. You get 8GB RAM for all storage versions below 1TB. Meanwhile, for 1TB and 2TB, you get 16GB RAM. Cellular connectivity is also available, but you have to pay extra for that.

There are 4 stereo speakers in total, but no 3.5mm sound jack. Furthermore, the device has a main camera and a selfie camera. The main one has a 12 MP wide lens. As for the selfie one, it’s a 12 MP ultrawide camera. Biometrical authentication is a feature available with this tablet, as it lets you turn on Face ID to unlock the screen.

The tablet is compatible with the Apple Pencil as well. It works with Apple Pencil Pro, as well as Apple Pencil USB-C.

The Apple iPad Pro 13 has an aluminum back and frame, as well as a glass front. Also, you can purchase it in Silver or Space Black shades. The Apple iPad Pro 13-inch 7th gen is the most powerful iPad, with the biggest screen and the brightest. It's perfect for power users.

Pros

Large screen
Long battery life
It has good speakers
A lot of storage options
It has cellular connectivity

Cons

Quite heavy
It is pretty expensive
There’s no 3.5mm jack
It’s only available in 2 colors

Apple iPad Pro 11

OS: iPadOS
Release Date: May 2024
Screen Size: Medium (11”)
Processor: Apple M4
Price: ~$1099

9.9

Check Price

Apple iPad Pro 11 was released in 2024, featuring a 31.29-watt-hour rechargeable lithium‑polymer battery with up to 10 hours of life, a 11-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 1668 x 2420 screen resolution and ~84.2% screen-to-body ratio. This iPad runs on iPadOS.

There are 4 stereo speakers in total but no 3.5mm sound jack. Furthermore, the device has a main camera and a selfie camera. The main one has a 12 MP wide lens. As for the selfie one, it’s a 12 MP ultrawide camera. Biometrical authentication is a feature available with this tablet, as it lets you turn on Face ID to unlock the screen.

The tablet is compatible with the Apple Pencil as well. It works with Apple Pencil Pro, as well as Apple Pencil USB-C.

The Apple iPad Pro 11 has an aluminum back and frame, as well as a glass front. Also, you can purchase it in Silver or Space Black shades. The Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 5th gen is one of the best tablets you can buy.

Pros

Good speakers
Long battery life
A lot of storage options
It has cellular connectivity

Cons

It is pretty expensive
There’s no 3.5mm jack
It’s only available in 2 colors
No accessories are included

Apple iPad Air 13

OS: iPadOS
Release Date: May 2024
Screen Size: Large (13”)
Processor: Apple M2
Price: ~$799

9.4

Check Price

Apple iPad Air 13 was released in 2024. It features a 36.59-watt-hour rechargeable lithium‑polymer battery. That can last up to 10 hours of usage. a 13-inch screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. (iPad Pro models have 120Hz) and a 2048 x 2732(~265 PPI) screen resolution and ~86.1% screen-to-body ratio.

New iPad Air has upgraded storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB. Still has no memory slot and no 3.5mm headphone jack. All storage options have the same RAM: 8GB. It comes with WiFi and WiFi+LTE.

It has good 4 built-in speakers. Furthermore, the device has a main camera and a selfie camera. The main one has a 12 MP wide lens. As for the selfie one, it’s a 12 MP ultrawide camera. Biometrical authentication is a feature available with this tablet, as it lets you unlock th device with Touch ID.

The tablet is compatible with the Apple Pencil and iPad Magic Keyboard.

The Apple iPad Air 13 has an aluminum back and frame, as well as a glass front. Also, you can purchase it in Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, Blue. The Apple iPad Air 13-inch is the first of it's kind. In comparison to the iPad Air 11 model it has brighter and bigger screen.

Pros

Good price
Long battery life
A lot of storage options
Wi-Fi+LTE connectivity

Cons

No Face-ID
There’s no 3.5mm jack
No accessories are included
Expensive accessories

Apple iPad Air 11

OS: iPadOS
Release Date: May 2024
Screen Size: Medium (11”)
Processor: Apple M2
Price: ~$599

9.4

Check Price

Apple iPad Air 11 was released in 2024. It features a 28.93-watt-hour rechargeable lithium‑polymer battery. That can last up to 10 hours of usage. a 11-inch screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. (iPad Pro models have 120Hz) and a 1640 x 2360(~265 PPI) screen resolution and ~80.9% screen-to-body ratio.

New iPad Air has upgraded storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB. Still has no memory slot and no 3.5mm headphone jack. All storage options have the same RAM: 8GB. It comes with WiFi and WiFi+LTE.

The tablet is compatible with the Apple Pencil and iPad Magic Keyboard.

The Apple iPad Air 11 has an aluminum back and frame, as well as a glass front. Also, you can purchase it in Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, Blue. The Apple iPad Air 11-inch 6th gen is one of the most popular iPad choices.

Pros

Good price
Long battery life
A lot of storage options
It has cellular connectivity

Cons

No Face-ID
There’s no 3.5mm jack
No accessories are included
Expensive accessories

Apple iPad 10

OS: iPadOS
Release Date: October 2022
Screen Size: Medium (10.9”)
Processor: Apple A14 Bionic
Price: ~$449

8.8

Check Price on Amazon Read Full Review

The Apple iPad 10^th Gen is a good budget tablet for people who like Apple products. It's starting price is $449 and you can buy it in pink, silver, yellow, and blue. You can choose between 64GB or 256GB internal storage with 4GB RAM, no memory card slot, a 12MP wide main and a 12MP ultrawide selfie camera. The device was released in 2022 and runs on iPadOS 16.1, but it’s upgradeable to iPad OS 17.4.

Built from aluminum and having a glass front, this unit has an excellent display. It measures only 10.9 inches but has a 1640 x 2360-pixel resolution and can reach 500 nits. The screen is a liquid retina IPS LCD with a ~264 ppi density and a 60Hz refresh rate. Makes it a great choice for Netflix and YouTube watching. The glass is scratch-resistant and has an oleophobic coating. It has a non-laminated display, meaning there's a small gap between the screen and the display. It's compatible with Apple Pencil gen 1 and Apple Pencil USB-C if you want to draw and take-notes.

This gadget runs on an Apple A14 Bionic chipset and comes with stylus support. You can also insert an eSIM or nano-SIM into it for cellular connectivity. The USB ports include a USB Type-C 2.0, a Display Port, and a magnetic connector. It also has a 7606 mAh battery lasting up to 10 hours.

This iPad can be useful for casual Internet use or even for work. Great for families that share the tablet.

Pros

It's affordable
Apps open quickly and smoothly
It’s available in many fun colors

Cons

The processor is not the best
It has non-laminated screen
You can't charge Apple Pencil magnetically

Apple iPad Mini

OS: iPadOS
Release Date: Sep 2021
Screen Size: Small (8.3”)
Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
Price: ~$499

Check Price on Amazon

The Apple iPad Mini 6 is one of the best 8-inch tablets. This device was released in 2021 and runs on iPadOS 15 but can be upgraded to iPadOS 17. On average iPad are supported for 7-years. It also runs on an Apple A15 Bionic chipset and has eSIM and nano-SIM support. The unit has 4GB RAM and comes with 64GB or 256GB internal storage. Still, it has no memory card slot, but you can get cloud storage if you run out of storage space.

The screen is a Liquid Retina IPS LCD with 500 nits, a ~77.4% screen-to-body ratio, and a 60Hz refresh rate. Also, the resolution is 1488 x 2266 pixels, with a ~327 ppi density and a 3:2 ratio. What’s great is that the tablet is built from aluminum and has a glass front. The display uses scratch-resistant glass and has an oleophobic coating too. Making it great for Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, etc. It's also compatible with Apple Pencil Gen 2 and USB-C and you can create art, draw, take-notes or just navigate your device with Stylus pen.

There are two cameras, a 12MP wide main and a 12MP ultrawide selfie. Making it a great choice for Zoom and Skype calls. It has a USB-C port. Which is mainly for charging, but you can add other accessories using that port, like keyboards, external cameras, printers, hard drives, etc.

This tablet can be bought in Pink, Starlight, Purple, and Space Gray, and it’s only $595 on average. The 6000 mAh battery can run up to 10 hours. Due to its light design, it’s great for people on the go due to it's lightweight and small size.

Pros

It has great speakers for it's size
It's compact and portable
It works with Apple Pencil 2

Cons

The refresh rate is only 60Hz
It has no headphone jack
There’s no memory card slot
There's jelly screen

Comparison

When it comes to tablets for art, there are a few key specifications that are important: display size, display quality, colors, refresh rate, performance, storage, RAM, and stylus support. iPad Pro M2 beats every other iPad in these categories. It has the best and brightest display. It has the biggest screen and it’s also the fastest device. Making it the best iPad for Procreate.

Tablet Name	Sceen Size	Generation	Released Date	Display	Resolution	Refresh Rate	Starting Price	SIM	Weight	Battery	Chipset	Max Storage	RAM	Front Camera	Back Camera	Port
Apple iPad Pro 13	13-inches	7	2024, May	OLED	2064 x 2752	120Hz	~$1299	eSIM	~1.28lbs	10340 mAh	Apple M4	2TB	8GB, 16GB	12MP	12MP	USB-C
Apple iPad Pro 11	11-inches	5	2024, May	OLED	1668 x 2420	120Hz	~$1099	eSIM	~1.03lbs	8340 mAh	Apple M4	2TB	8GB, 16GB	12MP	12MP	USB-C
Apple iPad Pro 12.9	12.9-inches	6	2022, October	LCD	2048 x 2732	120Hz	~$1099	Nano SIM, eSIM	1.5lbs	10758 mAh	Apple M2	2TB	8GB, 16GB	12MP	12MP	USB-C
Apple iPad Pro 11	11-inches	4	2022, October	LCD	1668 x 2388	120Hz	~$799	Nano SIM, eSIM	1.03lbs	7538 mAh	Apple M2	2TB	8GB, 16GB	12MP	12MP	USB-C
Apple iPad	10.9-inches	10	2022, October	LCD	1640 x 2360	60Hz	~$459	Nano SIM, eSIM	1.05lbs	7606 mAh	Apple A14 Bionic	256GB	4GB	12MP	12MP	USB-C
Apple iPad Air	10.9-inches	5	2022, March	LCD	1640 x 2360	60Hz	~$599	Nano SIM, eSIM	1.02lbs	7606 mAh	Apple M1	256GB	8GB	12MP	12MP	USB-C
Apple iPad Mini	8.3-inches	6	2021, September	LCD	1488 x 2266	60Hz	~$499	Nano SIM, eSIM	0.65lbs	5124 mAh	Apple A15 Bionic	256GB	4GB	12MP	12MP	USB-C

The only other iPad that comes close to the iPad Pro M2 12.9-inch is its smallest brother, the iPad Pro M2 11-inch. It’s also less expensive.

Older Generation iPads

iPads are great tablet computers, not only for Procreate and art, but many other things. They are also very expensive, to lower the price there’s an option to buy a refurbished iPads or an older generation iPads. Here are 1 older generation iPads comparison:

Tablet Name	Sceen Size	Generation	Released Date	Display	Resolution	Refresh Rate	Starting Price	SIM	Weight	Battery	Chipset	Max Storage	RAM	Front Camera	Back Camera	Port
Apple iPad Pro 12.9	12.9-inches	5	2021, May	LCD	2048 x 2732	120Hz	~$1049	Nano SIM, eSIM	1.5lbs	10758 mAh	Apple M1	2TB	8GB, 16GB	12MP	12MP	USB-C
Apple iPad Pro 11	11-inches	3	2021, May	LCD	1668 x 2388	120Hz	~$800	Nano SIM, eSIM	1.03lbs	7538 mAh	Apple M1	2TB	8GB, 16GB	12MP	12MP	USB-C
Apple iPad	10.2-inches	9	2021, September	LCD	1620 x 2160	60Hz	~$400	Nano SIM, eSIM	1.07lbs	8557 mAh	Apple A13 Bionic	256GB	3GB	12MP	8MP	Lightning
Apple iPad Air	10.9-inches	4	2020, October	LCD	1640 x 2360	60Hz	~$549	Nano SIM, eSIM	1.01lbs	7606 mAh	Apple A14 Bionic	256GB	4GB	7MP	12MP	USB-C
Apple iPad Mini	7.9-inches	5	2019, March	LCD	1536 x 2048	60Hz	~$450	Nano SIM, eSIM	0.68lbs	5124 mAh	Apple A12 Bionic	256GB	3GB	7MP	8MP	Lightning

Can Procreate Run Efficiently on older iPad Models?

Procreate can run on older iPad models, but its performance may vary depending on the device’s processing power and memory capacity. Older iPads may experience slower rendering times and limitations with larger canvases or complex projects compared to newer models with more advanced hardware capabilities like the iPad Pro series.

What Are The Best iPads For Procreate?

Apple iPad Pro M4 13-inches – Best Overall
Apple iPad Air M2 11/13-inch – Best For Hobbyists
Apple iPad 10th gen– Best Budget Pick
Apple iPad Mini 6th gen – Smallest

Choosing the right iPad for Procreate depends on your artistic needs, budget, and preferred workflow. Here’s a breakdown of the best iPads for Procreate users, each catering to different types of artists:

Top 6 Features to Look for in an iPad for Procreate

When choosing an iPad for Procreate, it’s important to focus on features that enhance your digital art experience. Here are six essential aspects to consider to ensure you select the best iPad for your creative needs.

Display Size: A larger display offers more space for drawing and detailed work, making it easier to create complex designs. Popular choices for Procreate include the iPad Pro models, which come in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.
Resolution: Higher resolution provides greater detail and clarity in your artwork, ensuring that your designs are sharp and vibrant. Look for an iPad with at least a Retina display for the best experience.
Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate, such as the 120Hz ProMotion display found in iPad Pro models, results in smoother and more responsive interactions, which is crucial for drawing and sketching in real-time.
Battery Life: Long battery life ensures that you can work on your projects without frequent interruptions for charging. All the newest iPads, on average, last 10 hours.
Processing Power: Powerful processors, like the M1, M2 or M4 chips in the latest iPad Pro models, allow for faster rendering and smoother performance, especially when working with large files or complex illustrations.
Apple Pencil Compatibility: Ensure the iPad is compatible with the latest generation of Apple Pencil, as this stylus offers precise input, pressure sensitivity, and a natural drawing experience.

There are, of course, other things to consider as: price, design, weight, ports, cameras, etc.

Why is iPad Pro 13-inch Better Than the iPad Pro 11-inch For Procreate?

The 11-inch iPad Pro suits most users, but professional artists may find limitations. For high-brightness HDR work, the 13-inch model excels, offering detailed views and a larger canvas for fine detail in Procreate. Its Ultra Retina Tandem OLED display enhances brightness, blacks, and details compared to the 11-inch version, making it ideal for HDR images. Both devices, 13-inch and 11-inch, boast 1600 nits brightness.

Are there any differences between using Procreate on an iPad Pro and using an iPad Air?

Yes, there are noticeable differences in using Procreate on an iPad Pro compared to an iPad Air. iPad Pro models typically offer higher processing power, better graphics capabilities, and features like ProMotion technology with a higher refresh rate, which collectively result in smoother performance, faster rendering, and a more responsive drawing experience compared to the iPad Air. These factors make the iPad Pro better suited for handling larger canvases and complex artwork in Procreate.

Best Overall

Most Powerful iPad

Apple iPad Pro 13

OS: iPadOS
Released: 2024, May
Chipset: Apple M4
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
RAM: 8GB, 16GB
Camera: 12 MP Front & Back
Screen Size: 13-inches
Resolution: 2064 x 2752 pixels(~264 ppi)
PPI: ~264
Port: USB-C
Battery Life in Hours: 10 hours
LTE: Yes
Compatible with Keyboards: Yes
Compatible with Stylus: Yes

Check Price on Amazon

The best iPad for Procreate is the iPad Pro 13-inch M4. This model features a stunning 13-inch Ultra Retina Tandem OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and responsive drawing. Powered by the advanced Apple M4 chip, it delivers exceptional performance, making it perfect for handling complex projects with ease. If you’re looking for one of the best iPads for digital art, the iPad Pro 13-inch M4 is a top choice.

Most Popular

The most popular iPad for Procreate is the iPad Pro 11-inch M4. Its compact size combined with a powerful Apple M4 chip, 120Hz Ultra Retina Tandem OLED display, and support for Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro make it highly favored among digital artists for its balance of performance and portability.

Smallest

The smallest iPad for Procreate is the iPad Mini 6th generation. Despite its compact size, it features a powerful Apple A15 Bionic chip and supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, making it a versatile option for digital artists on the go.

Most Afforadable

The cheapest, most affordable iPad for procreate is the classic iPad 10th gen. Currently, you can order it for ~$349 from Apple or Amazon. You will have to spend extra for the Apple Pencil or alternative stylus pen.

What is Procreate?

Procreate is a popular digital painting and illustration app designed for iPad, known for its intuitive interface and powerful features. It offers a wide range of tools and brushes, making it a favorite among artists for creating detailed artwork, sketches, and animations.

It’s only exclusive to Apple tablets. It’s not available for Android tablets or any other operating systems.

What Is The Latest Version of Procreate?

The latest procreate version is 5.3.9. It includes several enhancements and new features. It adds compatibility with the newest iPad models and promises future support for the new Apple Pencil Pro. This version also introduces high-quality export options for Time-lapse recordings in 4K, and the ability to share 30-second clips on social media.

Procreate App Alternatives

Exploring alternative apps to Procreate provides diverse options for digital artists seeking unique features and tools tailored to their creative needs.

Adobe Fresco

iOS App Store

Affinity Designer 2

iOS App Store

Clip Studio Paint

iOS App Store

ArtRage

iOS App Store

Sketchbook®

iOS App Store

Tayasui Sketches

iOS App Store

Which iPad models are compatible with Procreate?

Procreate is compatible with any iPad that runs iPadOS 15.4.1 or later, including iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), and the standard iPad (5th generation and later).

How much does Procreate cost?

Procreate costs $9.99 as a one-time purchase. The price may vary slightly based on your region.

What size iPad is best for using Procreate?

The best size iPad for using Procreate is subjective, but many artists prefer the larger display of the 13-inch iPad Pro for its ample workspace and enhanced detail visibility. The 11-inch iPad Pro is also a popular choice for its balance of portability and screen size.

Why Do iPads Get Hot Using Procreate?

It’s not unusual for your iPad to get hot when you are using Procreate or any other high-demanding app that requires high CPU usage. Particularly those that relate to graphics and gaming. In these situations I recommend removing the iPad from the case, so it’s easier for the device to cool down. You can also lower your screen brightness to cool it down. High brightness will generate more heat, so make sure to unplug your iPad from the charger.
Make sure your surroundings aren’t excessively warm, as high temperatures can hinder the iPad’s natural cooling process.

On how many iPads Procreate can be used?

You can use the Procreate app on multiple iPads as long as they are all logged into the same Apple ID.

Is the Apple Pencil necessary for Procreate?

While not strictly necessary, the Apple Pencil is highly recommended for Procreate as it offers precise input, pressure sensitivity, and a natural drawing experience that significantly enhances the app’s functionality. Other Apple Pencil alternatives can be used.

Does Procreate work better on certain iPad models?

Yes, Procreate works better on more powerful iPad models like the iPad Pro due to their superior processing power, higher refresh rates, and better display quality, which provide a smoother and more responsive drawing experience.

Ernests Embutnieks

Founder & Chief Editor | ernests@wolfoftablet.com

I'm a writer and editor in iPads & Android Tablets, Windows Tablet section. I'm passionate about technology, especially about tablets. I'm on a mission to assist people in discovering their ideal tablets. In addition, I'm dedicated to producing helpful how-to guides and sharing top-notch tips and tricks. In my early carrier I founded and became and editor at worldoftablet and have been a guest author at many other tech blogs. In wolfoftablet I'm focusing on iPads, Tablets, Apple Pencil, Apps, Reviews, Buyers Guides and Tablet Accessories. In free time I like to play games on my PS5 or iOS.