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In recent years, iPads have become a game-changer for graphic designers, artists and creatives providing a new level of flexibility and portability that was previously impossible. As the demand for mobile graphic design continues to rise, designers are now looking for ways to stay productive and efficient, no matter where they are as you never know when the inspiration comes. In order to achieve this, designers must equip their iPads with a diverse array of applications and services. Consider, for instance, the invaluable utility of a VeePN when a designer is struck by inspiration while traveling and urgently needs to load a page that may be unavailable for various reasons. It is crucial that these applications and services do not impede the seamless performance of both the device and the internet connection.
This is where iPads for graphic design come in, offering a range of features and tools that make designing on the go a breeze, thanks to their lightweight design, intuitive interfaces, and powerful software, iPads are quickly becoming a must-have tool for any graphic designer looking to stay ahead of the game with a powerful tablet. In this article, we will explore the best iPads for graphic design and how to choose the best one for you.
Best iPad for Professional Designers
iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4)
Screen: 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display with Tandem OLED technology, 2752×2064 Resolution: 264 ppi, ProMotion technology (adaptive refresh rate 10Hz–120Hz). CPU: Apple M4 chip with 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. RAM: Up to 16GB. Storage: Up to 2TB. Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
The Ultimate All-in-One Tablet for Designers
Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4
Screen: 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR display, 2420×1668 Resolution: 264 ppi, ProMotion technology (adaptive refresh rate 10Hz–120Hz). CPU: Apple M4 chip with 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. RAM: Up to 16GB. Storage: Up to 2TB. Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
Best Value iPad for Designers
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
Screen: 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 2360×1640 Resolution: 264 ppi, True Tone. CPU: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. RAM: Up to 8GB. Storage: Up to 512GB. Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
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Screen: 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display with Tandem OLED technology, 2752×2064 Resolution: 264 ppi, ProMotion technology (adaptive refresh rate 10Hz–120Hz). CPU: Apple M4 chip with 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. RAM: Up to 16GB. Storage: Up to 2TB. Battery Life: Up to 10 hours Camera: Dual 12MP (Wide) + 10MP (Ultra-Wide) rear cameras, LiDAR scanner; 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage. Ports: Thunderbolt / USB 4. OS: iPadOS 18. Weight: 684g (Wi-Fi), 686g (Wi-Fi + Cellular).
The iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) sets the standard as the ultimate tool for professional designers, offering unmatched power and precision. thanks to its 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display, featuring Tandem OLED technology and a 2752×2064 resolution, ensures vibrant, true-to-life colors and incredible detail. Powered by Apple’s M4 chip with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, it tackles even the most demanding tasks, such as 3D rendering, intricate vector work, and high-resolution photo editing, with ease. The ProMotion technology with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate guarantees a fluid and responsive experience, making it a dream companion for those who frequently use the Apple Pencil Pro for sketching or note-taking.
This iPad is ideal for designers handling complex projects or juggling multiple apps, thanks to its expansive screen and up to 2TB of storage. Its large size makes it perfect for detailed illustrations, CAD work, and motion design, providing ample space to immerse yourself in your creations. Dual rear cameras, a LiDAR scanner, and Thunderbolt/USB 4 connectivity enhance its versatility, making it not only a tool for design but also for photography, video editing, and AR projects. While it is on the expensive side and less portable than smaller models, the iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) is the pinnacle of performance for creatives who need a robust, all-in-one device for studio and on-the-go work.
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Screen: 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR display, 2420×1668 Resolution: 264 ppi, ProMotion technology (adaptive refresh rate 10Hz–120Hz). CPU: Apple M4 chip with 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. RAM: Up to 16GB. Storage: Up to 2TB. Battery Life: Up to 10 hours Camera: Dual 12MP (Wide) + 10MP (Ultra-Wide) rear cameras, LiDAR scanner; 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage. Ports: Thunderbolt / USB 4. OS: iPadOS 18. Weight: 466g (Wi-Fi), 468g (Wi-Fi + Cellular).
The iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4) delivers the cutting-edge performance of its larger sibling in a sleek, compact form, making it an excellent choice for designers who value portability without compromising on power as its 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR display, boasting a 2420×1668 resolution and ProMotion technology with an adaptive refresh rate of 10Hz–120Hz, ensures vibrant visuals and silky-smooth responsiveness for sketching, designing, or editing. Powered by the formidable M4 chip with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, this iPad effortlessly handles demanding design applications.
The iPad Pro 11-Inch is ideal for graphic designers who want pro-level performance in a smaller, travel-friendly package. It excels in tasks like digital illustration, motion graphics, and 3D modeling, supported by up to 16GB of RAM and storage options up to 2TB. Its Thunderbolt/USB 4 port enhances versatility, while the dual rear cameras and LiDAR scanner open doors for AR and photography projects. While its compact screen may feel limiting for intricate work, it remains a powerhouse for agile designers seeking a premium experience in a portable format.
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Screen: 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 2360×1640 Resolution: 264 ppi, True Tone. CPU: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. RAM: Up to 8GB. Storage: Up to 512GB. Battery Life: Up to 10 hours Camera: 12MP Wide rear camera; 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage. Ports: USB-C. OS: iPadOS 18. Weight: 480g (Wi-Fi), 482g (Wi-Fi + Cellular).
The Apple iPad Air 13-Inch (M2) is a powerful yet lightweight tablet designed for graphic designers seeking an efficient balance between mobility and performance. Its 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360×1640 offers vibrant and true-to-life visuals, perfect for tasks like photo editing, illustration, and branding. It’s powered by the M2 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, this device handles demanding creative software like procreate with ease, ensuring smooth workflows.
The iPad Air is particularly well-suited for graphic designers who require professional-grade performance at a more accessible price point than the iPad Pro series. While it doesn’t feature the Pro’s XDR display or higher storage capacity, it delivers exceptional value for its price, making it a great choice for freelance designers, students, and professionals focused on tasks like vector illustration, UI/UX design, and light 3D rendering without compromising portability.
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Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone Resolution: 2360 x 1640 Pixels Processor: A14 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU Storage: Up to 256GB Camera: 12MP Wide camera Video recording: 4K video recording at up to 60 fps Battery life: Up to 10 hours Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and USB-C Operating system: iPadOS 16 Dimensions: 9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in Weight: 1.05 pounds (477 grams) Wi-Fi model; 1.06 pounds (481 grams) Wi-Fi + Cellular model
Are you a graphic designer or artist who wants to work with Procreate but you have a limited budget, don’t worry, The iPad (2022) is the best budget-friendly option offering you a 10.9-inch Retina display that gives you crisp and clear visuals with accurate colors. With storage options ranging from 64GB to 256GB, you’ll have plenty of space to store all of your design files, projects, and apps, and the A14 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU will give you speedy performance for multitasking and running graphic design software.
The iPad (2022) is a great option for graphic designers and artists who need a powerful and versatile device that can be used for both works and play for an affordable price. With its lightweight design and long battery life, you can take it with you anywhere and work on your designs whenever inspiration strikes. Overall, the iPad (2022) is a reliable and affordable tablet for graphic designers who want a powerful device without breaking the bank.
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Screen: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, 2266×1488 Resolution: 326 ppi, True Tone. CPU: A17 Pro chip with 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. RAM: 8GB. Storage: Up to 512GB. Battery Life: Up to 10 hours Camera: 12MP Wide rear camera; 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage. Ports: USB-C. OS: iPadOS 18. Weight: 297g (Wi-Fi), 300g (Wi-Fi + Cellular).
The iPad Mini (2024) is a standout choice for designers who value portability without compromising on power thanks to its compact 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display offering a crisp resolution of 2266×1488 and True Tone technology, it provides a visually stunning canvas for sketching and brainstorming. Powered by the A17 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, this little device delivers smooth and responsive performance.
This iPad Mini is ideal for designers who are always on the move, such as illustrators, UX designers, or anyone needing a portable tool for brainstorming. At just 297 grams for the Wi-Fi version, it’s light enough to slip into a bag and carry anywhere, making it perfect for coffee shop sessions or travel. However, its small screen might not suit intricate designs or multitasking-heavy workflows. Despite this, its ultra-portable form factor, high-performance chip, and 10-hour battery life make it an excellent secondary device or a go-to for quick creativity bursts.
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In conclusion, choosing the right iPad as a graphic designer can significantly enhance your creative workflow and productivity. Whether you’re drawn to the iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) for its unparalleled power and stunning XDR display, the iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4) for its compact portability without compromising on performance, or the lightweight and versatile iPad Air 13-Inch (M2), there’s an option for every type of designer. Even the iPad Mini (2024) stands out as a powerful companion for creatives who need portability and efficiency in a smaller package.
Investing in an iPad tailored to your design needs is more than just a purchase—it’s a commitment to elevate your craft. With powerful chips, advanced displays, and seamless integration with design apps like Procreate and Adobe Creative Cloud, these iPads cater to everyone, from illustrators to branding specialists. Ready to take your design projects to the next level? Explore the range and find the perfect iPad to match your style and ambition!
If you found this post useful you might like to read these posts about Graphic Design Inspiration.
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