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Apple iPad 10.2" 9th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, US/CA) 64, 256 GB Specs

Identifers: iPad 9th Gen (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - MK673LL/A* - A2603 - 4046* - iPad12,2

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Apple iPad 10.2-Inch 9th Gen 2021All iPad (9th Gen) tablets -- including this Wi-Fi and cellular model (A2603) sold in the United States and Canada -- are housed in white and silver colored or black and medium toned "Space Gray" cases and feature a 10.2" 2160x1620 (264 ppi) LED-backlit IPS touch-sensitive "Retina" display with True Tone capability. Each has a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor, supports the original Apple Pencil (A1603, MK0C2AM/A), and has a "Smart Connector" for use with an Apple Smart Keyboard, as well.

Each iPad (9th Gen) model is powered by a six-core 2.6 GHz Apple A13 Bionic processor, has 3 GB of RAM, and has 64 GB or 256 GB of flash memory storage.

The iPad (9th Gen) models also have a rear-mounted 8 megapixel camera that can shoot still photographs, Live Photos, and HD video (1080p at 25 fps and 30 fps) and a front-mounted 12 megapixel "Ultra Wide" camera with a 122-degree field of view. This front-mounted "FaceTime HD" camera shoots 1080p at 25 fps, 30 fps, and 60 fps; supports cinematic video stabilization (1080p and 720p); and introduces the "Center Stage" feature that automatically pans and zooms to keep subjects in frame, too.

Other features include dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, HT80 with MIMO support (backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n), and Bluetooth 4.2 in addition to stereo speakers. Connectivity to computers, if desired, and power is provided by a Lightning port.

The battery life of this cellular-capable iPad (9th Gen) model is reportedly 10 hours "surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video" and as long as 9 hours "surfing the web using [a] cellular data network."

This Wi-Fi/Cellular-equipped iPad (9th Gen, A2603) model supports GPS/GNSS as well as 4G LTE, with the exception of Band 28 (700 APT MHz). It has a hardware Nano-SIM and a software eSIM, also.

Also see:

  • What are all the differences between the iPad 10.2-Inch 9th Gen (2021) models?
  • What are all the differences between the iPad 9th Gen (2021) and the iPad 8th Gen (2020) models replaced?

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  • Tech Specs
  • Global Original Prices
  • Popular Q&As

Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.


September 14, 2021* N/A
Details: The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.

*This model was introduced on September 14, 2021 and first available in stores on September 24, 2021.

Also see: All iPad models introduced in 2021.
1 (6 Cores) N/A
Details: Geekbench 2 is not compatible with this iPad. This number is an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all Geekbench 2 user submissions for devices with the iPad12,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, please see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
N/A N/A
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for devices with the iPad12,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
N/A N/A
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for devices with the iPad12,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 3 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
5475 13624
Details: These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for devices with the iPad12,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
1329 3275
Details: These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the iOS are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for devices with the iPad12,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
2.6 GHz* Apple A13 Bionic
Details: *Apple officially reports that this iPad uses an "Apple A13 Bionic" processor with 64-bit architecture and an unspecified clockspeed as well as a "Neural Engine" chip. However, third-party software analysis has determined that the processor has a clockspeed around 2.6 GHz.

Also see: How fast is the iPad 9th Gen (2021) compared to the iPad 8th Gen (2020) that it replaced? How fast is it compared to earlier iPads? How fast is it compared to the iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro?
3 GB* 64, 256 GB
Details: *Apple releases no official information regarding the amount of onboard RAM. However, third-party software analysis has determined that iPad 9th Gen models have 3 GB of RAM.

Also see: Is it possible to add external storage to the iPad? How?
Sync & Charge (Lightning) None
Details: The iPad (9th Generation) models do not offer a "disk mode" for file transfer.
USB-C Lightning, Headphone, Smart Connector*
Details: *Note that the iPad (9th Gen) models have a "Smart Connector" for an Apple Smart Keyboard.
Tablet/Slate iPad (9th Gen)
Details: N/A
Black or White* Multi-touch
Details: *The iPad (9th Gen) models are available with either a black glass front and a "Space" gray aluminum back or a white glass front and a silver colored aluminum back.
10.2" Color* 2160x1620 (264 ppi)
Details: *The iPad (9th Gen) models have a 10.2" IPS LED-backlit 2160 by 1620 display (264 ppi) with IPS technology, True Tone capability, and an "oleophobic" (oil repellent) coating.

It provides video mirroring and video out support up to 1080p using the "Lightning Digital AV Adapter" and the "Lightning to VGA Adapter."

Also see: Can the iPad models be used as an external display for a Mac or PC? How?

In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this iPad. No fix, no fee!

In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, motherboard, charging port, and more for this iPad.
802.11ac (HT80)* 4.2
Details: *All iPad (9th Gen) models support 802.11ac (backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n) on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (dual band) as well as HT80 with MIMO. They support Bluetooth 4.2, also.
GSM/4G LTE* 12 Megapixels**
Details: *This iPad (9th Gen) model supports cellular data connectivity. Specifically, this A2603 model supports UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) and Gigabit-class LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, and 71). It does not support Band 28 (700 APT MHz).

**The iPad (9th Gen) has dual cameras. The rear camera has an 8 megapixel sensor and supports still photographs, Live Photos, and HD video recording (1080p at 25 fps and 30 fps). It has a f/2.4 aperture. The front mounted "FaceTime HD" camera, designed to be used for video conferencing in conjunction with Apple's provided FaceTime software over a Wi-Fi network, has a 12 megapixel "Ultra Wide" camera with a 122-degree field of view. It has a f/2.4 aperture; shoots 1080p at 25 fps, 30 fps, and 60 fps; supports cinematic video stabilization (1080p and 720p); and offers the "Center Stage" feature that automatically pans and zooms to keep subjects in frame, too.
Lithium Polymer (32.4 Whr) 9-10 Hours*
Details: *Apple estimates that this cellular-capable iPad (9th Gen) model provides "up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video" and "up to 9 hours of surfing the web using [a] cellular data network."
N/A N/A
Details: Apple does not report the standby time for this iPad.
MK673LL/A* iPad 9th Gen (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
Details: *MK673LL/A refers to the iPad 9th Gen Wi-Fi+Cellular configuration in white/silver with 64 GB of storage. In white/silver with 256 GB of storage, the order number is MK6A3LL/A. In black/space gray, with 64 GB and 256 GB of storage, the order numbers are MK663LL/A and MK693LL/A, respectively.
A2603 (EMC 4046*) iPad12,2
Details: The Model Number (external) is unique to this model.

*Please note that the EMC number is not externally listed on this device.

Also see: All iPhones with the A2603 Model Number, the 4046* EMC Number, and the iPad12,2 Model Identifier.
iPadOS 15.0 (19A346) Current
Details: This model fully supports the final version of iPadOS 15 as well as iPadOS 16, but it does not support the advanced Stage Manager, Reference Mode, Accessibility Detection, and Virtual Memory Swap features.

This iPad also supports the current version of the iPadOS -- iPadOS 17 -- but it lacks support for the React with Your Hands; Screen Distance; More Accurate Autocorrect in English, French, and Spanish; Inline Predictions (English); and External Camera for FaceTime features.

Also see: Which iPad models support iPadOS 16? Do some models "partially" support iPadOS 16? Which ones?
9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 1.09 lbs. (498 g)
Details: The iPad (9th Gen) models (held vertically) are 9.8 inches tall, 6.8 inches wide, and 0.29 of an inch deep (250.6 mm x 174.1 mm x 7.5 mm).

This iPad (9th Gen) version equipped with Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity weighs 1.09 pounds (498 g).
Mac OS X 10.11.6 Windows 10+
Details: *Apple reports that this iPad (9th Gen) model, if syncing with a Mac is desired, is compatible with a Mac running macOS 10.11.6 (El Capitan) through macOS 10.14.6 (Mojave) using iTunes 12.8 or later or macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later using the Finder. To sync with a Windows PC requires Windows 10 or later and iTunes 12.12 or later.
Apple reports that the iPad (9th Gen) models support "AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Dolby Digital (AC-3), Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3), Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV."
N/A
Apple reports that the iPad (9th Gen) models support "H.264 video up to 4K, 30 frames per second, High Profile level 4.2 with AAC LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio or Dolby Audio up to 1008 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo or multichannel audio, in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG 4 video up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio or Dolby Audio up to 1008 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo or multichannel audio, in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; Motion JPEG (M JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format."
The iPad (9th Gen) also includes a Lightning to USB-C cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells accessories like cases, stands, keyboards, speakers and more for this iPad.

Also see: What is the best external keyboard for the full-size iPad models?
US$459, US$609* US$459, US$609*
Details: *Regardless of color, the Wi-Fi + cellular configurations of the iPad (9th Gen) models sold in the United States are US$459 and US$609 equipped with 64 GB and 256 GB of storage, respectively. The Apple Pencil is US$99.

To purchase a new iPad in the US, please visit site sponsor Adorama, which always has free shipping (as well as some recently discontinued/open box Apple hardware at bargain prices).

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.



Global original prices for the iPad 10.2" 9th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, US/CA) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region. Please note that prices with an asterisk (*) are bound by carrier contractual obligations.

For global original prices for all iPod, iPhone, and iPad models in one particular country on a single page, please refer to Everyi.com's Global Original Prices section.

If you have additional original prices for this iPad, please share. Thank you.


Original Prices - North & South America

C$599, C$799 N/A
N/A US$459, US$609*

Original Prices - Europe

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Original Prices - Asia

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Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

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Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iPad line follow.




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