Apple · Instant quote

Apple iPad 10.2-inch (9th Gen.)

9th Generation. Released on 2021

Storage:

Connectivity:

Cosmetic Condition

Functionality:

Charger Included?

The Apple iPad 10.2-inch (9th Generation) launched in 2021 as the last iPad to keep the classic home-button design paired with a meaningful internal upgrade. Apple moved it to the A13 Bionic chip, added a front-facing camera built for video calls, and kept the price accessible, which made it the default recommendation for students, families, and anyone who wanted an iPad without paying for Pro features. Known internally as A2602 and A2603, it still holds resale value because the chassis, the Lightning port, and the Apple Pencil (1st generation) compatibility carry over from a design Apple sold for years, so parts and demand both stay steady. If this is the iPad on your desk, pick your storage and connectivity in the configuration tool above, choose the condition that matches your unit, and you will see a live cash offer instantly. To see how the process works from quote to payment, or to jump straight to selling your iPad, use the links in this paragraph.

Confirm you have the iPad 9th Generation

The fastest way to confirm your exact model is on the device itself. Open Settings → General → About and look at the Model Name and Model Number fields. The Model Name will read "iPad" with a generation identifier, and the Model Number will show A2602 or A2603 depending on whether your unit is Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular. You can also check the etching on the back of the tablet, though on this model it is small and easy to miss without good light.

A2602

  • Wi-Fi only, no SIM tray
  • Sold in 64GB and 256GB storage tiers
  • Space Gray or Silver finish

A2603

  • Wi-Fi + Cellular, nano-SIM tray plus eSIM
  • Sold in 64GB and 256GB storage tiers
  • Space Gray or Silver finish

Prefer a visual check? Look for a physical home button below the screen (Touch ID, not Face ID), a single-lens rear camera in the top corner, and a Lightning port on the bottom edge rather than USB-C. Wi-Fi + Cellular units also have a SIM tray on the left edge.

Core hardware configurations

Processor

  • Apple A13 Bionic chip
  • Same silicon platform used across the lineup that generation
  • Handles Split View multitasking and current iPadOS releases smoothly

Memory

  • 3GB RAM, fixed at the factory
  • Not upgradable or user-configurable
  • Same across both storage tiers

Storage

  • 64GB or 256GB, soldered and not expandable
  • No microSD or external storage support
  • The 256GB configuration holds resale value best, since buyers pay a premium to skip the storage-management tax of 64GB

Cameras

  • 8MP rear camera, f/2.4
  • 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage for auto-framing on video calls
  • 1080p video recording on both cameras

Display & audio

Display

A 10.2-inch Retina display at 1620 x 2160 resolution, with True Tone and wide color support. It is a non-laminated panel without an anti-reflective coating, so glare under bright light is more noticeable than on the Air or Pro line.

Audio

Two speakers, both positioned along the bottom edge, so stereo separation depends on holding the iPad in landscape orientation. There is no headphone jack; audio out relies on Bluetooth or the Lightning port.

Security

Touch ID is built into the physical home button below the screen. There is no Face ID on this model.

Ports & connectivity

Connectivity is straightforward on this generation: a single Lightning port for charging and wired data, and a Smart Connector on the back edge for Apple's keyboard accessory.

Wired
  • Lightning port (charging and data)
  • Smart Connector (Smart Keyboard)
Wireless
  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • LTE with nano-SIM and eSIM on Cellular models

A13 Bionic Touch ID Lightning port Smart Connector Apple Pencil (1st gen) support Center Stage camera True Tone display

Battery, build & more

Battery

Apple rates this iPad for up to 10 hours of general use on a charge. Batteries this age have usually seen real cycle counts, so expect some seller units to show reduced runtime, which the condition picker above accounts for.

Dimensions & weight

250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm. The Wi-Fi model weighs about 487g; the Cellular model is slightly heavier due to the added modem and antenna.

Finishes

Space Gray and Silver, both with a matching aluminum back and a white or black glass front bezel depending on the color.

Accessories

Compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which pairs and charges through the Lightning port using an included adapter, and with Apple's Smart Keyboard.

Known issues

The non-laminated display shows more glare than later iPads, and charging the Apple Pencil off the Lightning port has always been an awkward, exposed process compared to magnetic charging on newer models.

Frequently asked questions

01 How do I find the model number or exact configuration?
Go to Settings → General → About and check the Model Name and Model Number fields. The Model Number will read A2602 for Wi-Fi only or A2603 for Wi-Fi + Cellular. The same screen lists your storage capacity under Capacity, which tells you whether you have the 64GB or 256GB configuration. You can also find the model number etched in small text on the back of the tablet, near the bottom edge, though it is easier to read in the Settings app.
02 How do I tell it apart from the 8th generation iPad?
Check Settings → General → About for the model number; the 8th generation shows A2270, A2428, A2429, or A2430, while this 9th generation shows A2602 or A2603. Physically, the two look almost identical, since they share the same chassis and home-button design. The clearest tell besides the model number is the front camera: the 9th generation has a noticeably larger front-camera lens to support Center Stage, while the 8th generation's front camera is smaller and does not auto-frame during video calls.
03 Can I sell it with damage, a cracked screen, or a weak battery?
Yes. Cracked glass, a battery that no longer holds a full charge, or a unit that will not power on can all still be sold; select the condition that matches, and the quote adjusts accordingly. Before you ship it, you must remove the device from your Apple account. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPad → Erase All Content and Settings, and confirm the device no longer appears under Find My in your iCloud account. A device still tied to Find My or Activation Lock cannot be resold and will be rejected.
04 What raises the trade-in value the most?
Condition and storage capacity move the offer the most. A unit with no cracks, a clean screen, and a battery that still holds a reasonable charge will land in a higher condition tier than one with cosmetic wear or performance issues. Between the two storage options, 256GB units are worth more than 64GB units, since buyers value the extra room and are willing to pay for it. Keeping the original box and cable can help but matters far less than the physical and functional condition of the tablet itself.
05 How do I erase it, remove my accounts, and get paid?
Start at Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPad, then choose Erase All Content and Settings. This signs you out of iCloud and removes the device from Find My, which is required before shipping. If your iPad is Wi-Fi + Cellular, also remove the SIM card if it is a physical nano-SIM. Once your quote is confirmed, ship the device using the prepaid, insured label Gadget Salvation provides at no cost to you. After the unit is received and tested against the condition you selected, payment goes out by PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, or check. For a full walkthrough of the wipe process, see the data erasure protocols page.