Best Apple Students Tablets in 2026

The Apple A10 Fusion chip and 10.2-inch display provide a reliable experience for basic tasks within iPadOS 15.4. The Touch ID sensor and refurbished pricing make it an accessible entry point into the Apple ecosystem. This tablet is best for casual users focused on reading and entertainment who don't require high performance.

The Apple A12X Fusion chip still drives a smooth iPadOS 15.4 experience on a sharp 2388×1668 Liquid Retina display with ProMotion. Its slim, flat-edged design remains premium and fully compatible with the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil and keyboard connector for a laptop-like workflow. This refurbished model is best for digital sketchers and note-takers who prioritize a high-refresh-rate screen on a budget.

The Apple M5 chip with dedicated Neural Accelerators drives on-device AI tasks and pro workflows on a 120Hz Ultra Retina XDR OLED display with extreme brightness. At just 446g, it pairs with the redesigned iPadOS 26 and its flexible windowing system for a uniquely adaptable mobile workstation. This tablet is best for digital artists and mobile video editors who need a color-accurate, high-refresh-rate canvas with Apple Pencil Pro precision.