What IPad Is Procreate Compatible With: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re itching to get creative and Procreate has caught your eye? Excellent choice! It’s one of the most powerful and user-friendly digital art applications available on the iPad. But before you rush out and buy an iPad, you’re probably wondering: what iPad is Procreate compatible with? This is a crucial question because not every iPad model supports this fantastic app.

Don’t worry, I’m here to help you navigate the world of iPads and Procreate. We’ll explore the compatibility requirements, discuss different iPad models, and give you the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, understanding compatibility is the first step towards creating stunning digital art.

We’ll look at the technical specifications, the features each model offers, and which ones will best suit your artistic needs. This guide will help you choose the perfect iPad to bring your creative visions to life with Procreate.

Understanding Procreate’s Requirements

Before we dive into specific iPad models, let’s understand Procreate’s minimum system requirements. This will give you a baseline to work from.

Minimum iOS Version

Procreate requires a minimum of iOS 13 or later. This is an important detail. Make sure the iPad you choose is capable of running this operating system. Older iPads might not be able to update to the required iOS version, making them incompatible.

Hardware Considerations

While the iOS version is important, the iPad’s hardware also plays a crucial role. Procreate is a demanding application, especially when working with complex projects, high-resolution canvases, and multiple layers. You’ll want an iPad with a powerful processor, sufficient RAM (Random Access Memory), and ample storage space. Let’s break down these hardware aspects:

Processor: The processor (or chip) is the brain of your iPad. A faster processor will allow Procreate to run more smoothly, handle complex brushstrokes, and process your artwork quickly. Look for iPads with the latest A-series or M-series chips.
RAM: RAM is essential for multitasking and handling large files. More RAM means Procreate can handle more layers and complex projects without slowing down. Aim for at least 4GB of RAM, but 8GB or more is highly recommended for a better experience.
Storage: Digital art files can take up a lot of space, especially if you create high-resolution artwork or store a large collection of brushes and custom assets. Consider an iPad with at least 64GB of storage, but 128GB or more is a safer bet, especially if you plan to store a lot of artwork and other media.

Procreate Pocket Compatibility

It’s worth mentioning that Procreate also has a pocket version specifically designed for iPhones. While this guide focuses on iPads, keep in mind that if you also have an iPhone, you can use Procreate Pocket to sketch and work on smaller projects on the go. The features are similar, but the interface is optimized for the iPhone’s screen size.

iPad Models Compatible with Procreate: A Detailed Look

Now, let’s explore which iPad models are compatible with Procreate. I’ll break down the different iPad families and their respective features. (See Also: How Do I Keep My iPad Screen From Rotating? Simple Fixes!)

iPad (9th Generation and Later)

The standard iPad is the most affordable option and a great starting point for beginners. The 9th generation and later models are all compatible with Procreate. These iPads offer a good balance of performance and price.

Processor: A13 Bionic chip (9th generation), A14 Bionic chip (10th generation).
RAM: 3GB (9th generation), 4GB (10th generation).
Storage: 64GB or 256GB (9th generation), 64GB or 256GB (10th generation).
Apple Pencil Compatibility: Supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil (9th generation), 1st generation Apple Pencil (with adapter) or 1st generation Apple Pencil (10th generation).
Display: 10.2-inch Retina display.
Why it’s good: It’s an accessible option for those new to digital art. It offers good performance for basic to intermediate Procreate projects.
Considerations: The standard iPad might not be the best choice if you plan on doing very complex artwork with numerous layers. The RAM is lower than the other models. The display is not fully laminated, which means there is a gap between the glass and the display panel.

iPad Mini (5th Generation and Later)

The iPad mini is a compact and portable option, perfect for artists who like to create on the go. The 5th generation and later models are all compatible with Procreate.

Processor: A12 Bionic chip (5th generation), A15 Bionic chip (6th generation).
RAM: 3GB (5th generation), 4GB (6th generation).
Storage: 64GB or 256GB (5th generation), 64GB or 256GB (6th generation).
Apple Pencil Compatibility: Supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil (5th generation), 2nd generation Apple Pencil (6th generation).
Display: 7.9-inch (5th generation), 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display (6th generation).
Why it’s good: Its small size makes it extremely portable. The 6th generation features a more powerful processor and a better display.
Considerations: The smaller screen size might not be ideal for all artists, especially those who prefer working on larger canvases. The 5th generation has older hardware.

iPad Air (3rd Generation and Later)

The iPad Air offers a balance of performance and portability, making it a popular choice for many artists. The 3rd generation and later models are all compatible with Procreate.

Processor: A12 Bionic chip (3rd generation), A14 Bionic chip (4th generation), M1 chip (5th generation).
RAM: 3GB (3rd generation), 4GB (4th generation), 8GB (5th generation).
Storage: 64GB or 256GB (3rd generation), 64GB or 256GB (4th generation), 64GB or 256GB (5th generation).
Apple Pencil Compatibility: Supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil (3rd generation), 2nd generation Apple Pencil (4th and 5th generation).
Display: 10.5-inch Retina display (3rd generation), 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display (4th and 5th generation).
Why it’s good: The iPad Air offers a good screen size, excellent performance (especially with the M1 chip), and a more premium feel than the standard iPad.
Considerations: The 3rd generation has older hardware. The storage options might be limiting for some artists.

iPad Pro (all Generations)

The iPad Pro is the top-of-the-line iPad, offering the best performance, display quality, and features. All iPad Pro models are compatible with Procreate. These are ideal for professional artists or anyone who wants the absolute best experience.

Processor: A12X Bionic chip (3rd generation), A12Z Bionic chip (3rd generation), M1 chip (5th generation), M2 chip (6th generation).
RAM: 4GB or 6GB (3rd generation), 8GB (4th generation), 8GB or 16GB (5th and 6th generation).
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB (3rd generation), 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB (4th generation), 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB (5th and 6th generation).
Apple Pencil Compatibility: Supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil.
Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina display or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation). ProMotion technology (variable refresh rate up to 120Hz)
Why it’s good: The iPad Pro offers unmatched performance, stunning displays, and a premium experience. It’s perfect for complex artwork, professional use, and demanding creative tasks.
Considerations: The iPad Pro is the most expensive option. It might be overkill for beginners or casual users.

Comparing iPad Models: A Table View

To help you visualize the differences between these iPad models, here’s a comparison table:

Feature	iPad (9th/10th Gen)	iPad mini (5th/6th Gen)	iPad Air (3rd/4th/5th Gen)	iPad Pro (All Gens)
Processor	A13/A14 Bionic	A12/A15 Bionic	A12/A14 Bionic/M1	A12X/A12Z Bionic/M1/M2
RAM	3GB/4GB	3GB/4GB	3GB/4GB/8GB	4GB/6GB/8GB/16GB
Storage	64GB/256GB	64GB/256GB	64GB/256GB	128GB-2TB
Apple Pencil	1st Gen (with adapter for 10th Gen)	1st/2nd Gen	1st/2nd Gen	2nd Gen
Display	10.2″ Retina	7.9″/8.3″ Liquid Retina	10.5″ Retina/10.9″ Liquid Retina	11″ Liquid Retina/12.9″ Liquid Retina XDR
Price (Approx.)	Starting at $329	Starting at $499	Starting at $599	Starting at $799

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the retailer and current promotions. These prices are for the base model of each iPad.

Choosing the Right iPad for Your Needs

Now that you know which iPads are compatible, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are some factors to consider: (See Also: How Do I Turn Off Predictive Text on My iPad? Easy Steps)

Your Budget

Price is often the primary factor. The standard iPad is the most affordable option, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those on a budget. The iPad mini is slightly more expensive, but its portability might justify the cost for some. The iPad Air offers a good balance of features and price. The iPad Pro is the most expensive, but it offers the best performance and features.

Your Skill Level

Beginners can start with the standard iPad or iPad mini. These models offer sufficient performance for learning the basics and creating simpler artwork. Intermediate users might appreciate the iPad Air, which offers a larger screen and more processing power. Professional artists or those who work on complex projects should consider the iPad Pro for its superior performance and features.

Your Art Style

Consider the type of art you create. If you primarily work with detailed illustrations, the iPad Pro’s larger display and ProMotion technology (for smoother scrolling and responsiveness) might be beneficial. If you prefer sketching on the go, the iPad mini’s portability is a significant advantage. If you create a lot of artwork with many layers, more RAM would be helpful, so lean towards the iPad Air or Pro.

Portability

If you need to create art on the go, the iPad mini is the clear winner. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around. The iPad Air is also relatively portable, while the standard iPad is a bit heavier. The iPad Pro, especially the 12.9-inch model, is the least portable of the bunch.

Other Features

Consider extra features like the display quality, the Apple Pencil compatibility, and the storage capacity. The iPad Pro has the best display quality with ProMotion technology. The 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro, is more convenient than the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which needs to be plugged in to charge. The more storage you have, the more artwork and assets you can store on your iPad.

Tips for Buying a Used iPad for Procreate

Buying a used iPad can be a cost-effective way to get started with Procreate. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Check the iOS Version: Ensure the iPad can run iOS 13 or later.
Inspect the Hardware: Look for any physical damage, such as scratches or dents.
Test the Display: Check for dead pixels or discoloration.
Verify Battery Health: Ask about the battery’s lifespan and how long it lasts on a full charge.
Ask About the Apple Pencil Compatibility: Make sure the iPad is compatible with the Apple Pencil you plan to use.
Check the iCloud Lock: Ensure the iPad is not locked to someone else’s iCloud account.

Accessories to Enhance Your Procreate Experience

Beyond the iPad itself, several accessories can enhance your Procreate experience: (See Also: How Do I Delete Google Search History on iPad?)

Apple Pencil: The Apple Pencil is essential for drawing and painting in Procreate. The 2nd generation Apple Pencil offers a more seamless experience with its magnetic attachment and double-tap gestures.
Screen Protector: A screen protector can protect your iPad’s display from scratches and reduce glare. Some screen protectors also mimic the feel of paper, which can enhance the drawing experience.
iPad Case: A case can protect your iPad from drops and bumps. Consider a case with a built-in stand for comfortable drawing.
Drawing Gloves: A drawing glove can reduce friction between your hand and the screen, preventing smudges and accidental touches.
External Keyboard: If you plan to use Procreate for text-based projects or need to type frequently, an external keyboard can be helpful.
USB-C Hub: A USB-C hub can expand the connectivity options of your iPad, allowing you to connect external storage devices, monitors, and other accessories.

Troubleshooting Common Procreate Issues

Even with a compatible iPad, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Lagging or Slow Performance: This can happen with complex projects or older iPads. Try closing other apps, reducing the number of layers, or clearing the cache in Procreate’s settings.
Apple Pencil Not Working: Make sure the Apple Pencil is charged and properly connected to your iPad. Try restarting your iPad or unpairing and re-pairing the Apple Pencil.
Storage Full: Delete unused artwork, brushes, or other assets to free up storage space. Consider backing up your artwork to iCloud or an external storage device.
App Crashes: Make sure Procreate is updated to the latest version. Try restarting your iPad or reinstalling the app.

Staying Updated with Procreate and iPad News

Procreate and Apple regularly release updates, so it’s essential to stay informed about the latest features and compatibility changes. Here are some ways to keep up to date:

Check the Procreate Website and Social Media: The Procreate website and social media channels are great resources for news, tutorials, and announcements.
Follow Apple News and Blogs: Apple news sites and blogs provide information about new iPad models, iOS updates, and related topics.
Subscribe to Art Communities: Join art communities and forums to learn from other artists and stay up-to-date on Procreate tips and tricks.

Conclusion

Choosing the right iPad for Procreate is a crucial decision that will impact your creative journey. Now you understand what iPad is Procreate compatible with, and you can make an informed choice based on your budget, skill level, and artistic needs. Remember to consider the processor, RAM, storage, and Apple Pencil compatibility. The iPad Pro offers the best performance, but the standard iPad and iPad Air are excellent options for beginners and intermediate users. By understanding the compatibility requirements and features of each iPad model, you can select the perfect device to bring your digital art visions to life. With the right iPad and Procreate, the possibilities are endless.

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Explore your options, do your research, and choose the iPad that best suits your creative aspirations. Happy drawing!

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What iPad Is Procreate Compatible with: A Comprehensive Guide