Apple iPad 6th Generation (cover + Charger + DataCable)

The **Apple iPad (6th generation)** was announced on **March 27, 2018**, and released on **April 3, 2018**. It was the first **non-Pro iPad to support Apple Pencil (1st gen)**, making it a game-changer for education, note-taking, and digital art on a budget. Apple positioned it as the **perfect classroom and everyday tablet**, with the same $329 starting price as the 5th-gen but adding Pencil support and a slightly faster chip. It replaced the iPad 5 and was discontinued in **September 2019** when the 7th-gen (10.2-inch) launched.

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Key Upgrades Over iPad 5th Gen
 Feature                  | iPad 5 → iPad 6 Upgrade                                      |

|Apple Pencil**         | **Added 1st-gen support** (pressure + tilt via Lightning)   |
| **Processor**            | **A10 Fusion** (vs A9) → ~40% faster CPU, 2x GPU boost       |
| **Storage**              | Starts at **32 GB** (same), but **128 GB** option           |
| **Front Camera**         | Upgraded to **1.2 MP → 1.2 MP with FaceTime HD (same)**     |
| **Everything Else**      | **Identical** — design, display, rear camera, RAM, battery  |

 Specifications Table

| Category              | Details 

| **Display**           | 9.7-inch **Retina** IPS LCD, **2048 x 1536** (264 ppi), **500 nits**, non-laminated, no anti-reflective coating |
| **Processor**         | Apple **A10 Fusion** (64-bit, quad-core: 2x 2.34 GHz Hurricane + 2x low-power) + **M10** coprocessor |
| **RAM**               | **2 GB LPDDR4**                                                         |
| **Storage**           | **32 GB / 128 GB** (no microSD)                                         |
| **Cameras**           | **Rear**: 8 MP (f/2.4, 1080p@30fps, 120fps slo-mo, HDR) <br> **Front**: 1.2 MP FaceTime HD (720p) |
| **Battery**           | 8,827 mAh (32.4 Wh), **~10 hours** Wi-Fi / **9 hours** cellular         |
| **Connectivity**      | Wi-Fi 802.11**a/b/g/n/ac** (MIMO), Bluetooth **4.2**, Lightning port; optional **LTE** (Gigabit-class) + GPS/GLONASS |
| **Dimensions**        | **9.4 x 6.6 x 0.30 in** (240 x 169.5 x **7.5 mm**) — same as iPad 5/Air 1 |
| **Weight**            | **1.03 lb (469 g)** Wi-Fi / **1.05 lb (478 g)** cellular — identical to iPad 5 |
| **OS Support**        | Launched with **iOS 11.3**, upgradable to **iPadOS 17.7.2** (latest as of Nov 2025) |
| **Colors**            | Space Gray, Silver, Gold                                                |
| **Sensors**           | **Touch ID** (2nd-gen), accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light, **barometer**, compass |
| **Audio**             | Dual **stereo speakers** (landscape), dual mics, 3.5mm headphone jack   |
| **Stylus Support**    | **Apple Pencil (1st generation)** — full pressure & tilt via Lightning charging |

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#### Design & Build
- **Same chassis** as iPad 5 and iPad Air 1 — **no redesign**.
- **Non-laminated display** → slight air gap (glass not fused to LCD) → minor reflection and less "paper-like" feel.
- **Touch ID** home button, **no Smart Connector** (keyboard cases use Bluetooth).
- **Lightning port** — charges Pencil by plugging it in (awkward but functional).

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#### Software & Longevity (November 2025)
- **Last update**: **iPadOS 17.7.2** (security patches only)  
- **Still receives updates** due to A10 chip (also in iPhone 7).
- **iPadOS 17 features**:
  - Stage Manager (external display support **with limitations**)
  - Freeform whiteboard app
  - Weather app (finally)
  - Lock Screen customization
  - Live Text, Visual Look Up
- **Cannot run iPadOS 18+** → no Apple Intelligence, no Math Notes, no Pencil Pro hover.

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#### Apple Pencil Experience
| Feature                  | Supported? |
|--------------------------|------------|
| **Pressure Sensitivity** | Yes        |
| **Tilt Sensitivity**     | Yes        |
| **Palm Rejection**       | Yes        |
| **Magnetic Attachment**  | No         |
| **Wireless Charging**    | No         |
| **Double-Tap (Pencil 2)**| No         |

> **Pro Tip**: Use a **Pencil tip cover** or **paper-like screen protector** for better drawing feel.

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#### Legacy & Best Use in 2025

| Apple Status          | **Vintage** (5–7 years post-discontinuation) — **parts & service still available** |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Still Excellent For** | • **Digital note-taking** (GoodNotes, Notability, OneNote) <br> • **Drawing/Sketching** (Procreate, Adobe Fresco) <br> • **Education** (Apple Classroom, PDF annotation) <br> • **Streaming** (Netflix 1080p, YouTube, Disney+) <br> • **Light productivity** (Office, Google Docs) |
| **Avoid For**         | • 4K video editing <br> • Heavy multitasking (2 GB RAM) <br> • Future-proofing (no iPadOS 18) |

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#### Verdict
The **iPad 6th gen (2018)** is the **best budget Pencil iPad ever made**.  
For **under $150 used**, you get:
- Full **Apple Pencil support**
- Smooth **iPadOS 17** performance
- 10-hour battery
- Touch ID + stereo sound

> **Perfect for**:
> - Students on a budget
> - Artists starting out
> - Kids learning to draw/write
> - Anyone wanting a **portable sketchbook**

> **Skip if** you want:
> - USB-C (iPad 10+)
> - Laminated display (Air/Pro)
> - Apple Pencil 2 (iPad 9/10, Air, Pro)

**Still a top pick in 2025 for creative, educational, or casual use.**