Powerful. Easy to use. Versatile. The new iPad has a beautiful 10.2-inch Retina display, powerful A13 Bionic chip, an Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, and works with Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard.¹ iPad lets you do more, more easily. All for an incredible value.
A: I think you are a little bit confused about the meaning of "unlocked" iPad. To understand this, first we must divide this iPad model into its two sub-models: the ones with Wi-Fi only and the ones with Wi-Fi + Cellular. Now, the Wi-Fi + Cellular models are the only ones that are defined as "unlocked", as it means that it does not have a Cellular Carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.), but you can come into any of these carriers to "activate" your iPad. By doing this, you will have access to the carrier's 4G LTE network, which then allows you to use you iPad with internet connection on places where there is no Wi-Fi available. Essentially, just like a smartphone. And, just as a smartphone, again, you will have to pay a monthly fee for this cellular connection. Depending on the carrier and the plan you choose, the monthly fee charge varies. I would say that you are looking at around $50 a month for an unlimited cellular plan. But let's say you buy this Wi-Fi + Cellular model and do not activate it. Well, you won't have the cellular connection, but you would have GPS which is a hidden feature that this model has. But the price increase is not worth it.
A: There are two variants of iPad, the wifi model, and the LTE model, for most customers the wifi is sufficient because you're using it at home. If you plan to use your iPad out and about, the LTE model would be the way to go.
A: I believe that a Best Buy employee can help you with that at the front desk without any fee. I would recommend that you have your Apple ID and password ready because you are most likely to use it for a backup which will then will be transferred to the new device.
Q: How does this compare to the 6th generation model?
A: The new 9th gen is far superior in every way. It has a larger and better display (10.2 vs. 9.7), faster processor (A13 vs. A10), starts with double the storage (64 GB vs. 32 GB), as well as other things like better cameras on the front and back as well as features like Truetone and Center Stage. I wouldn't purchase a 6th gen iPad unless it was incredibly cheap or given as a hand-me-down.
Q: What accessories go with this?
A: Apple offers you many types of cases including one that contains a keyboard if you want to use it like a 2-in-1 laptop. It also supports the Apple Pencil, but only the first one (the cheaper one). And, as well, you can connect your AirPods. There are also all types of accessories from 3rd party brands for cases, cases with keyboards, digital pencils, and earphones. Just be sure that the product you are buying states that it is indeed compatible with iPad. It probably says so on the back. Also, you can still connect your wired earphones or headphones on the 3.5mm jack.
A: The short answer is: iMessage: yes, SMS: no. The longer answer is that you can use an app like Google Voice or TextNow to send and receive SMS messages from your iPad, but there are some limitations. Some companies (banks, for example) will only send SMS messages to phone numbers registered with a cellular provider and not to a number registered with an app.
Q: Is it compatible with Kindle books?
A: Yes, the Kindle App loads nicely and the iPad (9th gen) shows your Amazon purchased book library.
Q: Is it compatible with iPad 7 and 8 cases?
A: Yes it is compatible with iPad 7th and 8th generation cases. The iPad 9 has the same dimensions