iPad Air or iPad Pro? Design work

I would just “bite the bullet” and go for one of the iPad Pro models.

You get the benefit of the newer Apple Pencil 2, which is a better designed Pencil, 120 Hz screen refresh rate, instead of the normal iPad standard screen refresh rate of 60 Hz.

And more important, larger internal data storage sizes as the iPad Air 3 maxes out at 256 GBs of storage ( actual, practical, usable storage of a 256 GBs iPad is actually between 232-233 GBs after drive formatting and installation of iPadOS. )

iPad Pro models have a 512 GBs and 1 TB of internal storage options.

Also, All new iPad Pro models have 6 GBs of internal RAM, now.

All other iPad models only have 3 GBs of internal RAM.

iPad Pro models are just better iPads.

Also, iPad Pro models make it easier to use external drives with its USB-C connection.

Best of Luck to You!

The iPad Pro will provide larger screens (even the extra half-inch of the 11” model makes a surprising difference) and better/faster CPU/GPU - which may be of significant importance for design and graphics. The latest models of iPad Pro also benefit from the new rear camera array and the novelty of the associated LiDAR sensor.

The iPad Air3 is based upon the previous iPad Pro 10.5 system architecture - but is somewhat less powerful with fewer features and lower quality camera. That said, if you need an iPad that is physically more robust, then the Air3 scores substantially over the Pro models. Air3 also uses TouchID and features a Lightning connector and a 3.5mm audio jack - whereas the Pro models now have FaceID, USB-C connectivity and no audio jack.

As you already have and use Mac as your mainstay, then the Air3 might provide adequate for your needs at lower cost. If looking for something substantially more powerful, with bigger screens, then the iPad Pro would perhaps be a better choice.

I hope this insight provides some helpful input to your research and eventual choice of iPad.

You didn't mention you already owned a 1st version Apple Pencil.

All Apple Pencils are optional purchase AND the 1st gen Apple Pencil is NOT compatible with any of the 2018 or 2020 iPad Pro models.

I thought 125 GBs was enough space, too, but just purchase another 4-year old 2016, 12.9 inch iPad Pro for a very good price and that one is a 256 GBs storage model with WiFi and cellular data.

A 125 GBs storage model iPad has only a practical, usable internal storage space of 111-112 GB after formatting and installation of iPadOS.

I got my original 128 GBs iPad Pro down to approx. 25 GBs of internal data storage left.

I used 87 GBs worth of internal data storage space with apps and app data, eMagazines, videos, images and music.

Since you do not seem keen to want to purchase a more expensive Apple Pencil 2, and you already own an Apple Pencil 1st generation, maybe you should consider the 2019, 10.5 inch screen iPad Air 3 and consider purchasing this version in a 256 GBs storage version, instead.

I feel the more internal and more direct and instant internal data storage space you can purchase in an iPad, the better!

Having to transfer data back and forth from a full computer or from other online data backup and storage services can be a pain to constantly be doing all the time.

I like having instant data access from my iPads.

Best of Luck to You!

Your existing first generation Apple Pencil, with a Lightning connector, remains usable with the iPad Air3 - but is not compatible with any of the current iPad Pro models.

Current iPad Pro are only compatible with the second generation Apple Pencil.

I would consider iPad Air too.

The reason that you are unable to use your first generation Apple Pencil is it’s dependency upon its Lightning connector for both pairing and charging of the Pencil.

The current iPad’s Pro do not have an Lightning port - but for the second generation Apple Pencil, instead use a magnetic/induction coupling to the edge of the iPad.