iOS/iPadOS has very efficient memory management - that, contrary to what you might expect, is designed to continuously utilise as much available RAM as possible. For this system architecture, un-utilised RAM (spare) is wasteful.
The iOS/iPadOS system architecture keeps processes in working memory (RAM) for two reasons. The first is fast task switching; iOS/iPadOS does not use full pre-emptive multi-tasking, but does keep active and loaded-inactive processes in RAM to allow rapid process switching. The second is working with data; to cite an example, such video editing, a considerable volume of data needs to be loaded for manipulation - and this needs RAM, particularly when loading multiple video streams.
The new model iPad Pro models have lifted the bar - allowing the iPad to operate much more efficiently with large datasets. The previous 4/6GB RAM configuration has been lifted to 8GB - and for the most expensive 1TB and 2TB models, has increased RAM to 16GB.
Whether or not you need this level of RAM and system performance is something that only you can decide. For the most part, at this juncture, models with 16GB RAM provides considerable “breathing room” for Apps to be developed for iPad that can fully capitalise on the enhanced hardware platform. In the interim, you can expect your iPad to offer the very highest level of performance.
