Best iPad for organization, sketching & design (as of 2024)

For any kind of detailed design work, larger screens are almost always the better choice. Of current models, the iPad models with the largest screen are the iPad Air M2 13" and the iPad Pro M4 13". Both are perhaps a good choice for your stated needs. Both the Pro and Air are also available with 11" screens.

You can compare specifications here:

https://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/?modelList=ipad-pro-13-m4,ipad-air-13-m2,ipad-10th-gen

Both the iPad Air and iPad Pro have excellent screens. Given that your choice of iPad may be principally determined by screen size and potentially cost of the iPad, the technical differences between them may be a moot point. That said, for iPad Pro M4 with 1TB/2TB storage, you have the option of choosing the ultra-low reflection (matt finish) Nano-texture screen-glass - at additional cost.

Otherwise, the iPad Pro M4 offers a technically more advanced screen than the Air M2. Unless using your iPad for advanced graphics, streaming or gaming - that requires a higher screen refresh rate where the advanced capabilities of the iPad Pro M4 screen will shine - the Air M2 will be good option. The anti-reflection coatings of the iPad Pro M4 standard screen are also more advanced than those of the Air M2.

Before making your eventual choice, a visit to an Apple Store or Apple Authorised retailer offers opportunity to compare the iPad models side-by-side.

Apple Pencil

You should note that Apple Pencils are iPad specific - and can only be used with the appropriate iPad model. Your existing [presumed] first generation Apple Pencil is not compatible with any of the current iPad models. You can find Apple's definitive compatibility list for iPad and Apple Pencil here:

Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support

As such, if replacing your iPad with a current model, you will almost certainly need to replace your current Apple Pencil:

Select Apple Pencil - Apple

You will note that the USB-C Pencil can only be charged using a cable - and lacks pressure sensitivity. The lack of pressure sensing may be significant for your design/drawing requirements - and may influence your choice.