When the iPad first launched in 2011, it was very much intended as a device for entertainment, rather than work, with a focus on web browsing, music, video and FaceTime. More recently, Apple has attempted to position the iPad - especially the iPad Pro- as a versatile and lightweight alternative to a laptop, providing enough graphical horsepower for serious design and video-editing work.
Last year's adoption of the M1 processor in the 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro- and now the 10.9-inch iPad Air in 2022 - takes the iPad into entirely new territory. A decade on from the iPad's inception, these three iPad models now provide the same levels of power as the M1-based 13-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini or 24-inch iMac, making them a genuine alternative to a MacBook Pro or even a larger desktop Mac.
2021 saw the continuing convergence of iPadOS and macos, with features such as Universal Control promising to make the iPad a versatile companion for your Mac. Admittedly, Universal Control only arrived with the macOS Monterey 12.3 update in March 2022, but your Mac and iPad can now share the same mouse and keyboard while you work, and even enable you to quickly drag and drop files from one device to the other.
Of course, not everyone needs a top-of-the-range iPad with M1 chip; the standard 10.2-inch iPad still provides an affordable option for entertainment and web browsing. And, for people who need to opt for an ultra-portable device, there's the iPad mini, with its 8.3-inch screen and max 2979 weight.
The current iPad range really does have something for everyone, so read our Ultimate Guide to find the iPad that's right for you.
Choose your size
The iPad now comes in four models with five different screen sizes
Bu hikaye MacFormat UK dergisinin June 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye MacFormat UK dergisinin June 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Mac hardware
We help to solve your hardware hassles, from interrupted upgrades to running diagnostics
Give your iPhone a whole new look in iOS 18
Make your iPhone uniquely you
iPhone 16
Apple Intelligence-ready smartphone for the rest of us
Apple Watch Series 10
10th anniversary Watch is now slimmer with an even bigger display
AirPods 4
Apple's most affordable AirPods remain a brilliant buy
We. HEAR Pro
Room-filling sound from this stylish wireless speaker
HiDock H1
An impressive 11-port AI audio dock for conferencers
Adobe Premiere Elements 2025
Create eye-catching videos for sharing on social media
Photoshop 2024
Your imagination is the limit with this AI-powered pixel creator
Wispr Flow
Bring the power of AI dictation to DMs, documents and Discord chats