iPad
(1) For Apple's earlier music player, see iPod.
(2) A tablet computer. Because of the iPad's popularity in the U.S., many Americans refer to all tablets as iPads even though roughly four out of ten tablets are not iPads. See tablet, Android tablet and Windows tablet.
(3) A very popular tablet from Apple, introduced in April 2010. The iPadOS operating system and user interface is similar to the iPhone; however, because of the larger screen, iPads are able to replace a laptop for many purposes. All iPads come with Wi-Fi, and cellular access is optional.
iOS and iPadOS
Since their debut, iPads used Apple's iOS mobile operating system, the same as iPhone and earlier iPod touch. Starting in the fall of 2019, the iPad line switched to its own OS (see iPadOS). See iOS.
iPad Pro
Pro models are top of the line. Initially available with a 12.9" screen. smaller models came later (see iPad Pro). In 2023, Pro models were powered by Apple's M2 chip and then the M4 in 2024.
iPad Air
In 2013, the iPad Air was named to reflect its light weight, but the iPad mini is lighter and subsequent non-Air models became just as light. The Air was discontinued until 2019 (see iPad Air).
iPad mini
With a 8.3" screen, mini models are always the smallest in the iPad line (see iPad mini).
Hundreds of Thousands of iPhone Apps
Apps written for the iPad take advantage of the larger display by placing more data on screen, but iPhone apps run intact as well. See tablet and iPed.
The First iPads
Prior to the iPad, tablets had come and gone, but like the iPhone, the iPad "upset the Apple cart" once again. Today, iPads are mainstream, along with Android and Windows tablets. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)
CURRENT iPAD MODELS Weight Max. Resolution (lbs) Storage CPU 13" iPad Pro 2752x2064 1.3 2TB M5 11" iPad Pro 2420x1668 1.0 2TB M5 10.9" iPad 2360x1640 1.05 512GB A16 13" iPad Air 2732x2048 1.36 1TB M4 11" iPad Air 2360x1640 1.02 1TB M4 8.3" iPad mini 2266x1488 .66 512GB A17 Pro