iPad

iPad is a line of tablet computers from Apple Inc. running the iPadOS mobile operating system. The first was released on April 3, 2010, as a larger version of the iPhone and iPod touch.

That original model had a 9.7-inch screen, a 1GHz Apple A4 chip, and it debuted at $499, a considerably lower price than typical Windows tablets of the time. The product was an immediate success. Over a million units sold in less than a month — half the time it took Apple to sell that many iPhones. In iPad’s first year, Apple sold around 25 million of them.

The product line has gone through many successive generations since then, with the price dropping while the screen got larger. The iPad 10 has a 10.9-inch display and a powerful A14 Bionic chip, for example.

Whatever the specifications, iPadOS computers continue to be popular. Apple is the 500-pound gorilla of the global tablet market, shipping twice as many units as any of its rivals.

iPad in use

iPad is well suited for a variety of uses: browsing the web, checking email, playing games, reading books and magazines, and watching movies and TV shows. Students use them to attend class virtually and for homework, while professional users turn to the tablet to edit photos and videos, create documents and presentations, and run business applications.

It comes with a suite of useful applications written by Apple, and there are millions more available in the App Store.

There’s a wide array of accessories on the market. There are even an attachable keyboard cases with a trackpad to turn the tablet into a notebook.

Apple’s makes a budget model called simply “iPad.” But the company also offers a range of other tablets in the product line up, including iPad Pro,  iPad Air and iPad mini.

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on iPad:

New iPads won’t arrive until May and we can’t stop crying

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iPad 2024 release date: May
The 2024 iPad Pro and Air release date supposedly won't be in March or April.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A release date for much anticipated 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air will come in early May, according to a reliable source of Apple information. Fans of Apple tablets have been on tenterhooks as the announcements for these had been expected weeks ago.

This will reportedly be the debut of the first iPad Pro with an OLED display plus the largest iPad Air model yet.

Shop big bargains on Mac, MacBook and iPad while they last

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Mac and iPad deals include M1 Ultra Mac Studio
An M1 Ultra Mac Studio is one of the great deals you can score with Woot.
Photo: Apple

You may not want to spend top dollar on a new Mac or iPad, but how about bargain-basement deals on older Apple gear? That’s what Amazon bargain site Woot! asks with its latest sale on 40 items.

As the site says: “Apple iMacs, MacBooks, and iPads: Whether you need a big-screen powerhouse, a portable productivity partner, or a tablet to rule them all, we’ve got the iDevices you crave.”

You’ve got a little over a week to shop a wide range of Apple computers, some rather old (and really cheap) and some not so long in the tooth. The sale ends at 10 p.m. Pacific on April 6. See some highlights below.

And if you’re in the market for new Apple accessories, Woot! also offers $3 off with promo code APPLEBITE (although that sale ends March 31.)

Sleek power bank is your iPhone’s backup battery [Review] ★★★★

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Torras Ostand Power Bank attached to iPhone 13 Pro★★★★
Torras Ostand Power Bank serves as a stand and wireless charger for iPhone.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

The compact and slim Torras Ostand Power Bank is a second battery for your iPhone, providing 15-watt fast charging whenever and wherever you need it. It also serves as an iPhone stand and can charge other devices, like iPad, too.

Torras sent me a 5000mAh Ostand Power Bank to try. And it did not disappoint. Doing exactly what it claims to do, the device offers good value — especially while it’s discounted for the Amazon Big Spring Sale (see below).

New iPadOS version might finally usher in 2024 iPad Pro and Air [Updated]

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2024 OLED iPad Pro mockup
Apple expects the larger 2024 iPad Pro model to be the more popular.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly released a tiny, tiny update to iOS and iPadOS on Wednesday. It’s possible this is the new version of the operating system supposedly needed for the much rumored — and much anticipated — 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air models.

Don’t go looking for the updates on your iPhone or iPad, however.

Update: The latest leak indicates that Apple’s next tablets won’t reach customers until May. They allegedly aren’t just waiting on software; production challenges are also supposedly pushing back the launch.

Today in Apple history: Apple pays to use ‘iPad’ name

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The iPad delivered Apple's
Would an iPad by any other name smell as sweet?
Photo: Apple

March 26: Today in Apple history: Apple buys rights to use iPad name from Fujitsu March 26, 2010: Apple pays up to settle a trademark dispute with Japanese multinational Fujitsu over the name “iPad” in the United States.

It comes two months after Steve Jobs first showed off the iPad, and around a week before the tablet will land in stores. As it happens, it’s not the first time Apple battled over the name for one of its new products.

Wait for OLED iPad Pro might stretch into April [Updated again]

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Wait for OLED iPad Pro might stretch into April
An OLED screen should make the 2024 iPad Pro the best-looking ever ... when it finally arrives.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple is reportedly still working on the version of iPadOS needed for the first iPad Pro with a OLED screen. The software development process might delay the launch until well into April.

Previous leaks previously pointed at a March debut, and that’s still possible. But those eager for Apple’s next premium tablet should also be prepared to wait as much as another month.

And apparently the launch date won’t be March 26, despite a recent rumor.

Crank up Safari’s privacy to the max

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Mind Your Own Business
Keep your browsing private.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple’s Safari web browser packs loads of privacy features that will keep your online activity hidden from ad networks, user tracking and data farms. But are you sure you have everything turned on? Some of Apple’s most important privacy-protecting features don’t come enabled by default.

In light of Google baking ever-more invasive user tracking into Chrome, there are even more reasons to use Safari instead. If you want to make the most out of the best and most secure mainstream browser, here’s how.

Today in Apple history: iPad gets an eye-dazzling Retina display

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The iPad 3 Retina display was one gorgeous screen.
The iPad 3's Retina display was one gorgeous screen.
Photo: Apple

March 16: Today in Apple history: iPad gets an eye-dazzling Retina display March 16, 2012: Apple introduces the third-generation iPad, its first tablet to come with a Retina display. Marketed as simply “the new iPad,” it’s widely known as the “iPad 3.”

Boasting that beautiful screen and Apple’s then-swanky A5X chip with a quad-core graphics processor, the third-gen iPad quickly becomes a big success. Disappointingly for customers, it will only hang around until October 2012. That’s the shortest lifespan of any iOS product in history, at just seven months.

OLED iPad Air might be on hold until 2028

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OLED iPad Air preview
An iPad Air with an OLED display might be four years away.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

While the first iPad Pro with an OLED display is expected any day now, iPad Air fans will have a much longer wait. Possibly until 2028. That’s what an analyst predicted, anyway.

However, this contradicts a previous report that said an OLED iPad Air would be out in 2026.

Google beefs up Chrome browser security for Mac and iOS devices

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Google Safe Browsing update in Chrome for macOS and iOS
These security updates come to macOS and iOS users first and to Android users later in the month.
Photo: Google

Privacy-preserving URL protection and beefed-up password protection are coming to Google Safe Browsing for the popular Chrome browser for macOS and iOS, Google said Thursday. The Chrome security update comes to Macs, iPhones and iPads first. Android devices will see them later in March.

Today in Apple history: iPad 2 is the svelte sequel fans hoped for

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iPad 2
The iPad 2 took a leap forward in every way except pricing.
Photo: Apple

March 11: Today in Apple history: iPad 2 is the sequel fans hoped for March 11, 2011: How do you follow up your biggest product debut ever? That’s the question Apple needs to answer as it releases the iPad 2.

Apple’s second-generation tablet boasts a faster dual-core A5 processor inside a lighter build. It’s also the first iPad to feature VGA front-facing and 720p rear-facing cameras.

Apple expects 13-inch OLED iPad Pro to outsell smaller version

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2024 OLED iPad Pro mockup
Apple expects the larger 2024 iPad Pro model to be the more popular.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly ordered 8.5 million OLED screens for the iPad Pro models it’s expected to launch soon. More of these panels are for the 13-inch version of the tablet than they are for the 11-inch one.

Leaks indicate the next generation iPad Pro will reach store shelves later this month. Possibly even next week.

No Apple March event for new iPad and MacBook [Update]

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Get ready for new MacBook and iPad models at Apple March 2024 event
No March Apple event in the pipeline for new iPads and Macs?
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple is preparing to launch new M3 iPads and MacBooks this month. But don’t expect an Apple March event for their unveiling. Instead, the company reportedly will announce the devices through a “series of online videos and marketing campaigns.”

Update: This is now confirmed, as Apple unveiled the M3-powered MacBook Air on Monday via a press release.

Get ready for new MacBooks and iPads at Apple March event [Updated]

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Get ready for new MacBook and iPad models at Apple March 2024 event
The Apple March 2024 event should be a busy one, with loads of new computers.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple is widely expected to hold a product launch event in March 2024 with a range of new iPad Pro, iPad Air and MacBook Air models on the agenda.

You don’t have to wait to find out what’s on Apple’s agenda. Many details about the upcoming notebooks and tablets already leaked out.

UPDATE: It appears there won’t be an actual event. Apple has begun unveiling the expected product via press release, starting with the M3-powered MacBook Air on Monday. The iPad announcements are likely to come soon. 

iOS 17.4 with new emoji, huge changes for EU is almost here

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iOS 17.4 logo
iOS 17.4 will bring changes, but you'll have to live in Europe to get most of them.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple just seeded the release candidate of iOS 17.4 to developers. When it goes to the general public — probably next week — it’ll bring in a collection of new emoji to iPhone, and a more secure version of iMessage. For Europeans, the update will be a major one, as it’ll usher in sideloading and other changes.

The release candidate for iPadOS 17.4 also came out Tuesday. However, macOS Sonoma 14.4 is still on beta 5.

Save $150 on a Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad 10

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Gift an Apple lover this Magic Keyboard Folio for only $99.
Accessorize your iPad 10 with this hot open-box deal on Apple's Magic Keyboard Folio.
Photo: Apple

iPads are great for many things, but there’s one obvious drawback to using a tablet — the lack of a keyboard for typing out notes and performing similar tasks. Fortunately, if you need an iPad 10 accessory to maximize productivity, we’ve get one in this Apple Magic Keyboard Folio sale.

Apple’s outstanding iPad keyboard is perfect as a treat for yourself, but it’s not cheap. It retails for $249. But Cult of Mac Deals customers don’t need to pay full price to get the ultimate iPad 10 accessory. This open-box Magic Keyboard Folio for the 10th-gen iPad is on sale for only $99.99 with free shipping.

3 iPad Pro improvements better than a thinner chassis

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2024 iPad Pro: Thinner isn't always better
There's no reason to slim down iPad Pro when there are better options.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The OLED display in the upcoming iPad Pro reportedly will allow the tablet to be more than 20% thinner. Which is … fine. But if the OLED panel takes up that much less room, there are plenty of improvements Apple could make to its top-tier iPad that would enhance usability more than slimming down an already svelte computer.

Perhaps Apple’s 2025 iPad Pro could use the extra space for more battery and more ports.

Wild iPhone and iPad rumors, plus some Vision Pro sob stories [The CultCast]

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Mockup of purple iPhone 16 Pro with a rumored camera module.
Will Apple really give the iPhone 16 Pro camera module a radical redesign like this?
Image: Majin Bu

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest iPhone 16 Pro rumor comes with a mockup that looks like a fidget spinner. Will Apple really do that? On the other hand, the latest iPad rumors sound totally believable.

Also on The CultCast:

  • There’s an iOS trojan in the wild that steals your face to drain your bank accounts.
  • Apple is hard at work future-proofing iMessage to keep it safe from quantum computer attacks.
  • We discuss the new Apple Sports app, including one of its weirdest features: betting odds. (Supporting gambling seems like a strange move for the normally vice-averse Apple.)
  • Erfon recounts his Vision Pro return experience, with some interesting behind-the-scenes intel.
  • Also on the Vision Pro return front, Griffin tells us his sob story about parting ways with the expensive headset. (Don’t miss the surprise twist ending!)
  • And finally, Griffin raves about a new wireless microphone in an Under Review segment.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Apple’s smallest tablet gets big discounts

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2021 iPad mini 6
Grab the iPad mini 6 with up to $120 off.
Photo: Apple

Despite its small size, the iPad mini costs $499. If you want Apple’s smallest tablet, Amazon has a deal that knocks up to $120 off the device.

This discount drops the price of the entry-level iPad mini to just $399. And if you opt for the 256GB configuration, it is available for $529 after a hefty $120 off.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Apple’s 2024 OLED iPad Pro could be crazy thin

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OLED iPad mockup
OLED iPad Pro could stand out with its slim design.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple’s rumored OLED iPad Pro will reportedly be significantly thinner than existing models. The switch to slimmer Organic Light-Emitting Diode panels will make this possible.

Besides the thinner chassis, the 2024 OLED iPad Pros will have slightly bigger dimensions than its predecessors.

Skip iPad Pro and get M1 iPad Air at this crazy low price

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Gift Guide: Best upgrade: iPad Air
With a massive $149 off, you can't miss out on this iPad Air deal.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Note: This deal appears to be sold out on Amazon (which may be temporary; items often get restocked), but is available at the same price at Best Buy.

There’s no better tablet than the M1 iPad Air for most users. It uses the same M1 chip as Apple’s previous-generation iPad Pro and Macs to deliver excellent price-to-performance. Amazon is taking a stellar $149 off the tablet, making it an even better deal.

With the discount, you can get the M1 iPad Air for only $449. At this price point, you cannot find a better option than Apple’s offering.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Today in Apple history: iPad fails to impress Bill Gates

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Bill Gates Fox News
Bill Gates definitely doesn't wish Microsoft invented the iPad.
Photo: Fox News

February 11: Today in Apple history: iPad fails to impress Bill Gates February 11, 2010: With iPad excitement reaching a fever pitch, Steve Jobs’ old frenemy Bill Gates wades in with his own opinion of Apple’s tablet.

The Microsoft co-founder’s view? The upcoming device is kinda meh.

“There’s nothing on the iPad I look at and say, ‘Oh, I wish Microsoft had done it,'” Gates tells one interviewer.

Boost mobile charging with new 2-in-1 power bank and wall adapter

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Belkin BoostCharge Hybrid Wall Charger 25W + Power Bank 5K
Belkin's new combo power bank and wall charger can cover plenty of your charging needs.
Photo: Belkin

Belkin rolled out a new portable 2-in-1 charger Thursday that should suit people who travel a lot or work in different places, like hybrid employees, because it’s both a wall charger and a power bank. It’s the Belkin BoostCharge Hybrid Wall Charger 25W + Power Bank 5K, great for keeping devices like iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch going.

It’s set to start shipping on Valentine’s Day, February 14. And no, we’re not saying it’s a romantic gift idea.