iPad is a line of tablet computers from Apple Inc. running the iPadOS mobile operating system. These are low-cost products designed to appeal to young students, and anyone looking for a light-duty tablet.
iPad 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.
Table of Contents:
The lineup begins with a basic entry-level model made for budget-conscious buyers. The midrange features the Air and mini models, which offer a balance of modern features at a moderate price. These two models come in three total screen sizes: small, medium and large. At the highest-end, the Pro model offers the latest and greatest technology for power users — those who depend on the tablet to get their work done every day.
Apple’s makes a budget model called simply “iPad.” The most recent is the 11th-generation model from early 2025. It come with a relatively modern A16 processor and 11-inch screen. It offers impressive performance and portability for a budget tablet.
The A16 chip means that it lacks support for Apple Intelligence and the ability to plug in an external display. However, its 128GB of storage, USB-C port and Touch ID button means that it has plenty of space with convenient charging and daily usage.
The tablet’s excellent front-facing camera and long battery life further add to its appeal.
The “middle of the road” option runs on a speedy M-series Mac processor, but not the latest. It comes in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, too, so you can opt for a larger screen.
The current version is the M3 model from early 2025. It is a powerful and versatile tablet, capable of handling both casual and professional tasks. While it lacks Face ID and some advanced features of the iPad Pro, it offers a great balance between performance and price.
It’s an especially capable computer when you pair it with the Magic Keyboard, which adds a laptop-style keyboard and trackpad. With the Apple Pencil, it’s also a note taking device and drawing tablet.
In Cult of Mac’s review, our biggest draw against it was the limited multitasking capabilities compared to a Mac — but the upcoming iPadOS 26 update with app windowing, coming this September, alleviates many of those concerns. Its versatility makes it a compelling alternative to a laptop with more diverse use cases.
The smallest tablet from Apple doesn’t skimp on features. The version currently for sale, with an A17 Pro chip, was released late last year. Think of it as a smaller version of the Air, and you’ve got an idea as to its feature set.
Its fast processor, 128 GB of storage, and support for Apple Intelligence AI features make it a smart choice that will last you for many years. The tablet retains its compact 8.3-inch display but fixes the “jelly-scrolling” issue from the previous model.
Initial reviews noted that it lacked Stage Manager, a multitasking feature. However, the upcoming iPadOS 26 update will take it above and beyond with Mac-like app windowing. This will make Apple’s tiniest tablet a truly capable machine.
It’s also compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C for drawing. While Apple doesn’t make a keyboard and trackpad case for the iPad mini, you can pair a keyboard and trackpad via Bluetooth.
The iPad mini proves that a small tablet doesn’t have to skimp on features.
The premium version boasts Apple’s latest Mac processor, an OLED display, and other advanced features. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch variants. The current model, released in early 2024, comes with Apple’s latest M4 chip.
The latest iPad Pro is far lighter and thinner than previous models, thanks to the M4 chip’s efficiency. It is Apple’s thinnest computer ever. The new tandem OLED display offers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and improved brightness, especially in challenging lighting conditions. By stacking two OLED panels in a single display, it can overcome the typical limitation of OLED, its brightness, while still offering incredibly accurate colors.
The M4 chip, with its powerful CPU and GPU, enables advanced AI capabilities, enhanced gaming performance, and drives the new display technology.
Its redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory is also made of premium materials, with a new enclosure that’s partially made of aluminum. It features a larger trackpad and function keys, just like a laptop, while shedding some weight and thickness.
It’s compatible with both the Apple Pencil USB-C and the Apple Pencil Pro, for drawing and note taking.
The best iPad for kids would probably be the entry-level model, purchased used for a good deal. Kids don’t need a tablet with a tandem OLED display — the basic tablet will do.
I would recommend a bulky and sturdy case, to prevent it from getting damaged.
Compared to an iPhone, you have many extra features on account of the bigger screen. You can run a bunch of apps simultaneously with Stage Manager — and, in iPadOS 26, free app windowing, just like a Mac. Resize app windows from the bottom corner and rearrange them on screen.
Another unique feature is support for pen input. The Apple Pencil lets you draw on the screen in supported apps. You can also use it for note taking, or writing anywhere you can type in the system. The Apple Pencil can also be used a cursor, tapping and scrolling through the interface.
You can also connect a keyboard and trackpad accessory like a laptop. The iPad supports an on-screen cursor that can point and click.
Optionally, you can order one with a cellular connection. This gives you a persistent connection to the internet, no matter where you go, just like an iPhone. You can browse the web, use apps, watch videos all the same — anywhere your iPhone can connect, too.
A cellular model costs an extra $150 on the entry-level models and $200 on the pro models. Cellular models require extra hardware for the internal eSIM and antennas, so they are separate models from the Wi-Fi only models. You cannot add cellular to a Wi-Fi only iPad; it has to be ordered as a cellular model.
Adding a secondary device to a cellular plan typically costs an extra $10/month in the United States on all the main cell providers.
When ordering an iPad new from the Apple online store, you can add an engraving to the back for free. You can add two lines of text, of about 30 characters. Type your name, some basic contact information, or something unique to identify the device. You can also add emoji or circled letters for fun.
You can only order an engraved iPad from Apple online. It’s not available from third-party retailers nor from an Apple Store. That’s because it’s engraved at the factory. However, you can still have it shipped in a similar amount of time when you order it.
The iPad has similar built-in wallpapers from Apple as the iPhone. You can customize the Lock Screen using all the same features.
There are a few extra considerations, though. The iPad has a much bigger and squarer screen, with a 4:3 aspect ratio, instead of a 2.2:1 aspect ratio. It can also freely rotate between portrait and landscape orientation, whereas an iPhone wallpaper is only portrait.
The biggest 13-inch model has a display resolution of 2752 × 2064, so a 4K wallpaper is big enough to fill the screen.
There’s a wide world of accessories that can extend and enhance the functionality of your tablet. A keyboard (or keyboard case) can transform your tablet into a laptop for real work, especially with an external monitor or storage. If you just want to prop it up somewhere, a stand can come in handy. And if you’re a bit clumsy, you’ll want a screen protector. Finally, for traveling, you’ll want a charger you can take in your bag.
The iPad can work with most keyboards, either wired over USB-C or over Bluetooth. That makes keyboard shopping easy — just about any Bluetooth keyboard will work.
The Keychron K3 Pro is an excellent pick if you want a mechanical keyboard for your iPad. It’s a low profile mechanical keyboard, and it’s highly customizable to match your taste. Mechanical key switches mean the typing feel is far more comfortable (and tactile) than an ordinary keyboard. Find it on Amazon here.
Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 is a slim and lightweight portable keyboard for iPad users who prefer a separate case and keyboard. It offers a full QWERTY layout with multimedia controls, but sacrifices key travel and backlighting for its compact design. It’s an optimal choice to keep in a travel bag for typing on the go. Read our review or check it out on Amazon here.
A popular accessory for iPad is a keyboard case. They offer a laptop-style keyboard and trackpad with protection built-in.
Apple makes the Magic Trackpad for the Air and Pro models. They feature a cantilever design that raises the iPad up like a laptop, with a full-size keyboard and laptop-style trackpad. Both are rather pricey, but are each very high-quality accessories. The Pro version features an aluminum palm rest and Force Touch trackpad, just like a MacBook.
For the entry-level iPad 10 and 11, Apple makes the Magic Keyboard Folio. It features a detachable keyboard with full-size keys, a trackpad, and a function key row. The keyboard costs $249 and is only available in white. Find it on Amazon here.
ESR’s Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case 360 offers a protective case, keyboard, and trackpad. It allows typing in both portrait and landscape mode, a feature lacking in Apple’s Magic Keyboard. While it is more affordable and functional, it is heavier and thicker than Apple’s product. Check it out on Amazon or read our review.
Logitech’s Combo Touch for the M4 iPad Pro offers a detachable keyboard and trackpad, a built-in kickstand, and a larger trackpad compared to Apple’s Magic Keyboard. While Logitech’s case provides more protection and a lower price, Apple’s Magic Keyboard is lighter and includes a USB-C port for charging. Shop on Amazon or read our review.
KYY’s external monitor, with good screen quality and USB-C/HDMI connectivity, is a budget-friendly option at $105 — and it’s often on sale for far cheaper. It’s compact and portable, fitting easily in carry-on luggage. Find it on Amazon here or read our review.
Most portable monitors are 1080p, but Topmonitor makes one that’s higher resolution. The Topmonitor 15.6-inch 4K offers both USB-C and HDMI ports, and comes with a similar 3:2 aspect ratio to your iPad. It’s slightly more expensive at $140 — though frequently on sale for less. Find it on Amazon here.
For a desktop display, Sceptre makes a 4K 27-inch screen that works with iPad. You can connect to it using an HDMI to USB-C cable. It’s a full-size monitor for real multitasking, just like a desktop computer or laptop. You’ll need a keyboard and trackpad (or mouse). It’s only $180; check it out on Amazon.
You can use external storage devices from the Files app by plugging them into the USB-C port on your device. This lets you share big storage volumes with a Mac or PC.
The Samsung T9 solid-state drive is small enough and tough enough to go almost anywhere. Connect it to your Mac, iPad or even iPhone via its USB-C port to transfer data at up to 10Gb/s. Available in a range of capacities from 1TB to 4TB.
The Samsung T9 solid-state drive is small enough and tough enough to go almost anywhere. And it’s available in capacities up to 4 terabytes. It’s 3.5 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.6 inches, and covered in a layer of rubber. That allows it to survive drops up to 9.8 feet (3 meters), and it’s much less slick than aluminum. Read our full review or buy it on Amazon.
Move your files in a flash with speeds up to 1,000MB/s Read, 900MB/s Write. And the portable SSD includes a convenient one-handed sliding cap, an LED status indicator and functional keyring loop.
Those who need a bit less storage capacity can appreciate the Kingston DataTraveler Max. It’s the smallest option on this “Best SSD” list, and the only one to come with a built-in USB-C connector so it plugs directly into a Mac or iPad, no cable necessary. Buy it on Amazon here.
Find more options in our guide to external SSD storage.
The Elago Magnetic Stand for iPad, available in a bunch colors from gray to blue to pink, mimics the design of the iMac and turns an iPad into a small desktop. It features a magnetic connection, adjustable hinge, and is priced at $110.99 from the Cult of Mac Store.
The Lululook 360 Rotating Foldable Magnetic iPad Charging Stand is a versatile accessory that supports various Pro and Air models. It features a magnetic connection, allowing for cable-free charging and leaving the iPad’s USB-C port open for other accessories. While charging speed is limited to 17–18W, the convenience of wireless charging and the stand’s flexibility make it a worthwhile investment for iPad users. Check it out on Amazon.
The Plugable 40W Dual USB-C Charger is a super compact and powerful charger. It features two USB-C ports, a foldable AC plug, and a convenient LED indicator. While it offers enough power for most devices, the 40W output is split between ports, with the first port receiving priority — so you can top up your tablet and your phone at once. Find it on Amazon.
Ugreen’s new Nexode Pro lineup of four gallium nitride (GaN) wall chargers offers powerful charging options in small sizes. The chargers, ranging from 65W to 160W, feature multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, making them suitable for charging various devices simultaneously. The compact 65W version can quickly top up any device, and the 100W version is recommended for its solid power, medium size, and versatility. Check it out on Amazon or read our review of the whole lineup.
For charging all your devices at once, the Zens 4-in-1 charging station is capable of charging an iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and iPad simultaneously. The station features a MagSafe wireless charger, Apple Watch stand, AirPods charging mat, and an adjustable USB-C connector. It is for sale on Amazon.
Is an Apple tablet the best thing for you to buy? You may also want to consider a MacBook if you have more advanced needs, a Samsung tablet if you’re limited on your budget, or an Amazon Kindle if you plan on reading a lot of books. Here’s how they all stack up vs the iPad.
The iPad and MacBook run similar apps made by Apple, like Safari, Messages, Mail, Photos and more. A lot of third-party apps run on both, like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Notion, Slack. Even advanced apps like Photoshop, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro have iPad versions, although they aren’t as advanced as their MacBook counterparts.
While the iPad can handle the basics in much the same way, like web browsing and working on documents and files, a MacBook can do more advanced tasks. While iPadOS 26 brings some power features like app windowing, local audio and video recording and the Preview app, there will still be some features only possible on a MacBook.
An iPad is still a single-user device, while a MacBook supports multiple users. Only a Mac can write code with Xcode or the Terminal.
However, the iPad has exclusive features as well — it’s also a touchscreen tablet you can take with you, and it supports drawing and interaction with the Apple Pencil.
The iPad and Samsung Galaxy tablets have somewhat similar capabilities — both can handle multitasking and both support pens, keyboards, trackpads and mice.
Like all Apple products, they support Apple services and sync with your other devices. You can take phone calls and reply to your texts, use it as the screen for your MacBook, sync your photos and videos and more. It runs all the same apps as your other Apple devices, too.
Apple tablets have a more powerful chip inside, thanks to Apple silicon. The M-series chips are the same chips that go in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. With that much speed, Apple’s tablets will last much longer without feeling slow.
Samsung Galaxy tablets, however, are cheaper. The starting price for the latest model is around $220. At that price, you would have to buy a refurbished or older model iPad.
The Kindle is a dedicated eBook reader, as opposed to a tablet. It has limited connection to the internet and won’t distract you with all your notifications.
The Amazon Kindle has an e-ink screen. It isn’t shiny and bright, it’s soft and paper-like. It’s much easier to read in broad sunlight and less harsh on the eyes at night. Although, the e-ink screen means it doesn’t display comic books as well as a tablet, and can’t play videos well.
The Amazon Kindle also has fewer apps. If you use a specific eBook app on your iPhone or iPad, it may not run on the Kindle.
So while the Kindle is a better dedicated book reading experience with fewer distractions, its limitations may prevent you from using it in the same way.
Apple's entry-level tablet gets a solid upgrade, with a welcome boost to the base model's storage. It's a great option for watching videos, checking emails, surfing the web and more.
The entry level model is often on sale on Amazon. The Cult of Mac review calls it “a brilliant product for the price.” You can get moderate deals on it, bringing the $349 price down to $319 or sometimes even $299. See what the current best deals are here.
The midrange iPad is the perfect all-around tablet for students, work and casual living room use.
Pair with the Magic Keyboard for a laptop-style keyboard and trackpad. Works with Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro.
The midrange and powerful iPad Air is on sale at Amazon as well. This tablet has the same chip that you can get in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, so it’s a powerful device that’ll last you a long time. You can get $50 off the 11-inch model, taking it down to $549; or get a whopping $100 off the 13-inch model. Check out the best deal here.
iPad Pro is Apple’s most powerful, with the best-looking display. It’s a no-compromises tablet for those ready to get things done.
You can get the biggest deals on the iPad Pro, on sale with up to $250 off on Amazon. This tablet has a gorgeous tandem OLED display in a remarkably thin and modern design. It’s the only model with Face ID and all the other advanced features. See the best deal here.
You can check whether your battery is in good health in Settings. Open Settings > Battery > Battery Health to see what the maximum battery capacity is. If you’re over 85 percent, your battery is solid. If your maximum capacity is between 80 – 85 percent, you should take a look at a battery placement or possibly trading your device in.
iPad repair for battery replacement is notoriously tricky. While Apple runs the self-service repair program, all repairs begin with carefully removing the big, millimeters-thin display, which takes an expert hand to remove and replace.
You need to properly reset your iPad before you trade, sell or pass it down. That way, the new owner will be able to set it up as brand new, with none of your data left on it.
First, make sure that a recent iCloud backup is in place. You can check this in Settings by tapping on your name at the top, then tapping iCloud > iCloud Backup. Make sure that “Last successful backup” is a recent date and time. Otherwise, tap Backup Now.
After setting up your new device, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad and tap Erase All Content and Settings.
You can trade in an old iPad you’re ready to ditch through the Cult of Mac Buyback program. You can get some cash back for an old iPad you have that you can put towards a new purchase.
Don’t worry about packaging — put your device in the box you’ll get in the mail and use the included return label to send it back for free. You don’t have to send back your charger, either; keep it for yourself.
You can get your money back by a printable e-check, ACH deposit or even a check through the mail.
iPad has apps 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 them for email, editing documents and viewing PDFs.
Any iPad comes with a suite of useful apps 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.
There are a bunch of great drawing apps for iPad that take advantage of the Apple Pencil:
The first Apple tablet was announced on January 27, 2010 and launched 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 11 has an 11-inch display and a powerful A16 chip, for example.
iPad shipments worldwide shot up a whopping 16.5% in the last quarter of 2025, according to a market analysis firm. Apple set a new record — it shipped more tablets in Q4 than in any previous quarter.
Not only does iPad outsell every other competitor, but Apple’s tablet also beat its top four rivals’ combined shipments last quarter.
Developer Mode lets you run unsigned code on your iPhone or iPad. Enable it, and you can download and run apps that are not from the App Store (or alternative app marketplaces) or in TestFlight, Apple’s tool that lets developers invite users to beta-test new apps.
If you want to write your own apps in Xcode, you will need to enable Developer Mode on your iPhone or iPad before running your app.
Developer Mode is also essential if you want to sideload apps onto your device from a Mac, using an app like Sideloadly. This could include apps that aren’t allowed on the App Store (such as porn app Hot Tub) or apps that are no longer available from their original developers, like Apollo (the now-shuttered Reddit client). For sideloading to work, you will need to turn on Developer Mode.
Read on to see how to enable Developer Mode on your iPhone or iPad, as well as the potential security implications.
February 1, 2010: The tech-loving world goes into meltdown at the sight of comedian Stephen Colbert using a prerelease iPad to read nominations during the televised Grammy Awards show.
“Jay-Z, did you not get one of these in your gift bag?” Colbert quips from the stage. “Am I cooler than you?”
The celebrity sneak peek is all part of Apple’s big (and wildly successful) plan to hype its upcoming tablet.
“I am proud to say that we just had a quarter for the record books,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said during Thursday’s earnings call, before rattling off numbers that surprised Wall Street analysts — in a good way.
The highly successful quarter was also one for the stat geeks. Apple racked up several all-time highs during the quarter (technically Apple’s Q1 2026). From overall revenue (a new all-time high!) to customer satisfaction ratings (through the roof!), the numbers Apple put up during the 2026 holiday quarter will blow your mind.
If you want a screaming-fast iPad Pro with a gorgeous, 13-inch screen, consider this refurbished M4 model. Released in 2024, it delivers the goods when it comes to working (and playing) at home, in the office or on the go.
Plus, it’s on sale for just $899.99 — while our limited inventory lasts.
January 27, 2010: After months of rumors and speculation, Apple CEO Steve Jobs publicly shows off the iPad for the first time. Aside from the name, which some people joke sounds like a female sanitary product, the first-generation iPad immediately earns critical acclaim.
“The last time there was this much excitement over a tablet, it had some commandments written on it,” The Wall Street Journal quips.
When it goes on sale a few months later, the first-gen iPad quickly becomes Apple’s fastest-selling new product ever.
The new Pisen Qi2 8-in-1 140W Mega Charging Hub — just launched on Amazon — offers Apple users a comprehensive desktop charging solution that combines wireless charging for iPhone and Apple Watch with high-power wired charging for MacBooks and iPads, the company said Thursday.
It features not only a Qi2 MagSafe charging platform for recent iPhones, but a magnetic Apple Watch charger, USB ports and even power outlets for plugs. And you can get it not only in basic black, but in a surprising yellow!
Whether you’re working remotely from a coffee shop, camping with your MacBook or preparing for the next power outage, the Anker Solix C800 X Portable Power Station delivers reliable backup power for all your Apple devices. And it’s currently available as a killer deal with savings of $250.
If you’ve noticed your iPhone storage filling up faster than it used to, you’re not imagining things. Modern iOS apps now routinely consume hundreds of megabytes, with some reaching multiple gigabytes in size. What’s behind this relentless growth? Why do iOS apps take so much space? And what can you do about it? Read on.
A massive sale on Apple gear slashes the prices on everything from the high-end Pro Display XDR monitor to everyday necessities like charging cables.
The sale’s on now at Amazon-owned daily deals site Woot. And if you use the code APPLEFIVE at checkout, you’ll get an extra $5 off. (Limit one coupon per customer, valid through January 21, 2026, at 11:58 p.m. Central.)
That extra $5 discount doesn’t make much of a difference on large items like the aforementioned Pro Display XDR. But on things like Apple Watch chargers and Thunderbolt cables — already offered at steep discounts — it makes for a nice cherry on top of your savings.
iPad users will soon have access to a version of the Pixelmator Pro image editing application that previously was a Mac exclusive.
Apple promised that the upcoming tablet version of the application will be a significant step up from the features available in the current basic Pixelmator app for iPad. Plus, it will improve on the Mac version thanks to support for Apple Pencil.
But there’s bad news for users of the current, basic Pixelmator version.
You can set up persistent notifications from specific apps so they stick to the top of your iPhone screen. With persistent notifications in iOS, when your phone is unlocked and an important alert comes in, the notification will stay visible at the top of the screen until you act upon it.
It’s an easy way to make sure you don’t miss (or forget about) critical notifications on your iPhone.
This proves super-handy for things like medication reminders. It also works wonders if you’re the sort of person who ignores notifications once they disappear from your iPhone screen. I’ll show you how to make your notifications sticky.
Apple silently gave some Macs and iPads a Wi-Fi speed boost with macOS Tahoe 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The update enables 160MHz channel bandwidth support on 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, eliminating a restriction that tamped down the maximum possible speeds.
The additional bandwidth should let your recent Mac or iPad benefit from higher throughput.
Using an aging iPad? Or maybe you’re thinking about getting your first tablet. Great news! Updated models with significantly more horsepower will hit store shelves soon.
Here’s what to expect from iPad in 2026.
This week on the Cult of Mac podcast: Apple’s got a fantastic year ahead of it, with a genuinely prodigious pipeline of new products coming in 2026. From a folding iPhone and a low-cost MacBook to entirely new product categories, get ready for 12 months of exciting new Apple hardware.
In our first show under the new Cult of Mac branding, and our final podcast of 2025, we discuss all the great stuff that Apple fans have to look forward to in 2026.
Also on the Cult of Mac podcast:
Listen to this week’s episode of Cult of Mac 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.
Congratulations — you got a new iPad! Whether it’s the entry-level iPad that brings the essential features at an affordable price, the iPad Air with the powerful M3 chip, the pocketable iPad mini or the top-of-the-line iPad Pro, you’ll want to set up your new device with the least amount of fuss.
We’re here to help you do just that with a ton of little tips and tweaks that will make sure you’re off and using that new iPad as quickly as possible. From backing up your old iPad (if you had one already) to getting up and running with a brand-new iPad from scratch, we’ve got you covered.
December 24, 2009: As rumors of a possible Apple tablet reach the boiling point, word spreads online that the new device will be called the “iSlate.”
The news is based on the fact that Apple quietly acquired the domain name iSlate.com a few years earlier. Since Apple did the same thing for the iPhone back in the late 1990s, years before the iPhone actually debuted, it makes total sense that the company would follow suit with the naming of its tablet.
Of course, that didn’t end up happening.
2025 was a big year for Apple. In this end-of-year roundup, we gathered up the most consequential news, groundbreaking rumors and biggest surprises of the last 12 months.
There were plenty of leaks — in fact, the entire iPhone 17 lineup was exhaustively shown off in the months leading up to September. We also knew most of the other product releases, from the MacBook Air and iPad Air to MacBook Pro and Vision Pro, would consist of simple spec bumps.
But there were tons of curveballs, too. Tariffs rattled Apple’s international supply chain. The Blood Oxygen app for Apple Watch made a sudden return. And no one was expecting a UI redesign quite like Liquid Glass.
Here’s our look back at 2025.
You can send a FaceTime voicemail to someone if they don’t answer your request for a video chat. It’s better than leaving a regular voicemail because it’s video — you can relay a message quickly or show something off on camera.
For instance, if your dog or your human child is doing something cute, or if you want to get a second opinion on an outfit, you might want to show someone. If they don’t answer your FaceTime call, you can record a video to send them to watch later.
Here’s how FaceTime voicemail works.
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Fresh rumors about the hybrid device that marries an iPad with a HomePod get us thinking about the future of Apple’s home automation. This could be the start of something big.
Also on The CultCast:
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.
If you’re trying to listen to podcasts or music on your iPhone, it can be annoying when your AirPods keep switching to other devices, like your Mac or iPad.
Personally, I don’t mind this behavior. If I’m sitting at my Mac, I want to use the Music and the Podcasts apps on the Mac. But a lot of people consider their iPhone their primary device — and always want to play audio from their phone, no matter which other device they’re using.
If you want your iPhone to retain supreme control over your ears, here’s how to disable AirPods auto-switching.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, but not the savings. A deal that knocks $100 off the cost of a new M3 iPad Air lowers the mid-range tablet to a very affordable price: 17% off. It makes a great gift for the tablet user in your life, or maybe you need one to get through the school year.
For shopping flexibility, you can snag a deal on either the newest 13-inch iPad Air or the 11-inch iPad Air variant, both at $100 off.
December 3, 2012: News Corp pulls the plug on The Daily, the world’s first iPad-only newspaper, less than two years after launching the publication.
While the writing has been on the wall for some time, the closure is a blow for those who view the iPad as the savior of the traditional publishing industry.
If you want to know the fastest and easiest way to send someone photos, videos, files and so, so much more, you should know how to AirDrop. There’s no need to send an iMessage — Apple’s slick AirDrop feature will immediately send and open the content on someone else’s iPhone (or other Apple device). There’s no middle step.
AirDrop works iPhone-to-iPhone, iPhone-to-Mac, iPhone-to-iPad, Vision Pro-to-Mac — any combination and permutation of two Apple devices. And, if your friend has a Google Pixel 10, you can AirDrop with them, too!
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about how to take advantage of AirDrop.
Our guide to the best Cyber Monday 2025 deals on Apple products and accessories showcases some prices that are even lower than Black Friday’s blowout sales. We’ll update this post throughout the day, but the clock is ticking. These Cyber Monday deals should end at midnight!
Our favorite earbuds — AirPods Pro 3 — remain at an all-time low price. The iPad mini just hit a new low of $349. And somehow, an amazing deal on the latest M4 MacBook Air got even more amazing as Cyber Monday approaches.
Find our absolute favorite Apple Cyber Monday picks, and our other favorite deals sorted by product category, below.