Officially announced on January 27, 2010, the Apple iPad is a tablet-style computing device, as shown in the picture. The devices have similar features and interfaces to the iPhone and iPod Touch, but applications are further optimized to run on the larger screen. iPads run a modified version of the iOS operating system called iPadOS.

Versions of the iPad

There are multiple versions of iPad products. Each version of the iPad also has multiple generations, introducing new features and specifications with each release.

  • iPad - The traditional iPad was first introduced on January 27, 2010, and featured a 9.7-inch display.
  • iPad Mini - The iPad Mini was first introduced on October 23, 2012, and is a more compact version of the iPad, featuring a 7.8-inch display.
  • iPad Air - Initially released in 2013, the iPad Air is a version of the iPad with a thinner and lighter design.
  • iPad Pro - The iPad Pro was introduced in 2015, marketed as a tool for artists and other professional users. iPad Pro devices are available with either a 9.7-inch or 12.9-inch display.

iPad vs. Tablet

Only tablets created by Apple should be called an iPad. Other similar devices from ASUS, Dell, Google, HP, Microsoft, Samsung, etc. are called tablets or by the name that the manufacturer has given that product. These other types of tablets are often running a version of Android.

Apple terms, Hardware terms, iPadOS, lowerCamelCase, Tablet

  • Apple iPad and iPhone help and support.
  • The Apple iPad homepage.