Chapter 1

Buying Your iPad

IN THIS CHAPTER

Discover what's new in iPads and iPadOS 18

Choose the right iPad for you

Understand what you need to use your iPad

Explore what's in the box

Take a look at the gadget

You've read about it. You've seen the lines at Apple Stores on the day a new version of the iPad is released. You're so intrigued that you've decided to get your own iPad. Perhaps you're not new to tablet computers but are ready to make the switch to the ultimate in such devices. With your iPad, you can have fun with apps, such as games and exercise trackers; explore the online world; read e-books, magazines, and other periodicals; take and organize photos and videos; listen to music and watch movies; and a lot more.

Trust me: You've made a good decision, because the iPad redefines the tablet computing experience in an exciting way. It's also a perfect fit for seniors.

In this chapter, you learn about the advantages of the iPad, as well as where to buy this little gem and associated data plans from providers for iPads that support cellular data. After you have one in your hands, I help you explore what's in the box and get an overview of the little buttons and slots you'll encounter. Luckily, the iPad has very few of them.

Discover the Newest iPads and iPadOS 18

Apple's iPad gets its features from a combination of hardware and its software operating system, which is called iPadOS (short for iPad operating system). The most current version of the operating system is iPadOS 18. It's helpful to understand which new features the latest iPad models and iPadOS 18 bring to the table (all of which are covered in more detail in this book).

The iPad is currently available in a variety of sizes and configurations, depending on the version of iPad:

• iPad: The tenth-generation model takes the iPad up a notch with a touchscreen that measures 10.9 inches diagonally and boasts a fast 64-bit desktop-class A14 Bionic processor.
• iPad Air: The sixth-generation iPad Air sports a powerful M2 processor and comes in two touchscreen sizes, one measuring 11 inches diagonally and the other at 13 inches diagonally.
• iPad mini: The iPad mini 7's touchscreen measures 8.3 inches diagonally. This iPad uses an A17 Pro processor to do the behind-the-scenes work.
• iPad Pro: The two seventh-generation iPad Pro models are the fastest of the bunch. One's touchscreen measures 11 inches diagonally, and the other's is 13 inches; they both come with blazing-fast M4 processors, which are the same processors used in many of Apple's newest Mac desktop and laptop computers.

Dimensions of devices are typically shown in the units of measurement commonly used in a region. This means, for example, that the basic tenth-generation iPad is shown on Apple's U.S. site as being 9.79 inches (248.6 mm) high and 7.07 inches (179.5 mm) wide. In metric-system countries, both dimensions are given, but the order is reversed. When it comes to screen sizes, however, the dimensions are given in inches.

In addition to the features of previous iPads, the latest iPad models offer the following:

• Ultra Retina XDR and Liquid Retina displays: In addition to screen size, screen resolution has evolved so that Apple's Ultra Retina XDR and Liquid Retina displays, both of which support very high-resolution graphics, now appear across the line. The name derives from the concept that individual pixels on the screen are so small that they can't be distinguished at normal viewing distance.
• Apple Pencil: Originally designed exclusively for use with iPad Pro models, the Apple Pencil now works with all the latest iPad models. (Be sure to check which version of Apple Pencil will work with your iPad by visiting www.apple.com/apple-pencil.) Apple Pencil lets you draw and write on the screen with a familiar pencil-style tool rather than with your finger. The Apple Pencil contains a battery and sophisticated processing powers that make the experience of using it very much like (and sometimes better than) a traditional pencil. Third-party pencils and drawing tools exist, but Apple's integration of Apple Pencil is remarkably smooth; the product has taken off quickly among graphic artists, illustrators, and designers. As other people have discovered its usability for marking up documents, it is becoming more and more common in business environments.
• Neural Engine: The Neural Engine is a component of the processor in every iPad that focuses on handling specialized tasks related to artificial intelligence, image and speech processing, and more cool things.
• Touch ID: This security feature is included on several iPad models. Sensors in the Home button (ninth-generation iPad) or top button (iPad Air, iPad mini, and tenth-generation iPad) allow you to train the iPad to recognize your fingerprint and grant you access with a finger press. Touch ID also allows you to use the Apple Pay feature to buy items without having to enter your payment information every time.
• Facial recognition: Touch ID is replaced with Face ID on certain iPad models. Using Face ID and the front-facing camera, your iPad unlocks when it recognizes your face. It can be used also for purchases and other tasks.
• Barometric sensor: On all iPad models, this sensor makes it possible for your iPad to sense air pressure around you. This feature is especially cool when you're hiking a mountain, where the weather may change as you climb. Perhaps more to the point, the changes in barometric pressure can be sensed on a smaller scale so that elevation can be measured as you move normally.
• Smart Connector for Smart Keyboard: In addition to the onscreen keyboard, you can use a Smart Connector to hook up a Smart Keyboard, an external keyboard that makes getting complex work done much easier. Smart Connector is supported for all iPad models, with the exception of iPad mini.
• Live photos: Using the 3D Touch feature, you can press a photo on the screen to make it play like a short video. The Camera app captures 1.5 seconds on either side of the moment when you capture the photo, so anything moving in the image you photographed, such as water flowing in a stream, seems to move when you press and hold the still photo.

The iPadOS 18 update to the operating system adds many features, including (but definitely not limited to) the following:

• Apple Intelligence: Apple Intelligence is Apple's spin on generative artificial intelligence. This gamechanger includes a greater understanding of personal context for Siri, which will be able to better understand and interact intelligently when you ask something like, "When is my granddaughter's plane landing?" Apple Intelligence can assist with writing just about anything and includes built-in access to the latest incarnation of ChatGPT (a ChatGPT account is not required!). Information you request will never leave the comfort of your iPad and Apple's servers without your explicit permission. Some Apple Intelligence features are available now but more will be released in future updates of iPadOS. Apple Intelligence is available only for iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd and 4th generations) and 12.9-inch (5th and 6th generations), iPad Air (5th generation), or newer. For much more information than I can squeeze in here, please visit www.apple.com/apple-intelligence.
• Notes: This gem of an app is getting better all the time, with new features such as live audio transcription and Smart Script. With live audio transcription, you can record audio in a note and have Notes generate a transcription on the fly! Smart Script re-creates your own handwriting style from your notes when you jot them down using an Apple Pencil (or even your finger), smoothing and straightening the text.
• Customization: You can customize your iPad more than ever before. Move apps and widgets anywhere you want on the Home screen pages. Lock and hide apps such as financial or medical apps to prevent other people from accessing them. Use custom colors for your app icons and text. Even Control Center has been given a big upgrade.
• Photos: The Photos app has been heavily redesigned, making it easier for you to find photos based on a range of topics. A carousel helps you browse your photos and videos with ease.
• Built-in apps have been updated: iPadOS 18 provides performance enhancements and interface upgrades for all the apps that come preinstalled with it, bringing many into the realm of their desktop computer counterparts.

Don't need all the built-in apps? You can remove them from your Home screen. (Note that built-in apps take up very little of your iPad's storage space.) When you remove a built-in app from your Home screen, you aren't deleting it - you're hiding it. And if you change your mind, you can easily add them back to your Home screen by searching for them in the App Store and tapping the Get button.

These are but a very few of the improvements made to the latest version of iPadOS. I highly suggest visiting www.apple.com/ipados to find out more.

Choose the Right iPad for You

The most obvious differences among iPad...