by Hartley Charlton
14 years ago, Apple released the first iPad, launching a line of products that would go on to define the entry-level tablet and computer space, spur changes in the way we consume media, and have a huge cultural impact.
Original iPad released April 3, 2010. Designed to bridge the gap between laptop and smartphone, iPad offered a unique combination of portability, ease of use and versatility that appealed to a wide range of consumers and professionals.
At the heart of the success of the iPad lay its elegant design and simple iOS. user interface. The 9.7-inch touchscreen provided users with a sense of presence unrivaled at the time. Its initial version had from 16 to 64 gigabytes of internal memory, a 30-pin connector, Wi-Fi connectivity, and on some models, 3G connectivity. This combination of features and build quality set it apart from its competitors, making the iPad as a premium option in the emerging tablet market.
iPad catalyzed a shift in the software industry that led to the development of apps designed specifically for its larger screen, which were increasingly different from the smartphone apps of the time. This app ecosystem expanded rapidly, with developers creating a wide range of apps, from productivity tools and games to educational software. iPad subsequently played a vital role in the education market and many mobile workflows.
The line has since expanded to include new models such as the iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro. The introduction of the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard further transformed the iPad from a simple media consumption device to a tool designed for creativity and productivity. VisionOS, the operating system that powers Apple's Vision Pro headset, is also largely based on iPadOS.
Today marks nearly 18 months since the release of the new iPads—the longest wait ever for a new model. 2023 was the only year since the introduction of the iPad that there were no new iPad models. Apple is expected to release an updated iPad Air and iPad Pro models in May, with updates for iPad entry level; and iPad mini scheduled for the end of the year.
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