Apple’s iPad gets its features from a combination of hardware and its software operating system (called iOS; the term is short for iPad operating system). The most current version of the operating system is iPadOS 13. It’s helpful to understand which features the newest iPad models and iPadOS 13 bring to the table.
The iPad is currently available in various sizes, depending on the version of iPad. Here are the five basic sizes, by iPad type:
- iPad: The seventh-generation iPad features a touchscreen that measures 10.2 inches diagonally and sports a super-fast 64-bit desktop-class A10 Fusion processor.
- iPad Air: The third-generation iPad Air employs a touchscreen measuring 10.5 inches diagonally and features a 64-bit A12 Bionic processor.
- iPad mini: The iPad mini 5’s screen measures 7.9 inches diagonally and uses a 64-bit A12 Bionic processor to do the behind-the-scenes work.
- iPad Pro: The two iPad Pro models are the fastest of the bunch. One measures 11 inches diagonally, and the other is 12.9 inches; they both come with blazing fast A12X Bionic processors.
Dimensions of devices are typically shown in the units of measurement commonly used in a region. This means, for example, that the basic iPad is shown on Apple’s U.S. site as being 9.8 inches (250.6mm) high and 6.8 inches (174.1mm) 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- Screen resolution: In addition to screen size, screen resolution has evolved so that Apple’s Retina display, which supports very high-resolution graphics, now appears across the line. The name derives from the concept that individual pixels on the screen are so small that at normal viewing distance, they can’t be distinguished.
- Apple Pencil: Originally designed exclusively for use with iPad Pro models, the Apple Pencil now works with all of the latest iPad models. (Be sure to check which version of Apple Pencil will work with your iPad.) 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) traditional pencils. 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.
- Faster motion coprocessor: This coprocessor processes game features, such as the gyroscope and accelerometer. The iPad Air, both iPad Pro models, and the iPad mini all feature the M12 coprocessor, while the iPad sports an M10.
- Touch ID: This security feature is included on all newer iPad models. Sensors in the Home button 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 on the latest iPad Pro models with Face ID. Using Face ID and the front-facing camera, your iPad Pro model unlocks when it recognizes your face.
- 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 sensed and measured as you move normally.
- More keyboard options: The iPad Pro has a full-size onscreen keyboard. Because the screen has more space, the top of the keyboard can contain extra commands for filling in passwords and using more advanced input techniques.
- Smart Connector for Smart Keyboard: Additionally, you can use a Smart Connector to hook up a Smart Keyboard, which makes getting complex work done much easier.
- 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 the still photo.
- Performance enhancements: Apple promises that iPadOS 13 will increase the speed and performance of your iPad, including older models going back as far as iPad Air 2. From apps to keyboards to taking pictures, everything gets a speed upgrade.
- Siri improvements: Siri just keeps getting better. Siri can now speak in more natural tones and cadence, thanks to new software rendering capabilities. Siri can also give you more personalized information, including being able to find event information and reminders in other apps. And Siri can now play audio files from third-party app providers.
- Dark Mode has arrived: With iOS 13, you have the option of using Dark Mode, which shifts the iOS color scheme from light to dark. Dark Mode is especially helpful in low-light situations, or when you don’t want to disturb others with the bright light from your iPad's screen.
- Accessibility enhancements: Voice Control allows you to control your iPhone entirely with your voice, dictation is much more accurate, processing of voice commands happens right on your iPhone (as opposed to being transmitted to an online location and then returned to your iPhone), Numbers and Grids help to make more accurate selections, and the list goes on.
- Upgrades to Photos: The Photos app receives some love in iPadOS 13, allowing for faster and more accurate searches of your Photos Library, better organization, better filters, enhanced and non-destructive video editing, and other features make this a great update.
- Built-in apps have been updated: iPadOS 13 provides performance enhancements and interface upgrades for all of the apps that come pre-installed with it.
Don’t need or use all the built-in iPad apps? If so, you can remove them from your Home screen https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/tablets/ipad/for-seniors-delete-apps-from-your-ipad-2/. When you remove a built-in app from your Home screen, you aren't deleting it — you’re hiding it. This is due to security reasons. However, the built-in apps take up very little of your iPad’s storage space, and 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.