10 iPad milestones that transformed tablets forever

On January 27, 2010, Steve Jobs introduced the first iPad, featuring a 9.7-inch multitouch display. While it looked like a giant iPhone, it addressed a clear need for users wanting to read, browse, or play on a larger screen. At that time, the iPhone 3GS had only a 3.5-inch display, making many tasks inconvenient.

Over the past 16 years, Apple has steadily transformed the iPad into a much more powerful device, adding hardware and software features unavailable on the iPhone or Mac. This evolution happened through milestones that changed what the iPad is and what it can do.

One of the earliest significant milestones was in 2011, with the launch of the iPad 2, which introduced basic front and rear cameras. This enabled FaceTime calls and casual photography, setting the stage for future camera advancements. Today, the iPad Pro includes a LiDAR scanner, 4K ProRes recording, Center Stage for auto-tracking during video calls, and more. All started here.

In 2012, Apple released the first iPad mini, expanding the lineup with a compact model that fit between the iPhone and the standard iPad. The mini's success led to ongoing development, with upcoming versions expected to feature water and dust resistance and OLED screens.

The iPad Air debuted in 2013, equipped with the A7 chip, bringing 64-bit performance to the lineup. Its thinner, lighter design made it more portable and attractive. Today’s iPad Air combines Apple Silicon with a slim profile, suitable for advanced workflows.

In 2015, Apple introduced the first iPad Pro, aimed at professionals and creatives. With a 12.9-inch display and support for the Apple Pencil, it opened new possibilities for illustration and productivity. These features eventually expanded to other models, establishing the iPad as a versatile, high-performance device.