When Should You Upgrade To A New iPad? 

In my opinion, Rich is the first host who speaks at a speed I can easily understand, his voice is so pleasing - he makes his opinion very believable. 8:43

When I started buying computers in the 1980’s my friend and teacher gave this advice about updating equipment: “When the computer you have no longer does what you need it to do, then it’s time to buy a new computer.” This advice was said in this wise review. Thank you!

When the old one can’t receive any updates.

Wow, your iPad upgrade video was excellent and, truly a breath of fresh air. Over the years, I have owned three of Apple's basic iPad models: the 4th generation (the first model with a retina display); the 6th generation (the first model to support Apple's 1st generation pencil); and the 9th generation (the first model with Apple's "center stage" function). Also, my basic iPad 9th generation with 256GB and the cell data option, is paired with a Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard. When you talked about "price", for anyone who is in education, the military, or a Veteran please note that, Apple, Inc. has a special web site for each group where all new devices are sold at a 10 percent discount which, is a nice savings for an iPad with a list price of $500 or more (smile...smile).

You missed one of the most compelling reasons (and my own reason for upgrading my 12.9 Pro): battery life degradation

Thanks! The reasons you stated are why I bought an iPad Air 2 1/2 years ago, but things have changed. I will buy the new 13” Pro. I am legally blind, so the filters are different to me. The brightness and contrast come first, and the size is equal in need as bigger really is better for those of us with reduced vision. The clincher is the camera in the middle of the long side! I do telehealth visits and Zoom meetings, and now I won’t have to turn the iPad around to portrait configuration! I’m going all out and getting a new case with a built in keypad, too. I love my Magic Keypad that I use with both the Mac and the iPad, but I need to be smarter-portable as the iPad goes everywhere I go - even the grocery store! For me, it is all about sight and what I can see. It may well be my last iPad because they do last so long, and I am 81, so I will have the best device I can buy to travel those last miles with me. (I could never survive a hospital stay without my iPad!). My iPhone once saved my life, when EMS had to find me using GPS, and my iPad is cellular enabled, so each one can find the other when one is left behind, too. Nearly every blind person I know uses Apple devices because they have the best accessibility features and keep us tech-y! Thanks for your review! It helped me narrow down my filters and decide to buy this wonderful new Pro model! 👍 😀

I used to "upgrade" my iPads every two years and I got very little benefit from those upgrades. Right now my iPad is 7 years old and I can't find a reason to replace it. But full disclosure - I keep all my stuff for a long time. My computer is 6 years old, my Chevy Tahoe is 25 years old, I have an old camo hunting jacket that is over 30 years old, and I still have a socket wrench set that I bought over 50 years ago. I guess you can say I'm a bit frugal (or "cheap" if you prefer).

Great video! One of the factors to replace my iPad is battery life. If I have to recharge my iPad after an hour or less of usage, I think it's time to consider getting a new iPad.

Good information Rich. Thanks for your input and insight.

Good ol’ Rich Bolin! Simple explanations require great thought and intelligence. Well done.

Thanks for this video Rich. I appreciate how you are skilled at condensing the technical into everyday speak.

Great video, Rich, I like how you organize the content and I do like your practical advice as a great hair person like myself I could find this video becoming quite helpful for people. At the same time it’s clear you do know these products from the tech side as well.

Practical review - extraordinary delivery! 💪👍

I had an iPad Mini that I purchased for just traveling. I just use the Folio case. It had a trade in value of $250. I also have a 2020 iPad Pro that I love and wanted to keep. I bought an iPad Pro 11” with Folio case. I kept it for a week and returned it to an Apple Store. I bought 2024 13” iPad Air with Folio case. Yes I would rather have face recognition but the finger print censor works well. I don’t use any Magic Keyboards. I just use the on screen keyboard. I don’t have an Apple Pencil but if I purchased one I would only use it for notes. I am considering purchase Ring an Apple keyboard or the Samsung keyboard. I’m 70 years old and take care of my dad who will turn 102 in July. I sit on the sofa most of the day and use my iPads. I surf the web and watch videos and movies. I enjoyed your video and subscribed.

How I love your videos, Rich! Not sure what or when I’ll upgrade to but I’ll watch all your videos first! Thank you.

Great video, simple and to the point. Thank you so much!

Good advice I keep my current IPAD thanks also saved money👍😎

This was so informative. Thank you!

I used the last comment to decide to upgrade my first generation 128Gb iPad Pro. Recently it no longer upgrades beyond iOS 16.7. I upgraded to generation 6 iPad Pro with 256Gb memory for $1199Cdn (refurbished) from Best Buy Canada. I need the larger screen for scanned sheet music, in portrait mode for playing gigs. The new iPad gives me much more storage space as I was also getting close to the limit on my original device.

Rich, thank you for another excellent video. I’ve now got an iPhone 15 pro but haven’t decided on an iPad. I’ve had my iPad Pro for about six years I think. The charging port is defective so I’m going to see if it can be mended before having to find $$$ for a new one. It gets an enormous amount of use, every day! I’ll follow your suggestions when the time comes - many thanks!

Good video, exactly on my mind.

Excellent.

OUTSTANDING!

Well Done Rich!!!, Lots of information at a nice precision explanation of the 2024 iPad line up. My wife has been getting my old iPads as I upgrade and then down to the grandkids when they visit. So currently iPad Pro 11 (2021 Xmas), iPad Air 2, iPad 3, however the iPad 3 has finally run to end of life. The IOS has not been upgradable for a long time and now the apps the grandkids used will not run anymore, R.I.P., served a long time. Thus now I am looking at the latest and then proceed with the pass down to continued through their life span. However, the iPad Air 2 is now not able to have IOS update to 17.x and pretty much stuck on 15.X (they did have a minor update a few weeks ago, which was a surprise). The new iPad’s 2024 are very thin and lighter from previous versions, with better WiFi-6e for a faster connection and all the other improvements on screen display and processor. Best to all with the new Tech.

When my old iPad started having trouble installing system updates due to lack of space on its 32gb of storage, I knew it was time to upgrade.

Great vid first time with really enjoyed simple to understand thanks will watch you again have now subscibed

Crisp video, just what we want!!

Sometimes it’s just about want and not about need. I went down to my local Apple Store on the day of release and traded in my M2 11 for the M4 11. Love the screen and camera placement. Picked up the MKB which I didn’t have with the M2. It was interesting, the demographic of the people lined up to pick up the new iPads were all in my wheel house, mid 60’s. Granted it was mid week, but interesting . I’ve lost count of the iPads I’ve owned going back to the original, 7 or 8 I believe. This is the nicest so far.

A very practical video! Since I own an iPad Air 3 the filter I'm using is hardware. Switching to the Pro line adds ProMotion, quad speakers, and an OLED screen if I go for the M4 model, so quite a leap. The only thing I'm debating is size. I've always thought 11" was a great, portable, size, but I'm wondering whether the 13" model can pull double duty as a laptop while still remaining a great tablet.

I was very happy with my 2013 Air2 until recently. Only just upgraded to an Air 5 as the Air 2 battery was discharging even with the power hooked up. Apple store advised the Air 2 was 'vintage' and no longer supported by Apple,,,,,, And yes, I can notice the difference.,,,,LOL Thanks for your videos.

I just did…..very happy

I bought the iPad Air 13” over the pro model because of the cost. I have or my wife uses my 12.9 in pro and we never have need the pro features. I am very pleased with it. Enjoyed your presentation.

My plan is to get a 2024 iPad Pro 13” because of the larger size and I want Face ID The OLED screen will be a nice bonus.

I was thinking about it .

I still use the original iPad Mini as a clock. It is permanently on charge and on the wall and running a clock app. The Analog Clock display fills the screen and looks great. I now have a 2-year-old normal-sized iPad and I intend to hold on to it for another few years....then it also will become a clock on the wall.

This time is completely different. I have some visual limitations. The new OLED screen is not only glorious, but extremely easy on the eyes. The nano-texture is even beyond this. It is not cheap, but this time it’s completely worth the upgrade. I did, so now I can keep this unit as many years as I decide. If you can afford it, go for it, or at least try the 14 days Apple gives you: nothing to lose.

I agree! Who uses portrait mode on an iPad? Cases are made for landscape! Being left handed I’m glad the front camera is being moved

Good, sound advice. Greatly appreciated. Thank you! Ps…… I have an iPad mini which I will occasionally use (ie if a smaller iPad is more convenient etc), otherwise my principle iPad is a 2018 iPad Pro, which suits my personal purposes. I’m so glad Apple changed the pencils, especially the method of recharging!

Good video. I got the Generation 10 iPad last week and I traded in my old one which was a generation 8. That IPad was always a little squirrelly , it was the only IPad that I had a problem with. I got 140.00 for the old one but of course I got the apple care for 2 years. Plus a cover. And 256 in memory. Plus it doesn’t have the home button,which I keep trying to hit! lol 😜.

Really need to talk about storage as well

I love your common sense approach. One aspect you do not cover is there is a significant adjustment for seniors going to a device without a home button. .. i still can get confused figuring out what i am supposed to do

Great video, thank you. A major consideration for me whenever I upgrade my iPad will be finding the right mix of sizes and capabilities between iPhone, iPad, and laptop/ computer. One question is whether the largest iPad with magic keyboard could serve as my main computer. If so, and I could do everything on just two devices, both running iOS, that would be an attractive option. I’d probably choose the largest iPhone as well (which I already have), which is closer in size to the iPad Mini. But, if I still need a laptop I’d be less inclined to choose the largest iPad. If anyone has thoughts about that please share!

I am watching this on my old iPad, so I probably don’t need a new one. If I couldn’t watch it, I’d need to buy a new one, but I wouldn’t know because I’d have no way to watch the video. 😂😂😂

That 2 yellow ipods mini looks so cool on your desk. Looks like to oranges..By the way I just bought the new ipad 11 pro to replace my 2018 ipad pro which is still running great without any issues. Why do I replace? It’s because of that super oled display. They were just awesome.

I’ll be keeping my iPad 9. It sounds outdated, but for what I want it’s fine.

Great video. I’m in the position of buying a new iPad I currently have a 2014 first generation 12.9 iPad Pro which is no longer supported buy iOS. So I looked at buying the new 13 inch air but looking at the air and the pro yes there is a big price hike but the screen quality on the pro is way better and there is one other factor that you didn’t mention in your comparison at £799 for the 13 inch air you get 128 gig were on the 13 inch pro it starts with 256gig. So the price comparison is less if you sec the air to 256. For me having had the pro I will buy the new pro and hope it lasts for another 8 to 10 years and considering how much use I give it over the years I consider it pretty good value compared to the iPhone which you would swop twice or possibly three times in that time period.

Just ordered my 1st Apple product replacing my 3 yr old 14"Dell w/WIN10 as it completely died one morning. My computer needs are small compared to most, but I wanted to buy something that was user-friendly that would last a while. Everything I've read says that it's a great unit. The IPad Air M2 w/256 Gigs & 11" screen.. Always good to have more memory than less. Delivered this week w/all discounts & incentives $687.00.

I have a Gen 2 12.9 pro starting to get slow. I have glued and taped the Magic Keyboard to keep it together. I want the new one to fit in my backpack like the old 12.9 for air travel. Looking forward to a backlit keyboard. Does the old pencil use the magnetic charge ? I only use it occasionally and it’s always dead .

I'm currently thinking about upgrading my iPad but that's because it's a 1st generation iPad Pro 12.9" and it's just been orphaned by Apple. But it's a nice iPad and I recently bought the perfect keyboard for it (a Logitech Slim Combo) of which I can't find an equivalent for the new iPad Air 13" model. All the new keyboards insist on the touchpad which interferes with my typing. I'm a classically trained touch typist who learned on manual typewriters in the 1960s. I expect the space bar to be at the bottom of the keyboard. Weirdly enough, I'm waiting for the perfect keyboard before I buy a new iPad. The Apple keyboard that has the proper space bar location doesn't have function keys. The keyboards with function keys have touch pads (and most are bluetooth rather than using the Smart Connector on the iPad itself. Meanwhile the current iPad will just have to keep going even though it needs more time on the charger than it used to. I'm also still using my ten year old computer (its predecessor lasted for 15 years and that was when motherboards were morphing every year). But I've already got a laptop with the right specs and I'm planning to just get a docking station.

I like the filters you use Rich. Let me throw another one in - resale value. My wife was using my 13 inch 2016 iPad Pro after I upgraded to the M1 iPad Pro. Battery life was becoming sketchy - but it is 8 years old. So I got the 13 inch M4 iPad Pro, switched my 2021 iPad Pro to my wife (she uses it mostly for movies and web browsing) and we got $160 dollars back from Apple on the trade in for the 2016 model. Resale value of Apple products is quite good either with Apple or with on-line sites. So sometimes you can upgrade at a significant discount, get a new battery, greatest screen and processor for a reasonable price if you upgrade from a recent model. Or you could flip to your kids or friends. Just a thought.

I think you missed something. You talk about "pull" drivers: what things about the new machines would cause you to buy one? But not that much about "push" drivers. My 2017 10.5" iPad Pro (the precursor to your 2018 model) still does everything I need it to do (mostly; no Stage Manager). BUT the battery life is notably shorter today than even a year ago. "New hardware features" is one of your considerations. I didn't hear you mention how the battery life on new machines would compare to older machines. Apple's made a LOT of iPads in a LOT of configurations - about 120 by my count. OTHER THAN when the iPad no longer supports the current OS, what would be the "push" driver that would say "This iPad needs to be upgraded"? Battery life, for sure (I have a Mini 2 that literally can only be used if it's plugged in). What else? And if you DON'T want to buy new (remember, cost is a factor), which discontinued iPads should be be considered in the used market?

Hi. How about memory has the mini increased this?

I am on my third Ipad in, I guess 12 years. We are joined at the hip.😊

I have the one and only iPad Pro 9.7, I love my little machine but it’s super slow now and it barely holds the charge, I’m thinking of upgrading but ugh it’s annoying having to buy protectors and stuff again 😢

Filter 4: if you iPad Pro screen is damaged as mine is in two corners. Considering refurbished my current iPad serves me well but like you the camera position really annoys me. Have you considered using a separate USB WebCam instead?

I watch mostly movies and DTV streaming on my ipad so would the 13 inch pro be wise for better viewing

I was using a 7yrs old iPad Pro 10.5”, the memory was almost full and it was slowing down, also iOS 18 might not work with it; so I’ve bought the new iPad Pro 11” M4 and I plan to keep it for 6yrs+. It’s the same with my iPhones I keep them at least 5yrs between upgrading.

Great down-to-earth advice. What about battery? iPad batteries will degrade overtime. If everything else is fine, is it worth it to spend money replacing the battery vs buying a more recent model? Also, how about refurbished models that may be from the previous iteration of the model that may save you a few $?

thanks for this! I love my mini 6. I had the original pro and hated it. it was too big and heavy. I'm thinking of getting something a little larger than the mini now because as I got older its a little harder to see for some things and I don't want to constantly pinch and zoom that part of the screen . it's a pain when reading articles

My old iPad 10.5 I believe is a 2017. My iPad does not have cellular only Wi-Fi which can be used only so many places. Some Wi-Fi areas are unsecured sites. My iPad is a A12 Bionic and I would like to update in power, I have four speakers, but I would like cellular service. What is your honest opinion?

I have an iPad 2 that the iOS 10 I bought it for 5$ in a garage sale but it works, but very slowly, certain things don’t load up quickly, you tube and mandatory commercials mess with the operation of a RU-vid video, almost have to watch the entire commercial, my iPad Air 2 stops updating at iOS 16, a bit better but now if I want to watch live sports using the Apple TV app it will not load or work, the rest of the app does work. I put a new battery in last year , I wonder if I should upgrade and buy a third iPad that does run the latest software. Are there any security issues with accessing my apps and not running the latest software. The iPad version would say security and bug issues. Like you said do I need to waste my money and use my newer iPad till it doesn’t work anymore or spend the cash and use the newest one knowing that it too will be obsolete.

I am using M1 Ipad pro 12.9 with previous gen magic keyboard. I am happy with it. I dont feel the need to upgrade to the latest shiny devices when it is not required. I can do all the works in M1 ipad pro super fast and will be using it for years until it works fine. Thanks for sharing a great video as always 👍

So what stands are you using to hold your iPads on your desk?

I need to upgrade this second iPad as I seem to charge it almost every day. I want the base iPad either the 7th generation or the 10th generation with up to 256 GB of storage space. It’s time to upgrade anyways!

I have perfectly fine iPad Air 4Th Gen. and the only reason I want upgrade to new iPad Air M2 because it comes at 13 inch, now before I owned 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 and I had to sell it due to it bending in the middle, I know many reviewers are saying This is not an issue on all new 13 inch iPads but I’m still undecided. Also side located camera on older iPad for FaceTime calls is another let down for me. Can you please tell me if I should upgrade or not. Thanks in advance.

I considered going to the new Pro but in the end, it's still an iPad. While things like the magic keyboards make an iPad look like a MacBook, it still runs iPadOS which is just an overgrown version of the phone operating system. To really make an iPad a viable alternative - or replacement - to the MacBook, it needs to run MacOS.

I’d love a new ipad but I’m still using the 10.5 pro which came out in around 2017. It has the lightning connector which I’d like to get away from. There is a discolouration two thirds of the way down the screen due to being the most active part of the screen. It still has a home button. So far it’s working perfectly. I also have a 12.9 and a mini. Only the 12.9 has Centre Stage.

When your old one is no longer supported. The ONLY reason I went from a 1st gen Pro 12.9 to a 4th gen was cause my flatmate was looking for an iPad, so I sold her my 1st gen

I think you should include another factor. That is if my IPad does not support the new IOS but it still does what I want. What do I do with my old ipad. It still works. I am from the generation where I ask if I get something new what do I do with the old one?

Just bought the 12.9 inch M2 6 generation with 256 GB for $900.00 to replace my 10.5 inch 7: year old iPad. Also bought the logitech touch keyboard case for $129 on Amazon 42% reduction in price on sale. The only thing magic about the apples magic keyboard is its Price.💰 I’ve used logitech keyboard on my 7 year old iPad and never had any damage after being dropped numerous times over 7 years. Apple’s magic keyboard has absolutely no protection on the edges and is only held on by magnets and very flimsy when you touch the screen. It took them 7 years to add a row of function keys that logictech already had 7 years earlier. Apple as usual is playing catch-up. lastly logic tech only cost $129 versus apples $350. What’s really nice too is you can just separate it from the keyboard and still have protection for the edges and the back of the iPad plus it makes it much easier to hold. If you are really trying to assist older people on making purchases, you should at least do your research and not push all of the high-end Apple products that they will never need, such as the magic keyboard cost $350 versus Logitech keyboard cost $129, Apple Pencil cost $129 versus iPad third-party Pencil on Amazon cost $24 and works just fine etc. etc. etc.👈👀🤷‍♂️

It appears the magic keyboard you are using has the hard keys. I have had 3 keyboards from apple and the letters rub off of all 3 in about a year. I have the iPad Pro 12.9 , 3rd generation. Do all of the magic keyboards have the hard keys, more like a typewriter keyboard? Thanks.

Thank you. Mine is old, the battery only lasts 3 hours before needing to be plugged in, and an accident (liquid from AutoZone in my backpack did a bad thing to the speaker) has really impacted my ability to tolerate even listening to YT videos. I am going to try and hang on though, until next year. I am hoping I can buy a used iPad next year that will last me another decade.

I replaced a 5th gen iPad with a 10th gen. The deciding factor was the old one constantly having issues multitasking.

Bigger screen and square corner with 13.5 inches. I’ll buy one.

My wife has the mini 8.3 and I have the 10" model. Sitting on my recliner and cruising the web I much prefer my wife's as it s considerably lighter to hold and when I rest it on my chest it is just as easy to see as my TV since its only inchesaway.

I have two iPad versions 2 (over 12 years old) that the mothership doesn't support anymore, ok for old games. I also have two version 9 that are great and well supported by Apple. You are correct the newer ones are a lot better.

My wants. Face ID. New camera placement for FaceTime. I guess the only way to get that is M4.

We are forced into buying a newer one when the battery can’t hold a charge anymore for long. After 2 yrs my iPad can’t fully hold a charge. Went to Apple bc no Apple care etc etc they wanted to charge me a ton while say I can have a newest 1 and hold battery way longer for a-little more with newest iOS and support for more compared to my old one. So factor how much we use these devices and battery life.

Greetings from Frankfurt (Germany) I am still satisfied with my iPad mini6.

I have an issue that I have never once seen addressed in choosing which iPad to buy. I do not have readable fingerprints. (This is the result of many decades spent cleaning house with standard cleaning products.) Electronic fingerprint scanners will not register for me. So face ID recognition is very much worth it to me and I have the new M4 iPad Pro 11 inch ordered and on its way. I would otherwise have ordered the new iPad Air.

I’m happy with my 12.9 M1 for now, I see no need to upgrade

When your old one breaks down beyond repair!!!

Face ID worked great for years until a recent software update when it showed a failure. Despite extensive discussion with Apple Support I am disappointed to be told this is now a hardware issue! Options: 1. accept that I must now input password to operate iPad, 2. replace camera on my unit or 3. Purchase a newer model. Not happy.

Would you recommend the new iPad? I have the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9. I use the iPad for my daily driving.

You never buy a product based on how good it is. You buy it based on how bad your current one is. I have a mini 4. Will still updates the apps but not the Apple Store App, which requires iOS 16. Will upgrade to a mini 6 on Apple refurbished

upgrading from ipadpro 11 2018 to ipadpro 11 pro , in one word the display killed alot of hestitaions , if the difference is 1000$ from air 2024 one i'd buy it still .

I have upgraded from ipad pro 9.7 inch to ipad pro 11 inch m4

One more thing, what is the trade in value of your current iPad for a new one.

And also be aware that some iPadOS features are only available for M chips, StageManager for example. I can foresee this being increasingly applied.

I am close to going only iPad as my "computer". For what I do, the tech is there. Except for one issue: display. By display I do not mean resolution but rather apple's in ability to scale graphics to fit the screen (see the I-pad mini as the main example). Why they cannot fix this issue is beyond me. So annoying.

my old first gen ipad pro is struggling with iBooks... I think it's been time for me 💀

My old iPad Pro has a headphone Jack. Our iPad lives on the kitchen counter and I don’t care to listen to my wife’s stuff, and she doesn’t want to hear guitar or car videos. For that reason alone I’ll just keep old faithful. Perhaps the new iPad mini will give me a reason to change that out when it appears. We shall see.

The iPad still uses the same design language today untell that change the os

I’ve got a 2020 pro - every year I go out of my way looking for reasons to buy a new one and can’t find a reason despite my best efforts!

Just remember that the Pencil 2 is not compatible with the mew Air and Pro so you’ll need to add that on of you use it.

I purchased the iPad mini 5 shortly before the mini 6 was released because of the price difference. I've been dreaming of getting the mini 6 but still can't justifying the price. I'm concerned my mini 5 will start to show it's age.

Battery life and health should also be consideration!

If you have to watch a video to know if you need a new iPad, you probably don’t need a new iPad.

I bought a new iPad pro 12.5 in 2020, and it was fantastic. UNTIL the iOS updates. With each update the iPad worked badly. Videos would freeze, item would take a long time to load. Don’t miss understand me, I love my iPad, but my apple experience is not good and with each iOS update it gets worse. Unfortunately apple doesn’t even care.

How about when it stops working!