iPad For those with multiple IPads, which do you actually use the most?

[rui no onna]

I had an iPad 3 (“the new iPad”) which had its issues, but I never remember getting overly bothered by battery life even when it was 3 years old whereas my 10.5” iPad Pro had noticeable battery degradation.

When I replaced my mom’s 4 year old iPad 3 with an iPad Pro 9.7, first thing she noticed was that the brand new iPad Pro 9.7 needed to be charged more frequently than her aged iPad 3 (on iOS 6).

I suppose iOS just does a lot more now.

True. Although honestly, I don’t know what it has to do every single day that would cause 5-25% standby battery drain.

It’s not backups since that seems to only occur when the iPad is charging. I’ve got automatic updates/downloads for firmware and apps disabled, minimal notifications (I use primarily for reading so notifications are annoying), Hey Siri and search suggestions disabled, etc.

Oh well, still way, way, way better battery life than my iPhone.

 

[1BadManVan]

I don’t use Multiple but I upgraded from a 6th gen to the new m1 pro 11” and I use it way more often

 

[Digitalguy]

When I replaced my mom’s 4 year old iPad 3 with an iPad Pro 9.7, first thing she noticed was that the brand new iPad Pro 9.7 needed to be charged more frequently than her aged iPad 3 (on iOS 6).




True. Although honestly, I don’t know what it has to do every single day that would cause 5-25% standby battery drain.

It’s not backups since that seems to only occur when the iPad is charging. I’ve got automatic updates/downloads for firmware and apps disabled, minimal notifications (I use primarily for reading so notifications are annoying), Hey Siri and search suggestions disabled, etc.

Oh well, still way, way, way better battery life than my iPhone.

the main factor is the OS version. On one of the beta versions of iPadOS 15 my 10.5 had such good stand-by time it became like IOS 10.3.... It lasted only a month till the following update, but it showed that it has nothing to do with background apps and other stuff (which are all off anyway) but with iPadOS. By the way iPadOS 13.4 drains less than 14 (my 9.7 pro with the same battery wear drains half as much as my other iPads). What drains less than everything in my house is the old iPad 2 on IOS 9. It's like 1-2% per day. That thing could stay for over a month unused and still have juice.... (battery is still 93% with almost 800 cycles)

 

[rui no onna]

the main factor is the OS version. On one of the beta versions of iPadOS 15 my 10.5 had such good stand-by time it became like IOS 10.3.... It lasted only a month till the following update, but it showed that it has nothing to do with background apps and other stuff (which are all off anyway) but with iPadOS. By the way iPadOS 13.4 drains less than 14 (my 9.7 pro with the same battery wear drains half as much as my other iPads). What drains less than everything in my house is the old iPad 2 on IOS 9. It's like 1-2% per day. That thing could stay for over a month unused and still have juice.... (battery is still 93% with almost 800 cycles)

On the same device, iOS 12, 13, 14 and 15 all have similar standby battery drain for me.

I only upgraded my Air 2 and Pro 9.7 from iOS 13 to 14 this past September and 14 doesn't drain battery any faster than 13 on those iPads. I had also previously upgraded those iPads from iOS 12 to 13 last minute (still regret that from a performance standpoint) and standby battery drain between iOS 12 and 13 was the same.

Looking at the 10-day battery view, on days without onscreen time, the biggest battery drain was from Siri even when I had Siri completely disabled.

 

[MacRazySwe]

iPad Pro 11” (2018) is my main iPad. For personal use, mainly consumption.

iPad mini 6 ordered from work. Planning to use this for work-related notes and calendar. Nicer to bring along for customer meetings as well.

Looking forward to this combination.

 

[Digitalguy]

On the same device, iOS 12, 13, 14 and 15 all have similar standby battery drain for me.

I only upgraded my Air 2 and Pro 9.7 from iOS 13 to 14 this past September and 14 doesn't drain battery any faster than 13 on those iPads. I had also previously upgraded those iPads from iOS 12 to 13 last minute (still regret that from a performance standpoint) and standby battery drain between iOS 12 and 13 was the same.

Looking at the 10-day battery view, on days without onscreen time, the biggest battery drain was from Siri even when I had Siri completely disabled.

I have no device on IOS 12 as iPadOS has too many useful features for me to leave anything on 12, unless it's 10 for 32 bits. I see less drain on 13.4 than on 14 (and my 9.7 pro has more wear than my 2 3rd gen pros), but it's not a big difference. On IOS 10 and IOS 9 the difference is very big (those OS sip power when not in use in comparison...). No doubt siri is partly to blame for the drain. However, miraculously, one of the iPadOS 15 beta builds had amazing standby time, similar to IOS 10 or earlier (and I kept track of it consistently every day for a while...). It disappeared with the next update unfortunately

 

[uller6]

Apologizing in advance for a goofy answer...

I have a first-generation iPad rocking iOS 5.1.1 and a first-generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch on *iPadOS 15.2 beta. The Pro gets all the usage, 1000%.

But then to use the original I'd need to find a 30-pin cable and hope the battery can actually hold a charge. But it still works great for black screen work. Love the huge bezel, the square in the middle of the Home button is totally to die for (and none of that creepy Touch ID to worry about). Oh, and the camera... well, the 30-pin Camera Adapter.

Pop quiz: How many more cameras does iPhone 13 Pro have than that first-gen iPad?

Hey, I found a 30-pin to USB-A cable while looking for the Camera Adapter! Wish me luck! At least the battery hasn't expanded. Yet.

Hmmm, not booting. Think it's a bad cable? Hope not, there's no freakin' chance I've got another one of those things kicking around.

OMG, I see an Apple logo!

Boot loop

Wow, a blue iTunes logo on the Recovery Mode screen. Now that takes me back!

No, not going to try to restore it in Finder. At least, not tonight.

I wonder if Apple is still serving-up the 5.1.1 IPSW?

And is it any surprise that if I disconnect from charger it doesn't even boot loop?

So at the end of 7 innings the score remains first-gen iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1000%, first-gen iPad 0%

------------------

* Damn, I skipped right past iPadOS 15.1.1 and didn't even realize I was passing the exactly-10-major-versions milestone. It's exactly the gap between Snow Leopard and Big Sur! Boy, time flies when you're having fun. Then again, my Early 2008 iMac came with Leopard. Imagine if that iMac was like that original iPad (shipped with iOS 3.2, maximum iOS 5.1.1). The maximum OS X it could run would have been Lion! Meantime, that Pro came with iOS 9.1... so we're six major versions along. Original iPad got 2 major versions (iOS 3.2 to iOS 5.1.1), just like the original iPhone (iOS 1.0 - iOS 3.1.3). And people complain that they can't update iPhone 6 (which started with iOS 8.0) beyond iOS 12.5.4. Kids these days! They don't know how good they have it! And then there's iPhone 6s. 6s has run the gamut from iOS 9 to iOS 15.x (are you noticing a trend here, people?).

I have an 11” iPad Pro 2020 and two first generation iPads. I have one of the first generations working GREAT as a digital picture frame at home, and I even have it set up to automatically sync my favorite photos over Wi-Fi at night. The other original iPad is used for ~3 hours per week to show charts at band practice. The batteries on both my first generation iPad last…about 6 weeks on standby or over 15 hours of screen on time (Wi-Fi on too). They’re insane. If only they hadn’t been crippled so early by the measly 256 MB RAM.

The 2020 pro only lasts 2-3 days on standby. I don’t get it.

 

[Bagley78]

I have been considering picking up the iPad mini 6 Wi-Fi only…. I currently have the 12.9 M1 IpP with 5g, I use it for everything. I am in sales so mobility is important. I have the magic keyboard and Apple Pencil for the IpP already. My thoughts are that the mini 6 would be used for note taking in meetings, reading books, and other menial tasks that would normally make me remove the IpP from the keyboard. While still having access to my IpP and keyboard. I am not sold 100% on this idea yet though. Is anyone else using the same set-up? And if so, how does it work out with you toting around both devices everywhere?

 

[sparksd]

I have been considering picking up the iPad mini 6 Wi-Fi only…. I currently have the 12.9 M1 IpP with 5g, I use it for everything. I am in sales so mobility is important. I have the magic keyboard and Apple Pencil for the IpP already. My thoughts are that the mini 6 would be used for note taking in meetings, reading books, and other menial tasks that would normally make me remove the IpP from the keyboard. While still having access to my IpP and keyboard. I am not sold 100% on this idea yet though. Is anyone else using the same set-up? And if so, how does it work out with you toting around both devices everywhere?

I have both the 2021 12.9 and the Mini 6. I don't find toting both around to be an issue - the Mini 6 just isn't that big to make it a significant issue for me.

 

[mpetrides]

I have a 2018 12.9 inch IPP with Magic Keyboard that I use for Zoom calls and typing long documents when sitting on the couch in front of the fire. On rare occasions, I’ll watch movies on it but I tend to prefer watching on my 50 inch TV that sits in the same room. My iPad mini 6 gets far more use because it’s easier to use when taking notes or reading books—the IPP is simply too large to use for these tasks on a regular basis.

On the go, I prefer to take the iPad mini because it literally fits in my hip bag. OTOH, if I’m going somewhere that I’ll be stuck in a waiting room for an hour or two (car repairs, doctor’s office, etc.) then I’ll bring both the IPP and the mini 6. This is because the IPP has a cellular radio whereas the mini 6 does not. If the mini also had a cellular radio, I likely would leave the IPP behind.

Finally, I also have a first gen 12.9 inch iPad Pro, purchased the very day they were first released that sits on a reading tray on my exercise bike and is used for watching YouTube videos while exercising. It happens to be the device I’m using to compose this post—using a single finger, hunt-and-peck style—while riding the cycle.

 

[cthompson94]

I use my 11" IPP for mainly photoediting with the apple pencil if I do not feel like using the MBP. I recently picked up the Ipad Mini with cellular and find myself using the iphone less (probably will just get the regular pro phone next time) due to the larger screen that I use on lunch at work and drone

 

[trhoffmann]

I have a 12.9 (2020) with a Magic Keyboard, and a Mini 6.

Ditto. I use my mini 25% of the time. I use my mini as an alternative to some tasks I used to do on my iPad Pro, but also as an alternative to tasks I used to do on my iPhone.

 

[spiderman0616]

• iPad Pro 12.9" (2021): It is my main iPad with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil to be both a table and laptop replacement. I use it for everything from web browsing, to comics, to watching TV. Unless I'm doing something Mac-specific then I'm on this device.
• iPad mini (2021): I only have this device because I was able to get it for free from my firm's "appreciation store." I've adapted to use this as my "disconnected" device (no notifications and fewer apps) for reading, music, and podcasts in the evenings or in times where the larger iPad is too cumbersome (such as sitting in the floor with my rabbit). I use it maybe an hour or so a day.

I've owned both those devices (except my 12.9" was model right before M1). The 12.9" w Magic Keyboard and Pencil I ended up falling out of love with eventually. My workflows got more complicated and it just couldn't keep up with me anymore. It was also far too cumbersome to ever comfortably use as an actual iPad or ebook reader.

I bought the 2021 mini yesterday. I'm in love. I have missed this screen size and weight so much, and having going back to Mac full time, I have REALLY missed having something handy to take notes with. Apple Pencil is still the killer feature of all models of iPad, IMO.

 

[spiderman0616]

I had an iPad 3 (“the new iPad”) which had its issues, but I never remember getting overly bothered by battery life even when it was 3 years old whereas my 10.5” iPad Pro had noticeable battery degradation.

I suppose iOS just does a lot more now.

I had the iPad 3 too--was SO EXCITED about that big retina display. In the end, the processor didn't seem to keep up with the display very well. I remember I was playing Infinity Blade on it on the train one time and had gotten pretty immersed and lost track of time. When we pulled into the station, I had been playing for about an hour, and the thing was so hot I was afraid to put it back in my bag! That first big retina iPad though--that was a great day. Loved that machine.

 

[Slartibart]

found them to heavy to carry around… so I distributed a few around the house and my workplace (which is basically a wing of the manor). Thanks to Apple syncing is a breeze. ?

 

[kakaluma83]

I have a 12.9 (2020) with a Magic Keyboard, and a Mini 6.

I use the 12.9 daily at my desk and my Mini 6 mostly during evenings/weekends or out and about.

They compliment each other well

Do you ever think about getting the iPad 11? Maybe to replace one of the other two iPads ?

 

[kakaluma83]

I got a iPad Pro 12.9 2018 and a iPad mini 6, I use the iPad Pro daily on a twelve south Hoverbar duo (look it up its a beauty) next to my MacBook I mainly use the mini for on the go and camping I got the cellular models

Have you ever thought about getting the iPad 11? Maybe to replace one of the other two iPads ?

 

[kakaluma83]

I got the 2020 11” iPad Pro with magic keyboard and the iPad mini 6.
i used to take my iPP with me everywhere in the past, and what I used to do a lot of my work. Now I find myself using the mini instead, as it’s much easier to carry around.

How do you use the mini? Can you use it intensely like a portable notepad?

 

[Isamilis]

I have a 12.9 (2020) with a Magic Keyboard, and a Mini 6.

I use the 12.9 daily at my desk and my Mini 6 mostly during evenings/weekends or out and about.

They compliment each other well

Just curious, if 12.9 was stayed at desk, why didn’t you just use MacBook?

 

[Hunter5117]

Just curious, if 12.9 was stayed at desk, why didn’t you just use MacBook?

This is exactly what I did. I sold my 12.9" IPP with the magic keyboard and bought a 13" MBP, seems to work much better for me. Love that I can still run a few iPad apps that I had gotten used to using at my desk.

 

[Infinitewisdom]

This is exactly what I did. I sold my 12.9" IPP with the magic keyboard and bought a 13" MBP, seems to work much better for me. Love that I can still run a few iPad apps that I had gotten used to using at my desk.

Looks like you have both the 13" MBP and the 16" MBP. Any reason you have both? And what do you use on the iPad front now that you've sold your 12.9 IPP?

 

[AVBeatMan]

I got a iPad Pro 12.9 2018 and a iPad mini 6, I use the iPad Pro daily on a twelve south Hoverbar duo (look it up its a beauty) next to my MacBook I mainly use the mini for on the go and camping I got the cellular models

I have the Twelve South Hoverbar and have my 12.9 on it. Do you not find it "droops" every now and again with the weight of the 12.9?

 

[AVBeatMan]

From most used to least used:

iPad Air 4 256GB LTE & iPad Pro 10.5 512 GB LTE (iOS 14.8) - used alternately, Air 4 is usually the EDC/purse iPad because it has the best battery life while the Pro 10.5 is primarily used at home

iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) 1TB 5G (iOS 14.8) - docked third screen at the office, PDF markup and notes, home-use is mainly reading American comics

iPad mini 6 256GB 5G (iOS 15) - basically so I can have a bigger display than my iPhone while fitting in my jacket pocket

iPad 7th gen 32GB Wi-Fi (iOS 15 Beta) - cheapie model ($229) left in the office, used for side-by-side PDF annotations via Logitech Crayon along with the Air 4, I think Apple's offering $200 trade in so I've been considering swapping it for the 9th gen

iPad Pro 9.7 256GB LTE (iOS 14.8) - crap battery so only gets used when both Air and Pro 10.5 are charging

iPad mini 4 128GB Wi-Fi (iOS 10.3) - used for 32-bit apps, surprisingly has the best standby battery among the bunch

I also just ordered a 2021 iPad Pro 11 1TB 5G (Best Buy, $150 discount) to replace the Pro 10.5 instead of waiting for even deeper discounts or Apple refurb stock. I wanted to have the option of keeping it on iOS 14 and I'm afraid if I waited any longer, they might start shipping with iOS 15. Besides, the Pro 10.5's battery is pretty worn out, too, though not as badly as the Pro 9.7's.

Where/are you not tempted to wait for the 2022 11" Pro's?

 

[AVBeatMan]

I have a 2020 11" iPad Pro (256GB Wifi and Cellular), a 2021 12.9" 256GB WiFi and a 2021 iPad mini 256 WiFi and Cellular. The 12.9 stays in my office for media consumption, (TV, YouTube etc), my 11" stays mainly in my bedroom and the mini is trying to fit in. I've always loved the mini and as soon as the 6 was released I knew I had to have it. I also knew I wanted 256GB and Cellular.

As for used most? Well, the 12.9 is on the most as I watch a lot of golf. The 11" a lot of web browsing and the mini, being new, is also getting a lot os use so probably all getting used equally. If I had to pick one I suppose I'd have to pick the 11" as it's (obviously) the best of all 3. Great thread by the way!

(as a side note, I've always bought the 256GB iPad's but am always thinking I could mange with 128GB. Same with cellular, do we really need it in 2022? Wide WiFi coverage and iPhone teetering?) I guess that's another discussion!

 

[rui no onna]

Where/are you not tempted to wait for the 2022 11" Pro's?

That would mean iOS 15/16 preinstalled so nope. I was originally planning on waiting but only so I could get a refurb 2021 discounted. Mini-LED isn't make or break for me.

In any case, there's nothing stopping me from buying a new Pro if I really wanted it. Besides, there's a Pro 9.7 and 6th gen in the household that have gotten quite laggy on iOS 15 and are begging for upgrades.