April 3rd is not an ordinary day on the calendar for Apple enthusiasts; on this day, we celebrate 16 full years since the launch of the first-generation iPad. Do you remember those days? When some mocked it, saying it was just a “giant iPod touch”? Well, it seems those skeptics are now eating their words with a side of spice, because this “giant” device has become the backbone of mobile computing in the world.
The Beginning from Steve Jobs’ Mind
On January 27, 2010, Steve Jobs took the stage to announce the iPad, but the device didn’t actually reach users’ hands until April 3rd of the same year. What many may not know is that the idea for the tablet preceded the iPhone itself! Apple had been working on a prototype for a tablet project since 2004, but Jobs decided at the time to shelve the project and prioritize the iPhone so it could establish its footing in the market first.
The first generation of the iPad came with a distinctive design that reminds us of the beautiful past; thick bezels, a 9.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels, the famous Home button, and the massive 30-pin port. Most importantly, the iPad was the first device launched by Apple with a processor of its own design, the Apple A4 chip, beginning from that moment the journey of full independence in the world of processors.
A Magical Device at an Incredible Price
At launch, Steve Jobs described the iPad as a “magical and revolutionary device at an incredible price,” starting at just $499. Indeed, the price and capabilities were a lethal combination for competitors; in the first month alone, Apple sold a million iPads. Despite the quick attempts by Microsoft and Samsung to offer alternatives, the iPad remained singing alone at the top.
To this day, after a decade and a half, the iPad remains the crowned king on the global tablet throne. According to data from the fourth quarter of 2025, Apple holds a market share of 44.9%, while Samsung comes in second place by a wide margin with only 14.7%. It seems the “magic” Jobs spoke of is still in effect!
The iPad Family Today.. A Device for Everyone
The iPad family has evolved from just one model into a diverse lineup that meets all needs and budgets. We now have the traditional 11-inch iPad for those looking for an economical option, the iPad Air in its 11 and 13-inch sizes as a powerful mid-range option with Mac processors. And let’s not forget the small 8.3-inch iPad mini for fans of light mobility.
As for professionals looking for maximum performance, the 11 and 13-inch iPad Pro models offer the latest Apple technologies and M-series processors that make the device outperform many laptops. Perhaps some are still calling for running macOS on it or a full version of Office apps, but no one can deny that the iPad has come a long and amazing way in 16 years.
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