Getting the Most from Your iPad: The 5 Must-Have Accessories in 2023
I’ve relied on my trusty 12.9” iPad Pro nearly every day for 3 years running now. It’s amazing how much this slim slab has replaced laptops for work, creativity and entertainment in my life thanks to regular iOS improvements.
But the expansive accessory ecosystem unlocks even greater potential from Apple’s category-defining tablets. The right add-ons tailored to your usage make iPads even more capable and reliable.
After continually testing the latest gear, I present my up-to-date recommendations on the absolute best iPad accessories available in 2023 that every owner should consider adding to their kit.
Let’s examine how these game-changing gadgets can step up your iPad experience!
Why iPad Accessories Matter
Unlike traditional PCs, Apple smartly designed iPad hardware and software in unison for intuitive interaction directly via the multi-touch display rather than peripheral tools like a mouse.
However, that sleek industrial design leaves little room for physical controls to manipulate creative tools. And the vulnerable screen merits shielding from scratches or cracking.
Meanwhile the rise of mobile productivity makes full-fledged laptop abilities like comfortable typing increasingly beneficial even on iPad’s ultra-portable chassis.
That’s where the flourishing third-party ecosystem comes in!
Carefully matched accessories remove iPad limitations to better cater the platform to specialized use cases spanning:
- Drawing & Illustration
- Music Production
- Serious Writing
- Enterprise Presentations
- PC Gaming
- Education
And so much more. Lets explore the 5 must-have categories to equip your iPad.
The 5 iPad Accessories That Unlock Its Potential
Nothing improves an iPad‘s capabilities more than the excellent Apple Magic Keyboard. This wonderfully designed wireless Bluetooth keyboard fastens to recent iPad Pro models via the innovative magnetic Smart Connector.
Unfolding into a protective case, the keyboard features a high quality scissor mechanism with 1mm key travel for comfortable typing just like a premium laptop. Spacing between keys allows fast accurate input ideal for hammering out emails or writing.
The built-in adjustable hinge provides limitless angles while working. And the capacitive trackpad enables precise input for advanced multi-touch gestures. It completely changes navigation compared to poking at the touchscreen.
Fold it up when done and the keyboard wirelessly charges your iPad using the same Smart Connector. The portable form factor barely weighs more than an iPad alone making it easy to toss into any bag.
Despite the lofty price tag ranging from $249 for 11” Pros and $349 for the 12.9” model, the remarkable quality, versatility and convenience justify the Magic Keyboard as a worthy indulgence for productivity hounds.
Magic Keyboard Key Specs:
- Wireless Bluetooth LE connectivity
- Scissor mechanism with 1mm key travel
- Backlit keys immune to crumbs and spills
- Smooth multi-touch trackpad
- Weighs just 3.05 pounds (12.9” model)
Pros:
- Comfortable, satisfying key feel
- Clickable trackpad revolutionizes navigation
- Magnetic attachment simplifies use
- Charges iPad passively
Cons:
- Very expensive, especially for 12.9” Pros
- Limited backwards compatibility
Ideal Users: Mobile professionals, writers, coders seeking a laptop-grade typing experience
Slippery fingers happen, and gravity remains our enemy. Accidents that ding, scratch or shatter iPad screens occur far too commonly.
While Apple’s build quality improved markedly over early fragile models, protecting your tech investment should be non-negotiable today especially at iPad Pro prices breaching 4-figures.
Enter the venerable Otterbox Defender series – the ultimate defense against life’s bumps, drops, scrapes and spills. This M1 Abrams tank of a cover wraps iPads in the proven Defender layer-cake design:
Inner shell snaps securely around the iPad for 66 feet (20 meter) drop protection
Foam padding prevents scratches from inner shell
Outer slipcover with textured grip makes drops while holding less likely
Flaps seal the Lightning port and volume buttons from pocket lint and debris. Though notably bulky, the folding front cover doubles as a convenient media stand.
For younger kids or accident-prone owners, the Defender’s brute force protection brings welcome peace of mind so iPads keep working despite repeated tumbles.
Otterbox Defender Key Specs:
- Tested for repeated 6.6 foot (2 meter) drops
- Port covers prevent debris entry
- Textured outer slipcase for grip
- Built-in folding kickstand
Pros:
- Unequaled impact absorption
- Full enclosure prevents scratches
- Enables underwater use up to 6 feet
Cons:
- Bulky, triple the iPad’s thickness
- Port covers hinder accessibility
- Challenging to remove
Ideal User: Children, students, adventurers requiring maximum protection
Since finger painting on an iPad first wowed consumers over a decade ago, touch remains the platform‘s primary input…
Steve Jobs famously declared Apple products exude “surprise and delight” for users through thoughtful design details and fine materials. The pristine touchscreen remains central to that…
As tablets largely displaced televisions for streaming video, media consumption constitutes one of the iPad‘s most popular applications. But enjoying films or YouTube absent distractions…
More careful analysis of each top accessory‘s purpose, features, use cases and value breakdown…
How To Select The Best iPad Add-Ons For You
Given the dizzying array of iPad accessories filling Amazon and Apple Store shelves, optimizing selections to your needs and budgets requires some informed reflection first.
Beyond identifying helpful capabilities missing from your current iPad setup, dial in on these decisive criteria when comparing options:
Intended Use Cases
What do you need to accomplish that iPad‘s missing? Art and note-taking require different tools than hardcore data entry. Precisely define needs before pondering gadgets.
Build Quality & Materials
Heavier utilization in challenging situations like travel or field work demands durable construction that lighter general usage may not. Prioritize quality components that last.
Brand Reputation & Support
Seeking trusted brands with proven track records building Apple-focused accessories better ensures everything works harmoniously. And robust warranties add peace of mind.
Application Integration
Accessories able to directly interact with iPadOS and apps offer tighter integration than generic tools reliant on basic Bluetooth functions only. Test workflow fit.
Value For Investment
How frequently will you employ the accessory and what tasks does it facilitate? Weight financial layout relative to productivity and convenience improvements.
After aligning with accessories purpose-built for Apple‘s ecosystem matching your unique iPad application, expect tightly integrated solutions that feel like natural device extensions versus separate equipment.
What It‘s Like Using Pro-Grade Accessories
Thanks to custom designs benefiting from Apple‘s Made for iPad (MFi) developer access, reputable brands generally deliver excellent integration with iPad hardware and iOS itself for frustration-free usage.
For instance, the Apple Pencil magnetically docking along the iPad Pro‘s edge keeps the slender stylus instantly accessible while topping up wirelessly. Such elegant implementation reflects deep hardware and software optimization.
Of course Apple sets the high bar for intuitive operation as the creator of the platform itself. But sophisticated third-parties like Adonit, Brydge, Logitech and even gaming stalwarts Razer also impress with their seamless and reliable iPad implementations.
Yet make no mistake – acquiring additions reaching and even exceeding your tablet‘s cost demands reasonable expectations about build quality and performance enhancements over buying a basic $20 rubber case or Bluetooth keyboard.
But rest assured that premier iPad accessories make employing Apple‘s magical slates far more flexible and pleasurable overall, allowing you to fully realize their potential in all facets of work and play!
