The iPad used to be that gadget you bought for streaming movies and playing Candy Crush. Fast-forward to 2025, and now it’s casually replacing laptops, making music, editing 4K videos, and even multitasking better than some office desktops we won’t name (you know the one).
And because we get asked about this in our DMs daily, we put together this guide to help you unlock the iPad’s full power. Whether you’re studying at UoN, working remote in Ruaka, or creating content at your mum’s dining table, this one’s for you.
Let’s dive in.
Multitasking on iPadOS 18: Way More Than Just Splitting Screens
If you haven’t updated to iPadOS 18 yet, do it now. It transforms your iPad from “nice tablet” to “oh damn, this thing’s legit.” Here’s how multitasking actually works in 2025:
Stage Manager
This feature is pure multitasking magic. Think of it like having mini desktops on your iPad. You can group apps together (maybe Safari, Google Docs, and Spotify for work then Netflix and Notes for breaks) and switch between them without closing anything.
And if you’ve got an M1, M2, or M4 iPad Pro or Air, it gets crazier: connect an external display and run multiple apps on both screens at once. It’s like carrying a dual-monitor office setup in your bag.
Split View
The OG multitasking move. Two apps, side by side. Scroll Twitter while reading your emails. Watch YouTube tutorials while trying that Final Cut edit. Open an assignment and research tab at the same time. Easy.
Slide Over
It’s the quick-access panel you didn’t know you needed. Need to reply to a text while working? Pop Messages into Slide Over, sort the drama, swipe it away. Zero disruption.
Pro tip: Stack Stage Manager, Split View, and Slide Over. Yes, you can combine them. Yes, it works shockingly well.
Unleash Creativity: Apple Pencil and Pro Apps Done Right
Your iPad isn’t just for spreadsheets and Zoom calls. It’s also a digital sketchbook, beat lab, film studio, and photo editor. Here’s where it shines
Apple Pencil (Hover is a Game Changer)
The 2nd Gen Apple Pencil was already incredible. Now with the Hover feature (on M2 iPads and newer), it’s surgical. Hover shows you exactly where your brush stroke, note, or annotation will land before you touch the screen. It’s like having cursor-level precision and if you’re an artist, it’s a must.
Great for:
- Digital artists (Procreate hits different with hover preview)
- Annotating school notes
- Scribbling ideas during meetings you pretend to pay attention to
Final Cut Pro & Logic Pro for iPad
Yes, you can edit 4K video and produce music professionally on your iPad. And it actually works.
Final Cut Pro: Trim, add effects, color grade. Export right there on your commute.
Logic Pro: Record vocals, drop beats, mix audio tracks. Plug in a USB-C mic or MIDI keyboard, and you’re basically your own studio.
Heads up: You’ll need an M1 chip iPad or higher. But trust us — it’s worth it.
Pro Apps You’ll Love
- Procreate (art)
- LumaFusion (video editing)
- Affinity Designer/Photo (graphic design)
- Shapr3D (3D modeling)
- GoodNotes / Notability (for students who actually want to stay organized)
Work Smarter: Productivity Tricks That Actually Work
You can totally use an iPad as your main work computer now if you know how. Here’s how to turn it into a productivity beast:
Magic Keyboard
Get yourself a Magic Keyboard iPadOS supports pointer controls, and your cursor even snaps to buttons and text fields. Copy, paste, split apps, drag files just like a MacBook, but way lighter.
Bonus: Use Command + Tab to switch between apps. Game changer.
Files App & External Drives
The Files app now handles external drives, cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox), and lets you move, tag, and zip files like a boss.
Plug in a USB-C flash drive, access it directly, and drag files into your folders. No more emailing yourself stuff.
Quick Note
Swipe from the bottom right corner with your Apple Pencil and jot down anything, anytime. Shopping lists, assignment ideas, or that random lyric you dreamt at 2 AM.
Focus Modes
Silence Insta, WhatsApp groups, and distractions when you need to work. Set a Work Focus that hides social apps and lets only important calls through.
Which iPad Should You Actually Buy?
iPad Pro (M2, 11″ or 12.9″)
For those who want zero compromise. Best for video editors, photographers, illustrators, or people who straight-up replace laptops.
iPad Air (5th Gen, M1 chip)
Sweet spot between power and price. Runs pro apps, supports Magic Keyboard, Stage Manager, and is light enough for daily carry.
iPad 10th Gen
Solid for students, casual creatives, and everyday users. No Stage Manager, but you get Split View, Slide Over, and a proper typing experience with the Magic Keyboard Folio.
Pro tip: The iPad mini is perfect if you’re after something ultra-portable. Think pocket-sized Netflix binge machine
Where to Buy (and Why Here)
Apple Center Kenya isn’t just another store. We:
- Deliver in 2 hours within Nairobi
- Ship countrywide in 24 hours
- Offer genuine Apple warranty & certified support
- Let you pay via M-Pesa, card, or instalments
Whether you’re upgrading or getting your first iPad, we’ll match you with the right gear and throw in some advice that actually makes sense.
Your iPad, Your Rules
2025’s iPads aren’t toys anymore. They’re full-on workstations, studios, notebooks, and creative hubs. Use these tips, tricks, and accessories to get more done, make cool stuff, and streamline your daily hustle.
And if you’re still stuck? Slide into our DMs or walk into Apple Center KE. We’ll get you sorted.
Shop the latest iPads and accessories at applecenter.co.ke/buy
