Key Takeaways
- Apple’s Continuity features, like Universal Control and Sidecar, give the iPad an edge over Android.
- Since developers focus more on iPad apps, it’s hard for Android tablets to bridge the gap.
- iPads offer long-term software support, better security, and durability.
Despite significant improvements, Android tablets still lag behind the iPad by a considerable margin. Some of those are self-inflicted, but that isn’t always the case. Here are some of the main reasons why iPads are so far ahead of their Android counterparts.
1 Apple’s Continuity Features
One of the reasons why I regretted buying an Android tablet first instead of an iPad is that the former doesn’t work well with other Apple devices. Continuity is one of the main advantages of owning an iPad if you already have a Mac or iPhone, though I’d argue that it applies more to computers than smartphones.
When you buy an iPad, you get access to Universal Control—meaning you can use your devices more seamlessly. You can also take advantage of Sidecar, which lets you effectively use your iPad as a second monitor. And don’t forget other Continuity features like AirDrop, AirPlay, Universal Clipboard, and more, which make your life easier if you own multiple Apple devices.
2 Developers Put More Effort Into iPad Apps
Even if Android tablets were closer to iPads, there’s only so much manufacturers can do if app developers don’t do their part. For the most part, I feel like developers put much more effort into iPad apps than Android tablets. You’ll also find various apps available for iPads but not Android tablets, such as DaVinci Resolve and Pixelmator.
It’s likely that businesses will allocate more resources to app development on Android tablets if they continue improving and more people adopt them. But until that happens, closing the gap will be very difficult.
3 Long-Term Software Support
One of the nice things about iPads is that you continue receiving software updates long after the initial release date. For example, the third-generation 12.9 iPad Pro from 2018 is eligible for the iPadOS 18 update in 2024.
While the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra will get better support options than other Android tablets, it’s still not on the same level as the highest-end iPad. You’ll get four major One UI/Android OS generations and five years of security updates, but these security updates won’t give you new features, unlike the latest versions of iPadOS.
It’s also worth noting that even lower-end iPads typically get around five years of updates. When your device is no longer compatible with the latest version of iPadOS, you’ll usually get security updates for a little longer.
4 Better Security
Although I’d agree that Android tablets have better customization than iPads, I would argue that iPads offer superior security. You’ll get several software updates between each major fall release, many of which have essential security patches.
Because you can’t customize iPads to the extent you can with Android tablets, it’s easier for Apple to make its software more secure. While you do get helpful security tools on Android tablets (including lockdown mode), iPads can do many of these and have a stronger base.
5 Durability
Another reason Android tablets lag behind iPads is that Apple’s devices are generally well-built and far more durable. When I owned an Android tablet, it didn’t take long before dropping it a few times took its toll. Comparatively, I’ve dropped my iPad several more times, and it’s still going strong.
JerryRigEverything on YouTube did a comprehensive (and entertaining) durability test for the M4 iPad Pro after it launched in 2024. The tablet did pretty well despite him putting ice cream on it, holding a lighter, and doing much more. It eventually snapped in half, but only with some significant effort, which is pretty hard to do accidentally.
6 Apple Silicon Chips Are Far More Powerful
iPads have always been solid for web browsing, streaming, and gaming, but higher-end models with Apple silicon chips have taken performance far more seriously. In fact, these are the same chips Apple uses in their MacBooks. With the M2 and M4 iPad Pro, you can effortlessly edit 4K video projects with professional apps like Final Cut Pro and Capture One.
Newer Android tablets are a significant improvement over the older versions and definitely worth checking out, but it’s still hard to look past iPads. From better apps and durability to a more powerful chip and long-term software support, I still recommend an iPad to anyone interested in a tablet—I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
