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How much iPad storage do I need?

How Much iPad Storage Do I Need? Before buying an iPad, it is important to consider the storage space you need depending on the tasks you want to use it for.

This is because, despite having a wide range of storage sizes, it is not possible to upgrade any iPad memory.

Some iPads come with 2 storage space options that are 128 GB and 256 GB. Others, like the iPad Pro range, feature 4 size options up to 2 TB. 

The larger the storage space, the higher the purchase price. Consider the type of files you will deal with on your iPad to avoid issues.

This guide will help you understand the different memory and storage space sizes on different iPads and who they work best for.

It will help you choose the best one for your needs, whether you need an iPad for professional or leisure use. For more detailed specifications, check out the iPads for Procreate list of options.

iPad Storage for Specific Uses

Below is a breakdown of different storage size options for different iPad models. 

  1. iPad Pro (M4, 2024)
  2. iPad Air (M2, 2024)
  3. Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022)

iPad Pro (M4, 2024)

Light users (email, browsing, light apps): 64GB or 128GB.Average users (media, gaming, regular apps): 256GB.

  1. Screen: 11 or 13 in
  2. Resolution: 2752 x 2064 Pixels
  3. Storage Space: 256 , 512 GB and 1 or 2 TB
  4. Processor: M4 Chip

The iPad Pro M4 2024 is currently the latest iPad on the market. It comes in 2 screen size options, that is, 11 and 13 inches. They feature OLED screen display technology, which is different from older versions that used Liquid Retina Display technology. 

It features 4 size options: either 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. If you are using your iPad for animation, video editing, or creative work that requires a lot of power, we recommend 512 GB and above. iPad Pros are best for power users such as creative work and 4K video editing.

iPad Air (M2, 2024)

  • Screen: 11 or 13 in
  • Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB

If you only need an iPad for simpler tasks like schoolwork or as a student, we recommend the new iPad Air (M2, 2024). It also features an 11- and 13-inch screen and 4 storage options ranging from 128 GB to 1 TB.

We found the iPad Air (M2, 2024) to be a perfect option for drawing and basic tasks that do not require a lot of power like on the iPad Pro. 128 GB is also good, but you might face space issues in the future. We found 256 GB and 512 GB as the best for a variety of tasks.

You can check out our comparison between the iPad Pro (M4, 2024) and the iPad Air (M2, 2024) for the difference.

iPad Air (M2, 2024) and iPad Mini are best for average users. They are best for media, basic gaming, and regular use.

Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022)

  • Screen: 10.9 in
  • Storage: 64 GB or 256 GB

The Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022) is our best pick for general use. You can use it to perform business tasks like emailing, browsing, and video conferencing. 

It is best for people who have access to cloud storage because of its low 64 GB storage space. You have the choice of a 256 GB storage space, but it is not big enough for large files.

Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022) is best for lighter users. They are best for emailing, webconferencing browsing, and basic tasks.

How much memory do I need on my iPad?

Although you will have large storage options, around 7 to 20 GB of space is occupied by the iPad OS, and you cannot use it.

Storage space in iPad tablets will be different from one iPad to the next. Basic iPad versions, like the Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022), feature between 64 and 256 GB of storage space. 

More complex versions, like the iPad Mini and iPad Air, provide more storage options and larger spaces ranging between 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB.

iPad Pros have the largest storage space of any iPad, ranging from 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB. All iPad options feature the modern SSD type of storage space instead of the older and noisy HDD versions.

The sizes and specifications will depend on the intended usage. For Photos and Videos, you need to enable iCloud Photo Library syncs to access your media library across devices. 

The size you need depends on the amount of files, photos, and videos you have. Video files are usually larger than photo files. 

For purely video files, we recommend 512 GB and above, while photos can be saved in 256 GB without running into space issues.

If you are using iPads for gaming, you will need large storage space, especially if playing heavy games with a lot of dump files and cache. You need anywhere from 1 TB to play complex games.

Casual gamers, on the other hand, play lighter games that do not occupy a lot of space. They need anywhere from 32GB to 64GB of storage space.

If you are using iPads for conferencing or streaming, you will not need a lot of storage space. 64 GB and above will work perfectly since most of the functionality is online.

Difference between RAM and storage on iPads

First, it’s important to distinguish between memory (RAM) and storage. Memory is temporary, used for running apps and processes, while storage is where you keep your apps, files, and media. When it comes to storage, the following options are generally available: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, among others. Let’s dive into each of these storage options.

FAQs

How to Check Storage on an iPad

To check how much storage you’re currently using on your iPad, navigate to Settings > General > [Device] Storage. Here, you can see a breakdown of how your storage is being used and which apps consume the most space.

Is the iPad’s storage expandable?

Unlike some Android tablets, iPads do not have expandable storage through microSD cards. You will not be able to upgrade the internal storage without buying a new iPad. It’s therefore crucial to choose the right storage capacity from the beginning.

Calculating the Storage Needed to Back Up an iPad

Apps and System Data: This includes the operating system and essential apps and typically takes around 10-15GB.

Media Content: Calculate the storage required for your photos, videos, music, and other media.

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