How to make your iPad last longer

Apple devices are among the few gadgets we own that offer incredible longevity, at least compared to the competition. The main reason Apple devices, and especially iPads, last so long is simply the fact that Apple supports them for a long time via software updates. If anything fails, it’s usually the hardware that goes first. Here’s what you need to do to extract the most life from your iPad and ensure that it continues to serve you well for years on end.

1. Get a good case

This is easily the most important step you need to take. iPads are fairly large and very slim. Some incredible engineering has gone into making them that way, and while they may feel rigid, they’re holding their shape with a mixture of glass, plastic, and thin aluminium. iPads can take much less abuse than a phone, and in some cases, less abuse than even a laptop.

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Your primary focus needs to be on protecting the hardware, which means getting a good case that completely protects the sides and rear. Next, get a good screen protector to protect the glass front. Apple makes some great cases but they are quite expensive so we’d recommend getting a third-party case if price is a concern. Getting a good carry case or travel case is a good idea as well since travelling with an iPad is risky.

2. Display care

iPad displays are generally built well and can last a really long time, however, if you’ve just bought the new M4 iPad Pro with its tandem OLED display, you’ll need to take a few extra precautions to ensure its longevity. All displays wear out over time, but OLED displays tend to wear out faster. We’d recommend that you avoid using the display at max brightness as far as possible, and also that you avoid using the display in areas that are very hot. Both these factors can cause the LEDs in your display to wear out faster.

3. Avoid overheating

Speaking of heat, high temperatures are the bane of any electronic device. Not only does heat impact performance, it also impacts battery life, battery health, and display life. Avoid playing demanding games for extended periods, using the camera for extended periods, and consuming content with the display brightness set to max.

Yes, you’ll be limiting what you’re doing with the iPad, but if the objective is to increase its lifespan as much as possible, then you will need to avoid overheating as much as possible.

4. Battery care

Another area that significantly impacts performance is battery life and health. As mentioned earlier, the first thing you need to do is avoid letting the device get too hot. Heat directly impacts the chemical composition of the battery causing it to degrade faster. Use only recommended chargers and cables and try to avoid fast charging as much as possible. Fast-charging or using non-standard charges can cause the battery to overheat as it can be under a lot more stress.

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Also note that iPad batteries can and should be replaced after a few years. They’re larger than phone batteries so issues won’t be apparent till much later, but when they do appear, rest assured that your battery is severely degraded. A degraded battery will directly impact the performance of your iPad, so if things seem more sluggish than usual, get them replaced.

5. Regular maintenance

Lastly, regular maintenance will help keep your iPad in fine shape. This takes two forms: hardware and software. Hardware maintenance includes the steps outlined above as well as regular cleaning of the display, the various ports, and even the speaker grills. You’ll be surprised at how dirty your iPad can get, and this dirt can attract moisture and mould and create problems later.

Software maintenance primarily includes ensuring that updates are installed in a timely manner and that the iPad’s storage isn’t full. The storage in your iPad has a finite life that reduces the more you move data around.

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Leaving about 15-20 per cent free space on the drive will give the iPad more headroom for moving files around by distributing the load across a larger number of storage cells and evening out the wear and tear.

Apple iPads are a great investment, and one if properly cared for can serve you well for years on end, even surviving a student’s journey from high school to college. Following these simple tips to extend the life of your iPad will certainly help.