Dwight Spivey - iPad For Seniors For Dummies

This book assumes that you are a mature iPad user who wants to get straight to the basics of using an iPad. It assumes that you may not be familiar with using a tablet, or that you are updating to iPadOS 15 and want to discover all the new features that come with that update. In writing this book, I’ve tried to consider the types of activities that might interest someone who is 50 years old or older.

Like every For Dummies book, this one comes with a free Cheat Sheet that brings together some of the most commonly needed information for people learning to use, in this case, the iPad. To get the Cheat Sheet, head for www.dummies.com and enter iPad For Seniors For Dummies Cheat Sheet in the Search box.

You can work through this book from beginning to end or simply open a chapter to solve a problem or acquire a specific new skill whenever you need it. The steps in every task quickly get you to where you want to go without a lot of technical explanation.

At the time I wrote this book, all the information it contained was accurate for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, 3th, 4th, and 5th generations), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations), 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, iPad (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generations), iPad Air 2, iPad Air (3rd and 4th generations), iPad mini (5th and 6th generations), iPad mini 4, version 15 of iPadOS (the operating system used by the iPad), and version 12.8 (for Macs) or 12.12 (for PCs) or later of iTunes. Apple may introduce new iPad models and new versions of iOS and iTunes between book editions. If you’ve bought a new iPad and found that its hardware, user interface, or the version of iTunes on your computer looks a little different, be sure to check out what Apple has to say at www.apple.com/iPad . You’ll no doubt find updates there on the company’s latest releases.

Part 1

IN THIS PART …

Starting out with your iPad

Navigating the Home screen

Updating and synchronizing your iPad

Discovering preinstalled apps

Understanding iCloud

Chapter 1

IN THIS CHAPTER

Discover what’s new in iPads and iPadOS 15

Choose the right iPad for you

Understand what you need to use your iPad

Explore what’s in the box

Take a look at the gadget

You’ve read about it. You’ve seen the lines at Apple Stores on the day a new version of the iPad is released. You’re so intrigued that you’ve decided to get your own iPad. Perhaps you’re not new to tablet computers but are ready to make the switch to the ultimate in such devices. Your iPad offers lots of fun apps, such as games and exercise trackers; allows you to explore the online world; lets you read e-books, magazines, and other periodicals; allows you to take and organize photos and videos; plays music and movies; and a lot more.

Trust me: You’ve made a good decision, because the iPad redefines the tablet computing experience in an exciting way. It’s also an absolutely perfect fit for seniors.

In this chapter, you learn about the advantages of the iPad, as well as where to buy this little gem and associated data plans from providers for iPads that support cellular data. After you have one in your hands, I help you explore what’s in the box and get an overview of the little buttons and slots you’ll encounter. Luckily, the iPad has very few of them.

Apple’s iPad gets its features from a combination of hardware and its software operating system (called iPadOS; the term is short for iPad operating system). As of this writing, the most current version of the operating system is iPadOS 15. It’s helpful to understand which features the newest iPad models and iPadOS 15 bring to the table (all of which are covered in more detail in this book).

The iPad is currently available in various sizes, depending on the version of iPad. Here are the five basic sizes, by iPad type:

iPad: The ninth-generation iPad features a touchscreen that measures 10.2 inches diagonally and sports a super-fast 64-bit desktop-class A13 Bionic processor.

iPad Air: The fourth-generation iPad Air employs a touchscreen measuring 10.9 inches diagonally and features a 64-bit A14 Bionic processor.

iPad mini: The iPad mini 6’s screen measures 8.3 inches diagonally and uses a 64-bit A13 Bionic processor to do the behind-the-scenes work.

iPad Pro: The two iPad Pro models are the fastest of the bunch. One measures 11 inches diagonally, and the other is 12.9 inches; they both come with blazing-fast M1 processors, which are the same processors used in many of Apple’s newest Mac desktop and laptop computers.

Dimensions of devices are typically shown in the units of measurement commonly used in a region. This means, for example, that the basic iPad is shown on Apple’s U.S. site as being 9.8 inches (250.6mm) high and 6.8 inches (174.1mm) wide. In metric-system countries, both dimensions are given, but the order is reversed. When it comes to screen sizes, however, the dimensions are given in inches.

In addition to the features of previous iPads, the latest iPad models offer

Screen resolution: In addition to screen size, screen resolution has evolved so that Apple’s Retina and Liquid Retina displays, both of which support very high-resolution graphics, now appear across the line. The name derives from the concept that individual pixels on the screen are so small that at normal viewing distance, they can’t be distinguished.

Apple Pencil: Originally designed exclusively for use with iPad Pro models, the Apple Pencil now works with all the latest iPad models. (Be sure to check which version of Apple Pencil will work with your iPad by visiting www.apple.com/apple-pencil .) Apple Pencil lets you draw and write on the screen with a familiar pencil-style tool rather than with your finger. The Apple Pencil contains a battery and sophisticated processing powers that make the experience of using it very much like (and sometimes better than) traditional pencils. Third-party pencils and drawing tools exist, but Apple’s integration of Apple Pencil is remarkably smooth; the product has taken off quickly among graphic artists, illustrators, and designers. As other people have discovered its usability for marking up documents, it is becoming more and more common in business environments.

Neural Engine: The Neural Engine is a component of the processor in every iPad that focuses on handling specialized tasks related to artificial intelligence, image and speech processing, and more cool things.

Touch ID: This security feature is included on several newer iPad models that have a Home button. Sensors in the Home button allow you to train the iPad to recognize your fingerprint and grant you access with a finger press. Touch ID also allows you to use the Apple Pay feature to buy items without having to enter your payment information every time.