With the release of the new iPad Pro (2024) and iPad Air 6, many people are considering what to do with their old tablets. Instead of trading them in, a majority of iPad owners are finding creative ways to repurpose their devices. Here’s a look at what people are doing with their old iPads and some ideas for how you can make the most out of yours.

 Why People Keep Their Old iPads

According to a report from the Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), 67% of iPad owners keep their old tablets instead of trading them in. This is a significant difference compared to iPhone owners, of whom only 11% give their old phones to family or friends.

 Hand-Me-Downs and Reuse

Of the iPad owners who keep their old devices, 31% pass them on to friends or family members. This highlights the longevity and reuse potential of Apple’s tablets. Unlike iPhones, which are often traded in for newer models, iPads seem to have a longer life in households.

 Limited Trade-Ins

Only 6% of iPad owners use Apple Trade-In or other resale sites when upgrading, compared to 42% of iPhone upgraders. This suggests that iPads retain value in ways beyond resale. Many people find that old iPads still have many uses, even if they are not the latest model.

 Reasons for Upgrading

A surprising 23% of iPad owners had to upgrade because their device was lost, stolen, or broken. This is higher than the equivalent figure for iPhones, which stands at 6%. The larger screen size of iPads makes them more prone to accidental damage.

 Creative Uses for Old iPads

If you decide to keep your old iPad, there are plenty of ways to repurpose it. Here are some popular and creative ideas:

1. Travel TV

Old iPads make excellent portable TVs for watching movies and shows while traveling. Their lightweight design and decent screen size make them perfect for this use.

2. Gaming Device

Transform your old iPad into a dedicated gaming device. Download your favorite games and enjoy them without worrying about draining the battery of your main device.

3. E-Reader

iPads can serve as excellent e-readers. With apps like Kindle and Apple Books, you can store and read a vast library of books on your old tablet.

4. Digital Photo Frame

One of the most creative uses for an old iPad is turning it into a digital photo frame. This can be done by adjusting the settings to keep the screen on and using the Photos app to display a slideshow of your favorite pictures.

5. Recipe Book

Old iPads can be great digital recipe books. With the added feature of Facetime, you can also use it to make video calls while cooking, making it a versatile kitchen companion.

 Ensuring Security

If you plan to continue using your old iPad, it’s important to keep an eye out for security updates. Apple occasionally releases patches for older devices, so make sure your iPad is up to date to protect against any vulnerabilities.

 Challenges of Older Models

While old iPads can be repurposed, it’s worth noting that very old models, like the original iPad Air, may not support newer apps. Apple stopped supporting the original iPad Air in 2019, and it’s stuck on iOS 12. This means that many app developers have also stopped supporting it, limiting what you can do with such old models.

 Conclusion

There are many ways to breathe new life into your old iPad. Whether you turn it into a travel TV, a gaming device, an e-reader, a digital photo frame, or a digital recipe book, your old tablet can still be useful. Instead of trading it in, consider these creative options to make the most out of your device. By doing so, you can extend its life and enjoy the many benefits it still has to offer.