Why iPads Are So Far Ahead of Android Tablets?

Despite significant improvements, Android tablets still lag far behind the iPad. Some of that is due to their own shortcomings, but not always. Here are some of the main reasons why the iPad is so far ahead of its Android rivals.

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1. Apple's Continuity Features

One of the reasons many people regret buying an Android tablet instead of an iPad is because Android tablets don'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.

When you buy an iPad, you get access to Universal Controls to make using your devices more seamless. You can also take advantage of Sidecar, which lets you use your iPad effectively as a second display. And don’t forget about other Continuity features like AirDrop, AirPlay, Universal Clipboard, and more that make life easier if you own multiple Apple devices.

2. Developers put more effort into iPad apps

Even though Android tablets are nearly identical to iPads, manufacturers can’t do much if app developers don’t do their part. Developers generally put a lot more effort into iPad apps than they do Android tablets. You’ll also find a variety of apps for iPad that aren’t available on Android tablets, such as DaVinci Resolve and Pixelmator.

It’s likely that businesses will allocate more resources to developing apps for Android tablets as they continue to improve and more people use them. But until that happens, closing the gap will be difficult.

3. Long-term software support

One of the great things about iPads is that you’ll continue to get software updates long after their original release date. For example, the third-generation 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro is eligible for iPadOS 18 in 2024.

While the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra will have better support options than other Android tablets, it's still not on par with the top-end iPad. You'll get four major generations of One UI/Android OS and five years of security updates, but those security updates won't bring 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. Once a device is no longer compatible with the latest version of iPadOS, you’ll typically get security updates for a little longer.

4. Better security

While Android tablets are more customizable than iPads, iPads offer superior security. You’ll get a number of software updates between each major fall release, many of which include essential security patches.

Because you can’t customize the iPad as much as you can with an Android tablet, Apple has an easier time making its software more secure. While you have useful security tools on an Android tablet (including a lock mode), the iPad can do many of these things and has a more solid foundation.

5. Durability

Another reason why Android tablets are inferior to iPads is that Apple devices are generally much better built and more durable.

YouTuber JerryRigEverything did a comprehensive (and entertaining) durability test on the M4 iPad Pro after it launched in 2024. The tablet held up pretty well despite the YouTuber pouring ice cream on it, holding a lighter to it, and more. It did eventually snap in half, but after all the effort, it's pretty unlikely to happen by accident.

6. Apple Silicon chips are much more powerful

The iPad has always been solid when it comes to web browsing, streaming, and gaming, but the high-end models with Apple silicon chips have been much more performance-focused. In fact, these are the same chips Apple uses in MacBooks. With the M2 and M4 iPad Pros, you can easily edit 4K video projects using professional apps like Final Cut Pro and Capture One.

The new Android tablets are a huge improvement over the older versions and are definitely worth checking out, but it's still hard to ignore the iPad. From better apps and durability to more powerful chips and long-term software support, the iPad is still the recommended choice for anyone looking for a tablet for the foreseeable future.