The Ultimate Guide to the iPad Air

The iPad Air is the most versatile among Apple's tablets. Its size makes it highly portable, and its powerful processor still packs a punch. More than a compact movie screen, the iPad Air is a mini-computer at your service. Check our guide to see how to make the most of it.

1. Use Apple Pencil

Using the Apple Pencil on the iPad Air is a recent thing. The second-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with the iPad Air fourth generation and up. The iPad Air instantaneously becomes your sketchbook and notepad with the Apple Pencil. You can take handwritten notes, edit, correct, and jot down your thoughts. Mark up documents, doodle, draw or transform your sketches into a work of art. The Apple Pencil makes writing, marking, and editing so much easier.

2. Split Screen

Make the most of the iPad Air's 10.9-inch screen with the Slide Over function that allows you to open and use two apps simultaneously. Listen to your favorite playlists on Spotify while editing a photo or search the web while writing a project. Using the Slide Over function is extremely easy. Open an app and click the three dots at the top. Select Split View and choose the second app. You can also choose Slide Over – instead of both apps evenly splitting the screen, you choose which ones take prominence. So, for example, you can make the Spotify app smaller while working on your image edits.

3. Widgets

Widgets are the most underutilized function on most devices. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a widget is an application or component of an interface that enables a user to perform a function or access a service. So, for example, the clock, countdown timer, stock updates, weather, and photo album are all widgets. A widget continues running in the background without needing to press or click on them to work. Putting important widgets on your iPad Air allows you to find the information you need by looking at the screen. The iPad also includes the feature to add extra large widgets on the home screen. To upload and choose your widgets, press and hold on to the screen. Tap the +icon to open the widgets menu. Scroll through the available options to add to the screen.

4. Enable Universal Control

This feature gives you ultimate control over multiple Apple devices with one keyboard, mouse, or trackpad. You can use your Mac's keyboard to control a nearby MacBook or iPad, working seamlessly between them. Use the pointer, copy, paste, and type between them. Ensure all devices are signed in on the same Apple ID, and Universal Control is turned on. Go to the Settings app on your iPad Air, tap General and then go to AirPlay & Handoff. Toggle on Cursor and Keyboard.

Once Universal Control is on, linking devices is a breeze. Unlock them and put them near each other. Use the mouse to move the pointer to the edge of the screen toward the direction of the iPad or Mac. You should see it push through on the second screen.

Related Reading: The iPad Air vs the iPad Pro - Which Device Comes Out on Top?

5. Focus Mode

Learning to be productive is one of life’s most valuable skills. The iPad Air's Focus Mode feature helps you by removing all distractions while working on any task. It usually takes 10 or 15 minutes of uninterrupted work to get into the highly motivating flow state, where you lose track of time and place. One of the fastest ways to step into a flow state is to schedule focused time blocks sans email, chat or message notifications. When you enable Focus Mode, you disable all pop-ups and calls on the iPad Air. Switching to Focus Mode is extremely easy – swipe down from the top right screen. Touch the Focus button and choose between Do Not Disturb, Personal, Sleep, or Work mode. You can customize each one. Don't worry about missing out on calls or messages - these will be on hold until you return to normal mode. If you're expecting a particular call or want to remain accessible to a loved one, Focus Mode allows you to give access to particular numbers.

6. Price

The iPad Air may be Apple’s lightest tablet, but that does not make it the cheapest. The iPad Air is more expensive than the 10th generation iPad because of its higher processing power and LED. The iPad starts at $449 for the Wi-Fi version compared to $599 for the iPad Air. Meanwhile, the iPad Wi-Fi & Cellular costs $599, while the iPad Air is $749.

7. iPad Case

A kickstand case is another way to make the most of your iPad Air. Getting a protective iPad Air 10.9 case is essential to safeguard against any drops, bumps, or falls. However, a good case goes above and beyond function. It can also serve you and your needs. A kickstand case such as the Zugu iPad Air case includes an adjustable kickstand with eight angles. You can set the iPad to read, watch a movie, type, or browse. Or even mount it magnetically.

Related Reading: What Makes an iPad Air Special?