Today marks the 16th anniversary of the launch of the original iPad (1st generation), a device that helped define the modern tablet category.
After being introduced by Steve Jobs on January 27, 2010, the first iPad officially went on sale a few months later, on April 3, 2010. The launch marked Apple’s entry into a new product category between smartphones and laptops, with a focus on portability, touch-based interaction, and media consumption.
The original iPad helped establish Apple’s tablet ecosystem and laid the foundation for future models like the iPad Pro and iPad Air, which have since evolved into powerful productivity and creative tools.
The original iPad (1st generation) closely resembled a larger version of the iPhone, featuring thick bezels, a 9.7-inch multitouch display with a 1024 × 768 resolution, a physical Home button, and a 30-pin dock connector. It also marked an important milestone for Apple as the first device to use the custom-designed Apple A4 chip.
Interestingly, the idea of a tablet at Apple predates the iPhone itself, with early internal prototypes reportedly explored as far back as 2004. However, the project was paused while Apple focused on launching and scaling the iPhone first, delaying the iPad’s arrival until the platform ecosystem was strong enough.
When it finally launched at $499, Steve Jobs described it as a “magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price.” The product quickly gained traction, with Apple selling around a million units within its first month on the market.
Over time, the iPad helped define the modern tablet category, a space Apple continues to dominate. As of late 2025, Apple reportedly holds nearly 45% of the global tablet market, with Samsung trailing at under 15%.
Today’s lineup has expanded significantly beyond the original model. It now includes entry-level iPads for everyday use, the iPad Air for mid-range performance, the compact iPad mini, and the high-end iPad Pro models—all reflecting how far the platform has evolved since 2010.