Hi all. I I’m considering purchasing the latest iPad Air. Has anybody experienced? What the iPad Air is like such as the keyboards that you can get for it and if there are anything about VoiceOver that I need to know about? Many thanks for your help in advanced stay safe smiley.
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Voiceover is basically the same on iPads this phone
VoiceOver runs basically the same as phones on iPads. The biggest difference is that you’ll have those apps on a split screen view it. It’s a little bit tricky. We were just swiping around the touchscreen cause there’s more real estate to get lost in at at least if you’re totally blind anyway. I’m sorry I don’t know anything about the keyboard because I never had a keyboard for my iPad. My iPad was also an iPad mini so there may be some differences. I hope that helps though.
Wait
If the rumors are true, Apple should release an M4 Air very soon. It might not be as big of an upgrade if you already have an M-series iPad, but I'd recommend waiting, especially if you're purchasing it brand new. The M4 model will get longer software support.
Thanks again for everything
Thanks again for everything. It is greatly appreciated. Stay safe :-)
What will you be using the Ipad with?
Before you buy, consider your use case. If you're chasing the M4 specs, save your money. I use the M1 Air alongside the iPad 9 and 10, and for everyday tasks, you won't feel a difference.
Also, be wary of the 'laptop replacement' hype. Using a keyboard has become increasingly buggy—specifically with VoiceOver cursor jumps in long documents. It was actually smoother on older iOS versions than it is now. For serious writing or large files, it’s just not a reliable laptop substitute.
Longevity
The reason I suggested the M4 Air is longevity. You can get an M3 or even an M1 and it will work, but Apple will drop support much sooner, and you'll eventually have to replace it.
The previous person is also correct. What will you be using the tablet for? If it's basic tasks, get the A16 or the rumored newer A18 base iPad which should serve you well for many years. I'm honestly not sure why they're putting desktop-grade M chips into iPads which are severely crippled by artificial software restrictions.
@Chris
I agree, Chris. However, I’m wondering if the 'wait and see' approach for new hardware will actually pay off in terms of accessibility. Are there specific VoiceOver enhancements on the horizon that justify the upgrade?
I recently dusted off my iPad 4 (2012), and it’s a tank—great battery and still runs most apps. Interestingly, the VoiceOver performance is actually smoother and more consistent than what I’m seeing on modern iPadOS versions.
With VoiceOver and also music creation
I will also be using my iPad for music creation and using it with VoiceOver, many thanks again for all your help :-)
Re: Music creation.
Just FYI, many things also work on the phone, though not Logic, which only works on iPad. But Garage Band works on both and you could pull GB projects into Logic on the Mac, if you're using that.
This is in no way trying to dissuade you from getting an iPad. I say if you're interested in an iPad, get one and give it a shot, if you can return it if it doesn't work out. I'm even kind of against the Macbook idea, because I mean, that's a totally different form factor, for one thing.
But to my mind, it's good to know your options. Logic should be accessible, though to be clear I don't have an iPad so can't personally verify it. You've got a lot of options.
Garage Band is accessible on both, so is Ableton Note, which shares to Live the same way you can share GB and Logic projects. You've got some accessible synths and instruments to play with, and a looper in Loopy, whatever version it's at now. IIRC everything but Logic should work on any iOS device.