When iPads first got their start, they only offered up to 64GB memory and were 9.7 inches, weighing in at 1.6 pounds. Today, you can get an iPad Pro with a full TB of memory at 12.9 inches, weighing 1.4 pounds. Talk about an upgrade! Tap or click to see the first thing you should do when you buy a new iPad. If you own an iPad or are planning on purchasing one soon, you know you’re going to want tons of apps. But which ones should you get? It may surprise you to learn some of the best have been around since the very beginning — but that’s Apple for you. Here are our top picks for the best iPad apps.
Mental and physical health
Let’s start with health apps. These are designed with your physical and mental well-being in mind. Though none of them can ever take the place of a doctor, they can serve as good starting points for personal growth and control.
1. Track your progress
Everyone knows the classic way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories and exercise more often. Need a little help getting started? Try MyFitnessPal. It’s basically a food and exercise diary that syncs up to smartwatches and other workout apps, and it lets you connect with others for accountability and support.
2. Be prepared
The American Red Cross released an app that helps you deliver emergency first aid when you need it. First Aid was designed to help you stay calm and in control when emergency situations arise. Stay safe and download this app.
3. Don’t just survive, thrive
Thrive: Mental Wellbeing is a free app that partners with charities, insurance companies and more. It was created to help manage stress, anxiety and any related conditions. You can monitor your mental health and receive personalized messages, play games and more.
4. For kids
If your child has trouble handling stressful or frustrating situations, try Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame. This app is intended for children ages two to five and exposes them to emotional vocabulary, personalized forms of encouragement, breathing techniques and more.
5. Work it!
When you’re ready to start working out, 7 Minute Workout is the app for you. Choose from over 200 workouts that last only seven minutes each. For $10 a month, workout anywhere without equipment, create a workout challenge, compete with friends, earn achievements and more.
Reading, gaming and watching
These apps are great for entertainment. Whether you’re a bookworm, gamer or music lover, there’s something here for everyone.
6. ‘Watch, listen, stream’
Everyone loves YouTube, so it just makes sense to download the app to your iPad. Watch your favorite music videos, learn how to make Gordon Ramsay’s famous beef wellington and more with this free app.
7. Figure it out
Want to try out a fun puzzle game with eerie music and a macabre storyline? Try Limbo. It’s only $4 and it promises hours of creepy fun.
8. Love the library?
If you love reading but don’t want to subscribe to a service or constantly purchase books, try Libby. This app allows you to connect with your local library to borrow eBooks and audiobooks for free.
9. Get behind the scenes info and stream for free
Ready to use a free streaming service? Turn to IMDb. Not only can you find free content to stream, but you’ll also have quick and easy access to check out cast members, biographies, film or show trivia facts, reviews and more.
10. Listen up
Pocket Casts is a free app that gives you access to thousands of podcasts across the web. Sync up subscriptions, get notifications when new episodes arrive and even listen in your car with a little help from CarPlay. Tap or click here for 10 hidden tricks to get the most out of Apple CarPlay.
For the foodies
Food apps are the best! Most are for quick service or speedy delivery, so when you’re caught in a big meeting during your lunch hour or just too tired to cook dinner at home, you can still have access to tasty meals.
11. What’s nearby?
When you’re in a new place, it’s nice to have access to a handy app that tells you where the nearest restaurants are. Not only does Yelp tell you what’s open and nearby, but it also lets you access full menus, photos, prices, customer reviews and more.
12. Uber hungry?
Uber Eats is the food delivery you’ve been waiting for. Get your favorite meals delivered to your home, office or even to a friend or family member in another town! Simply look up local participating restaurants, order and pay for the food, and it’ll be delivered wherever you need it.
13. Watch celebrity chefs
If you love cooking, we’ve got one of the best recipe apps for you. With Food Network Kitchen, you can watch your favorite chefs bake and cook up culinary masterpieces. Get recipes, instructions and more with this helpful kitchen app.
14. Build your recipe book
Paprika Recipe Manager is perfect for anyone who loves to cook. For only $4.99, you can download and save all your favorite recipes and sync them from your iPad to other Apple devices. Create grocery lists, meal plan and more.
15. Time for a drink
If you like to entertain, knowing how to make tasty and gorgeous drinks is a must! Instead of searching the internet for ideas, simply download Lush Cocktails. For $1.99, you can search for drinks by ingredients, save your favorite recipes and more.
Be productive
Technology like the iPad can be used for entertainment, but it is versatile enough to serve as a helpful work tool — if you know what apps to download. Here are a few apps that can help you get the job done. RELATED: Secrets to improving work productivity
16. Gather your documents
When you’re constantly moving paperwork around, it’s easy to lose track of your things. But with a Microsoft account, you can save all your important documents to the cloud, and access them from your iPad. Give it a try.
17. Need to open special files?
Adobe Acrobat Reader is available free for iOS devices, meaning you can open PDF files from emails, the internet and more. You also have access to helpful features like sticky notes and drawing tools.
18. Manage your time
Focus Keeper is an app designed to help you stay on task. Simply choose what you want to do and set the timer. The app tracks your progress and gives you short breaks to help you focus on your goals and not your device.
19. Hold meetings remotely
Need to hold a meeting but you’re unable to make it to the office? Turn to Skype for iPad. This app allows you to make HD video calls, send messages and more. Stay connected with your team and share information and documents right through the app.
20. Save it for later
When you’re on the go, there’s no time to waste on articles and videos. But if you really want to watch or read something, use Pocket. This app allows you to save videos, links and articles so you can read later, with or without an internet connection.
Stay informed
Knowledge is power, so you like to stay in-the-know when it comes to tech news, sports, trending stories, tech safety and more. So load up your iPad with plenty of apps to keep you informed.
21. Sports on the go
If you’ve got cable and are obsessed with sports, you might like the ESPN: Live Sports & Scores app. Now you don’t have to wait to get home to watch a game or look up scores. Access the content you want now, straight from your iPad.
22. Never forget
There are too many sites we need unique passwords to access. Knowledge may be power, but even the brightest minds can forget passwords, that’s why you need RoboForm Password Manager. Keep your passwords safe and never lose them again.
23. Good boy!
Don’t buy into the rumor that Apple products are immune from contracting viruses. Tap or click to see how to tell if your iPad has malware. Turn to LagDog to protect your online accounts from hackers. LagDog even scans the Dark Web for your stolen data. Download the best security app of 2019.
24. Celebrity news
If you’re all about the fabulous lives of celebrities, you’ll want to download E! News for your iPad. See the latest celeb photos, listen in on all the gossip and more.
25. Last, but not least
Stay up to date on the latest tech, news and digital lifestyle hacks. America’s Digital Goddess offers tips, tricks and more to keep your devices secure on the Komando app. Don’t just read articles — access podcasts, listen to Kim’s radio show and more. Now that you have all these cool apps to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding ways to entertain yourself or be more productive. If you like learning about Apple products, don’t forget to sign up for Kim’s Apple Updates newsletter below.
