As a software engineer and startup founder, I’m often asked whether an iPad is worth adding to the arsenal. We developers love gadgets that promise productivity boosts, but does an iPad meaningfully improve a coder’s workflow, or is it just a luxury toy?
Having used an 11-inch iPad Air (M3) with an Apple Pencil Pro in the Apple ecosystem, I’ve found it to be a great accessory with quality-of-life perks, not a make-or-break tool. In this post, I’ll share how I use my iPad day-to-day and help you decide if an iPad is a smart buy for your developer life.
The iPad in a Developer’s Toolkit: Nice-to-Have, Not Need-to-Have
Let’s address the big question up front: an iPad will not replace your main development machine. You can’t run full-blown IDEs or local compilers on iPadOS due to its app restrictions. Even in 2025, Apple hasn’t turned the iPad into a Mac; attempts to make iPad a dev “daily driver” often end in frustration or heavy workarounds. Many developers (myself included) see the iPad more as a complementary device for supporting tasks, reading, note-taking, minor edits, rather than writing and shipping code directly.
To be fair, the hardware is not the problem at all. The iPad Air M3 is running the same M3 family chip you see in current MacBook models, so it has more than enough CPU and GPU headroom for demanding work like photo or video editing, 3D graphics, or heavy multitasking. The ceiling is iPadOS and the app model, not the silicon. I have not even pushed it that hard yet, but I am planning to move some photo edits and short form video edits to the iPad. With the M3 chip and modern editing apps, this kind of work is completely realistic on the tablet, and it keeps that creative workload off my main machine
That is why I see it as a very capable companion device rather than a toy, even if I still do my core coding on the Mac. That being said, useful is still useful! The iPad shines for certain activities that can indirectly boost your efficiency or make your work-life more comfortable. Below, I’ll break down the real-world use cases where my iPad earns its keep, and where it doesn’t.
Sketching & Brainstorming with Apple Pencil
One of the biggest benefits of an iPad for me is as a digital whiteboard. I use Apple’s Freeform app (a flexible canvas) alongside the Apple Pencil for sketching out architecture diagrams, UI layouts, and mind-maps. Instead of scribbling on paper or wrestling with a mouse in design tools, I can draw freely. The experience is fluid and natural, especially with a paper-feel screen protector that adds friction like real paper. This setup has been fantastic for brainstorming sessions: I sketch out ideas on the iPad, and thanks to iCloud sync, the Freeform board is instantly available on my Mac for screen sharing in meetings or further editing.
I’ve even used the iPad to annotate screenshots and PDFs. For example, marking up user interface screenshots with notes or drawing over an architecture PDF during a discussion. These quick, tactile edits are faster than using a trackpad. And because everything syncs, I can start a Freeform diagram on the iPad, then later copy-paste it into a design document on my Mac.
If you often sketch ideas, draw diagrams, or prefer handwriting notes, the iPad + Pencil offers a natural, organized way to do it. You get the feel of a notebook with the power of digital storage and sharing. It’s a boon for architectural discussions, code planning, or visual note-taking, far better than scribbling on Post-its.
Learning in Comfort: Watching Video Courses
Another killer use case for my iPad is consuming long-form content away from the desk. As developers, we’re constantly learning, watching conference talks or tutorial videos. With the iPad, I can curl up on the couch or in bed and watch these videos comfortably, instead of being chained to my desk or laptop. I can pause, take notes (sometimes with the Pencil in the Notes app or Freeform alongside), then resume, all without the formality of a desktop setup. This more relaxed consumption means I actually get through more educational content. It turns out I’m more inclined to finish that architecture video series when I’m comfy.
This isn’t a direct “productivity boost” in the sense of writing code faster, but it’s a quality-of-life improvement. By lowering the barrier to consume educational material, the iPad helps me stay updated on tech topics and sharpen skills during off-hours. And since it’s still in the Apple ecosystem, I can AirPlay or handoff the video to my Mac if needed, or vice versa.
For self-improvement and keeping up with tech, an iPad lets you learn on your terms. You’re not stuck at your desk for every course or tutorial. This comfort can indirectly benefit your skills and productivity in the long run.
Reading eBooks & Documentation
I’ve also come to appreciate the iPad as a modern developer’s book. I load it up with ePub/PDF versions of books via Apple Books (great for syncing across devices) . Whether I’m reading, the iPad’s form factor is excellent for consuming text (the iPad mini will be even better).
Unlike a laptop, an iPad feels like holding a book, I can curl up in a chair and read without a keyboard in the way. I often highlight key passages or code snippets as I go. All my highlights and bookmarks sync across devices, so I can later search them on my Mac.
I am not a bookworm, but I want to create this habit, and I am currently reading "The Mom Test" by Rob Fitzpatrick. Talks about how to get more learning and more sales out of your customer conversations. Even when everyone is lying to you.
If you like to read, the iPad can be your portable library. It’s more comfortable than reading on a laptop screen and more versatile than a dedicated e-reader, especially for content with code or color diagrams.
Taking a Break: Casual Gaming & Relaxation
Let’s be honest, we all need breaks during intense coding sessions. My iPad doubles as a casual gaming device for those short breaks to recharge my brain. I fire up a quick game of Teamfight Tactics or Township to decompress. The tablet is perfect for these kinds of touch-friendly, low-effort games that let you unwind for 10-15 minutes. (you can also subscribe to cloud gaming services like GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming to play heavy games)
This might not sound work-related, but I find that a brief gaming break can reset my focus. It’s a healthier diversion than scrolling social media, and the iPad’s bigger screen (compared to a phone) makes the experience more engaging. Plus, keeping games on a separate device means my work laptop stays distraction-free.
Of course, an iPad isn’t unique in enabling games, a phone or console can do that too. The point is, if you enjoy mobile games, the iPad offers a nicer screen and performance for them, which can make your break time more enjoyable. And a happier, refreshed developer is a more productive developer!
The iPad can serve as a fun stress relief outlet. Quick games or entertainment apps on the iPad help you relax between coding spurts, which can ultimately improve your focus when you return to work.
Sidecar: iPad as a Second Monitor (Occasionally)
Every so often, I use my iPad as an extra display for my MacBook via Apple’s Sidecar feature. This essentially extends or mirrors your Mac’s screen to the iPad wirelessly (or wired), turning the iPad into a portable second monitor. In theory, this is great for having an extra screen for documentation, logs, or Slack while you code on the main screen.
In practice, I personally use Sidecar sparingly. At my home office, I have real monitors, which are larger and more ergonomic. Where Sidecar shines is when I’m not at my desk: for example, if I’m working from a café or traveling without my full setup. Then, the iPad becomes a lightweight second screen next to my laptop, giving me that multi-monitor productivity on the go.
One workflow that works really well for me is during calls. I share my MacBook screen with the code editor or slides, then drag the meeting window onto the Sidecar display on the iPad. The faces stay on the iPad next to me, my main Mac screen is clean and focused on the content, and I avoid wasting space on a huge video grid while I am presenting or debugging
A tip: Sidecar works best with a wired connection or strong Wi-Fi; a wired setup has virtually no lag and better reliability. I also disable the “touch bar” and sidebar overlay on the iPad to maximize screen real estate. And remember, you can still use iPad apps while Sidecar is running, you can swipe away, use a note-taking app to jot something down, then return to Sidecar seamlessly. This flexibility (thanks to Apple’s Continuity) can be surprisingly handy during coding sessions.
Using an iPad as a second monitor via Sidecar is a useful bonus if you travel or work in coffee shops frequently. It’s not a must-have (external monitors are better if you’re stationary), but it can boost on-the-go productivity. Consider it the cherry on top of iPad ownership for developers, nice, but not the main reason to get one.
Quick Meetings and On-the-Go Productivity
Another scenario where my iPad comes in handy is for quick video calls or meetings. If I get a call or need to join a daily stand-up, sometimes it’s faster to just grab the iPad than to context-switch my Mac (which might be running tests or connected to a million windows). The iPad wakes instantly, I tap the meeting link, and I’m in.
For short meetings or catch-ups, using the iPad keeps my Mac free so I can, for example, keep a build running or reference code without sharing my screen. It also means I can step away from my desk. I’ve literally taken stand-up calls from the couch or balcony with the iPad, which is a refreshing change of scenery. The front camera (on newer iPads) has Center Stage, which smartly keeps you in frame, great if you tend to move around or gesture on calls.
The iPad can reduce friction for lightweight tasks, hopping on a quick call, checking your calendar, or managing tasks, especially when you’re away from your desk. It’s about convenience: the device is instantly ready, highly portable, and lets you handle minor work tasks without firing up your laptop.
Quality-of-Life vs. Direct Productivity
By now you might notice a pattern: the iPad mostly improves my quality of life rather than directly supercharging my coding output. It makes certain tasks more comfortable (learning, reading) and enables some convenience (note-taking, quick access) that my Mac alone didn’t provide. But does it make me ship features faster or write code better? Probably not in any direct sense.
My stance is more balanced: I never expected the iPad to replace my Mac, and I use it for what it’s good at. It has made my workflow nicer in several ways discussed, but if it suddenly vanished, I could still do my core job on the Mac alone (perhaps a tad less comfortably). And if I had to choose between upgrading my Mac vs buying an iPad, I’d invest in the Mac every time for pure productivity.
It’s also important to consider the price vs benefit. A decent iPad with accessories can cost $600–$1000+. For the same money, you could get a great 4K monitor, a mechanical keyboard, an ergonomic chair, or other setup improvements that might yield more tangible productivity gains. If budget is tight and your goal is to directly boost your coding efficiency, those might be better investments. On the other hand, if you’ve optimized your main setup and have disposable budget, an iPad can add that extra polish to your workflow and personal life.
Conclusion: Should You Buy an iPad?
Who will love an iPad: If you’re a full-stack dev, engineering manager, or founder who values mobility and comfort, an iPad can be a delightful companion. It’s especially useful if you engage in a lot of reading (technical books, blogs), brainstorming on digital paper, or if you travel/work away from your main setup often. It’s an excellent couch or bed device for continuing lighter work or learning when you step away from the workstation. Those already deep in the Apple ecosystem will benefit the most, as the seamless sync and integration reduce any friction in adding a new device. In short, an iPad can make your life easier in small ways and encourage productive habits (like reading more or taking structured notes).
Who should skip it: If you’re expecting an iPad to drastically improve your programming output or replace your laptop, save your money. It won’t run your critical developer tools natively, and any productivity gains are indirect. Pure coders who spend all day in an IDE on a multi-monitor rig will find an iPad adds little to that setup (aside from maybe serving as a reference screen). Also, if your budget is limited, you’re likely better off investing in core work equipment (better monitors, faster laptop, etc.) or even a cheaper tablet if it’s just for occasional media consumption. An iPad is a premium device, and its value is in the experience it provides more than any quantifiable jump in output.
My opinionated take: I don’t regret buying my iPad, it has become my go-to device when I’m not coding. It hasn’t made me a 10x developer overnight (no gadget will), but it’s enriched my workflow in ways that keep me learning, organized, and sometimes just saner. As with many tools, you have to have the right expectations: see it as a luxury add-on that can smooth out the edges of your day, not as a silver bullet for productivity. If that aligns with your needs and you have the means, an iPad can be a great addition. If not, you’re not missing a critical piece of kit, you can absolutely be a high-performing engineer without ever touching a tablet.