How to turn your iPad into a full-fledged laptop: best accessories and settings

Every year, the iPad becomes more powerful and versatile. Today, the “Apple tablet-laptop” no longer feels like something in between a smartphone and a computer—it’s a full-fledged productivity tool. And in 2025, many users are wondering: Can I use my iPad as a laptop? The answer is yes—especially if you have a recent iPad Pro or iPad Air. Here’s what to configure and which accessories to buy.

When using an iPad instead of a laptop makes sense

Let’s start with the basics. If you value portability and compactness, an iPad is an ideal solution. It’s perfect for students, social media managers, digital artists, marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who works on the go.

The iPad’s touchscreen enables things a laptop simply can’t do. Plus, the Apple tablet-laptop is a favorite in creative industries—thanks to its built-in camera, you can create and edit content right on the device. It’s far more convenient than shooting on your iPhone, retouching on your MacBook, and transferring back to your phone to publish a story.

That said, iPads can’t fully replace laptops for everyone. If you rely on specialized software for macOS or Windows—like accounting systems, CAD programs, or architectural and engineering tools—you may run into compatibility issues or limitations. And if you’re using software like Blender, Godot, or working with massive datasets or databases, an iPad probably isn’t your best bet. Finance professionals, analysts, and researchers handling large Excel files or connecting to servers generally prefer laptops.

Configuring Your iPad to Work Like a Laptop

Follow these three steps to set up your workspace:

1. Customize Hotkeys and Gestures

This will improve navigation and make working in apps more intuitive. Beyond basic gestures, you can set up additional ones for use with a trackpad or mouse. With a tap, you’ll be able to switch to Slide Over mode, jump between apps, and more.

• Create Shortcuts

Observe how you use your iPad throughout the day. Then assign the most common actions to quick commands—like toggling VPN, navigating to the nearest gas station, or switching settings when moving from home to the office.

• Master Multitasking Modes

Split View, Slide Over, and Stage Manager can dramatically boost your efficiency.

• Split View lets you run two apps side by side.
• Slide Over overlays a second app as a small window on the side.
• Stage Manager gives you full control over how windows are arranged.

Try them all and pick what works best for your workflow.

Accessories that turn an iPad into a laptop

Using an iPad as a laptop is totally viable—but only if you have the right accessories, whether from Apple or third-party brands. Choose based on your needs:

• Smart Keyboard or Magic Keyboard

A magnetic keyboard that doubles as a case and stand. It gives you a proper typing experience without taking up screen space.

• Trackpad

It lets you control a cursor (just like a laptop) and supports swipe gestures. It also recognizes pressure sensitivity, making it ideal for drawing. Especially handy for on-the-go use or when working on your lap.

• Mouse

Great for precise, prolonged tasks like Excel, graphic editing, or coding. Easier to hold for hours and offers better precision.

• Apple Pencil

Essential for drawing, handwriting, editing PDFs, and design work. It lets you highlight, annotate, and work on small interface elements with much more control than a finger.

• USB-C Hubs

Needed for connecting flash drives, HDMI, and other peripherals.

Connecting your iPad to a laptop

Can you use an iPad Pro as a laptop? Absolutely. It’s even useful for advanced users. Many professionals use iPads as graphic tablets or second monitors for their laptops. This expands your screen real estate—a huge plus when editing visuals, video, or spreadsheets. And multitasking becomes smoother: render on your Mac while chatting or emailing on your iPad.

No cables needed—just use Sidecar (for Mac) or Spacedesk (for Windows).

Conclusion: iPad vs. Laptop

Now you know how to turn your iPad into a laptop. It’ll take about an hour to tweak your settings, set up shortcuts, and get your gestures right. But once that’s done, you’ll enjoy a seamless, intuitive experience every day.

In professional environments, iPad Pro is the most popular laptop alternative. With M4 or M3 chips, performance is on par with many computers. If you want a larger screen for editing docs, typing, creating presentations, gaming, or browsing, other models also fit the bill: the 13″ or 11″ iPad Air with the M3 chip, or the iPad A16.

You can purchase an Apple iPad and compatible accessories at iSpace stores. Our experts will help you choose the right model for your needs—and you can test it right in-store, thanks to our hands-on product displays.

READ ALSO

Top AirPods of 2025: Which model should you choose?

Which Apple Watch Should You Choose in 2025?

Devialet Phantom I & II: 10 Years of Sound Revolution

How does Apple warranty work in Georgia and what you need to know about the service

How to Connect AirPods to Any Android Device