iPad vs. iPod — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 17, 2023
The iPad is a tablet computer primarily designed for browsing, multimedia, and productivity tasks, whereas the iPod is a portable media player primarily for music.
Difference Between iPad and iPod
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The iPad and iPod, both products of Apple Inc., cater to different user needs and experiences. While the iPad provides a comprehensive computing experience in a tablet format, the iPod emphasizes music and media playback.
At its core, the iPad is essentially a compact computer. With its large screen and powerful processors, it can handle a multitude of tasks, from document editing and video playback to gaming. The iPod, especially the classic versions, was more focused on delivering an excellent audio experience, with some models later incorporating video playback capabilities.
Over the years, both the iPad and iPod have evolved. The iPad now has various models, including the Pro, Air, and Mini, each catering to different user needs. On the other hand, the iPod transitioned from its classic design to the iPod Touch, which shares many functionalities with the iPhone, minus the cellular component.
In terms of software, the iPad runs on Apple's iOS (and more recently, iPadOS), allowing for a vast range of apps and functionalities. The iPod Touch also operates on iOS, while earlier iPod versions had a more straightforward, music-centric interface.
From a market perspective, while the iPad continues to hold a significant position in the tablet sector, the traditional iPod has seen a decline due to the convergence of media playback capabilities in smartphones, including Apple's own iPhone.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Tablet computing
Music and media playback
Operating System
IOS/iPadOS
IOS (iPod Touch); custom software (earlier models)
Screen Size
Ranges from 7.9 to 12.9 inches
3.5 to 4 inches (iPod Touch)
Physical Keyboard
No (On-screen, with optional external support)
No (On-screen for iPod Touch)
Current Models
IPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and standard iPad
IPod Touch
Compare with Definitions
iPad
Apple's response to compact computing without the confines of a traditional laptop.
I prefer using my iPad over my laptop when I'm traveling.
iPod
A portable media player introduced by Apple primarily for music.
I still remember jogging with my first iPod, which stored all my favorite tracks.
iPad
A tablet that operates on Apple's iOS or iPadOS.
With the introduction of iPadOS, the iPad has become even more powerful.
iPod
A device that transitioned from a click wheel to a touchscreen interface in its Touch variant.
The iPod Touch felt like a bridge between the classic iPod and the iPhone.
iPad
A touchscreen tablet computer developed by Apple.
My iPad allows me to take notes during meetings and watch movies during commutes.
iPod
A music-centric device with storage capabilities ranging from 2GB to 160GB based on the model.
My 160GB iPod Classic could hold my entire music collection.
iPad
A device blending multimedia capabilities with app-based functionalities.
The iPad's versatility makes it ideal for both work and play.
iPod
Apple's innovative approach to personal audio in the 2000s.
The iPod revolutionized how we listen to and purchase music.
iPad
A popular choice for digital artists, readers, and mobile professionals.
Graphic designers often opt for the iPad Pro because of its advanced display and Apple Pencil compatibility.
iPod
The precursor to the iPhone, emphasizing audio and later video playback.
Before the era of smartphones, the iPod was the go-to device for mobile entertainment.
iPod
Misspelling of iPod
Common Curiosities
Can I make phone calls with an iPad or iPod?
Neither are phones, but with Wi-Fi and apps like Skype or FaceTime, you can make calls.
Which device is more suited for reading e-books?
The iPad, with its larger screen, is more suited for reading e-books.
Which is larger in size, the iPad or the iPod?
The iPad is larger, being a tablet, while the iPod, especially the Touch, is more pocket-sized.
Are both the iPad and iPod still actively sold by Apple?
As of now, Apple sells various iPad models and the iPod Touch, but not the earlier iPod models.
Which device is more multimedia-centric?
While both support multimedia, the iPad offers a broader range due to its larger screen and computing power.
Which device has a better camera?
The iPad, especially recent models, tends to have a more advanced camera than the iPod Touch.
Do iPads and iPods support external storage?
Neither typically supports external storage, relying on internal capacity.
Can both the iPad and iPod download apps from the App Store?
Yes, both can, but earlier non-Touch iPod models cannot.
Is the battery life similar for both devices?
Battery life varies based on models and usage, but iPads generally have a longer battery life due to their larger batteries.
Can I use office applications on both devices?
While you can use apps like Microsoft Office on both, the experience is more comprehensive on the iPad due to its larger screen.
Can the iPod play videos?
The iPod Touch and some later classic models can play videos, but earlier models were audio-only.
Is the audio quality the same on both devices?
Both offer high-quality audio, but the specific quality can depend on model and headphones used.
Are they both compatible with the latest iOS updates?
Newer iPads and the latest iPod Touch models typically are, but older models might not support the latest updates.
Which is more affordable, the iPad or iPod?
The iPod Touch tends to be more affordable than most iPad models.
Are both devices suitable for gaming?
Both support gaming, but the iPad, with its larger screen and more robust specs, provides a better gaming experience.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
