When to Upgrade Your iPad

You’ve had your iPad for a while, but it’s not working as well as it used to. It could be that it’s time to upgrade your iPad to a new model.

A lot goes into making this decision, so don’t rush things. But consider a few reasons why you may want to move on from your current tablet.

Before we get into it, this post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy to learn more.

You Need More Storage

For better or worse, you can’t expand your iPad storage after the fact. Sure, you could use a cloud storage system or an external hard drive, but you’re limited in what you can keep on the device itself.

The best way to get more on-board storage is to upgrade to a new iPad. You should consider how much storage you need on your next device.

Maybe you only store sheet music on the iPad. In that case, you may just need a bit more room as your music library grows.

But if you also use the iPad for other things, you may want even more storage.

You Need a Larger Screen

I used a regular iPad to read sheet music for about two and a half years. It worked okay, and it suited my needs for most of that time.

However, I eventually realized that a bigger screen would be a worthwhile investment. It got hard to read sheet music for a long time on a relatively small screen.

If you’re encountering the same issue, it may be time to upgrade your iPad. That way, you won’t have to strain your eyes when practicing or performing.

You’re Using It More Than Expected

When I bought my regular iPad, I thought I might use it for sight reading practice. But as time went on, I started using it for everything.

While I couldn’t justify upgrading a few months later, it was time a couple of years after. You may get an iPad for emails or travel, but you might use it for sheet music too.

Using your device more than you anticipated can be a great reason to upgrade. That way, you can take full advantage of everything the iPad has to offer.

You Can’t Update It

Most iPads are well built and can last for years. Still, there will come a time when your current iPad won’t be compatible with the latest version of iOS.

Not updating can leave your device vulnerable to security issues. Maybe you don’t need the latest software update, but it’s nice to have.

So before you continue to use the older version, consider upgrading your iPad. You can always save up a bit of money, or you can get a refurbished model that’s a few years newer to save some money now.

It Won’t Hold a Charge

There’s almost nothing worse than your iPad dying on you in the middle of a performance. I always try to start a gig or rehearsal with as close to 100% battery as possible.

But if your iPad loses battery super fast, that can only do so much. If you perform from an iPad, you need one that stays on.

When this issue crops up, you could get a new battery. However, it may be a better choice to put your money into an updated iPad model.

You Want the Newest Features

Maybe you only use your iPad for reading sheet music, so it’s not super important to get the latest and greatest features. But if you use it for other things, some features can be nice.

I don’t upgrade my iPad every time a new model comes out. After a few years though, it can be nice to see what Apple has added to its iPad lineup.

Now, if this is your only reason to upgrade your iPad, be sure to test one out first. That way, you’ll know if you’ll actually use those features.

You Have the Money

Of course, what better time to upgrade your iPad than time when you have the money? Maybe you received some extra cash for the holidays.

Or you might have seen a Black Friday deal that dropped the price of the iPad you want. Take that as a sign it’s time to invest in a new tablet.

Sure, you can buy an iPad any time. However, it never hurts to shop for a good deal and to purchase when the price is a bit lower.

Tips to Save Money on an iPad Upgrade

It’s one thing to know when to upgrade your iPad. But what if you don’t have a ton of extra cash laying around just waiting to be spent?

Here are some of my best tips to help you save money on your next device!

Trade in Your Current Model

If you’re getting a new iPad, you probably don’t need your current one anymore. Consider trading it in to get a credit towards your new device.

You can trade it in directly with a dealer like Apple. Another option is to sell the iPad privately since you may get a little more money, particularly if the iPad is newer.

But if it’s on the older side, you may do better to trade it in. That way, you can get a little bit of money to help bring down the amount of money that has to come out of your pocket.

Buy a Refurbished iPad

Speaking of trading in, you can get an iPad that someone else traded in. Some people like to upgrade to a new iPad every year, so some refurbished iPads aren’t even that old.

When you buy refurbished from Apple, you’ll get an iPad that’s like new. Apple puts all of their refurbished products through the same quality control.

If you want to buy a used iPad elsewhere, be very careful. Make sure it works before you hand over the cash and get the iPad.

Look for Discounts

We’re coming up on the holidays, which is a common time for discounts in general. iPads are no exception, and they can have tons of sales in the next few months.

If you’re in school, you can also shop for a new iPad around August or September. These months are home to many back-to-school sales.

Regardless of the discount you get, make sure you shop from an authorized Apple dealer. That way, you’ll know you’ll get a genuine iPad and not some knock-off.

Bring Your Case and Pencil

If you already have an iPad, consider if the new one you get will work with your current case and/or Apple Pencil. Getting a device that will work can be a great way to save you money.

A new Apple Pencil isn’t cheap, so using one you already own can help a lot. And depending on the case you use, you may also save a significant amount.

Of course, depending on the upgrade you’re making, one or both accessories may not transfer. If you’re getting a larger iPad, you’ll need a new case.

And if your iPad is more than a few years old, it probably uses the older Apple Pencil.

Ask for a Gift Card

Another great way to save money on an iPad is to ask for a Visa or Apple gift card. Once you get the card, you can apply the balance to your purchase.

Then, you won’t have to spend as much money from your bank account. You may even be able to afford a bigger model or one with more storage.

Even if you can afford the entry-level iPad, it never hurts to have something to offset the cost. That way, you can get the best possible iPad for you.

Consider If It’s a Write Off

If you only use your iPad for business-related tasks, you may be able to count it as a business expense. I’m not an accountant, so talk with one before doing this.

But you might be able to count the cost of the iPad as an expense. Doing so reduces your taxable income which then lowers the amount you have to pay in taxes.

In that way, you could save money on an iPad. But again, I can’t stress enough how important it is to be careful with this so that you don’t break any laws.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your iPad?

The frequency for when to upgrade your iPad varies. In some cases, I’ve upgraded as soon as a year and a half after getting an iPad.

But I’ve also gone as long as five years between upgrades. It depends on your goals, why and how you use an iPad, and the specific model you have.

Can You Transfer Data From One iPad to Another?

Yes, you can (and should) transfer your data from one iPad to the next. You can do this by backing up your current iPad to iCloud.

Then, when you get your new tablet, you can use that backup to set everything up. This will keep you from having to copy everything over manually.

Final Thoughts

Is it time to upgrade your iPad? You want to make sure you can get the device you need based on how you use it (or plan to).

If you want even more tips for how to use an iPad as a musician, download forScore and More!