What Is the Easiest iPad for Seniors?

The easiest iPad for seniors to use is the Apple iPad. As seniors age, their abilities change. The iPad’s accessibility features adjust to these changing abilities. Users can ignore options that aren’t currently useful but activate them if the need arises. This provides simplicity for today and flexibility for tomorrow. 

The Apple iPad is our No. 1 choice for the easiest tablet for seniors. However, other iPads might be better suited for seniors facing specific challenges. Visually impaired users will appreciate the accessibility features packed into the Apple iPad Mini. And while it’s not an iPad, the GrandPad is a worthwhile consideration for seniors with dementia.

Why the Apple iPad Is Our Top Pick for the Easiest iPad for Seniors

The Apple iPad’s 10.2-inch screen strikes the right balance between portability and accessibility. It’s small enough to hold comfortably but large enough to navigate easily. Vision, hearing, mobility and cognitive features are built into the device.

The iPad includes True Tone Technology, which automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen. People with visual impairments can choose their preferences: adjust the size of the text, make it bold or adjust settings for color blindness.

Users can complete listening tests that determine and store their personalized audio preferences. Seniors with arthritis can use their voices to navigate their favorite apps. If cognition begins to fail, dictating an email — instead of typing it — lets them stay connected with family.  

Seniors may require help setting up these accessibility features. But once they’re activated, the iPad is easy for users of all abilities to use and enjoy. 

To learn more about this tablet and its features, read our full product review of the Apple iPad. 

Other iPads To Consider

The Apple iPad Mini has similar features as the Apple iPad, but they’re packed into a smaller device. For users willing to consider an Android device, the GrandPad might be a good choice for seniors with cognitive decline.

Apple iPad Mini is best for seniors with visual impairments.

For seniors with severe visual impairments, consider purchasing the more affordable iPad Mini. Measuring 8.3 inches, the Mini has a smaller screen than a regular iPad. But if the user primarily relies on voice commands, the size of the screen is less relevant. 

The device doesn’t require the user to enter a password. It unlocks using a fingerprint placed against a button. The Apple iPad Mini can also be set up to speak the text that’s displayed on-screen. 

To learn more, read our complete review of the Apple iPad Mini. 

GrandPad is best for seniors with dementia.

While it’s not an iPad, the GrandPad is one of the more user-friendly options on the market. The large buttons are easy to see, and the simple icons are intuitive to use. For example, to make a phone call, the user taps the phone icon and then clicks the photo of the loved one they want to call. This can be either an audio or a video call. 

But for seniors with dementia, even the simplest technology can sometimes be frustrating. A useful feature of The GrandPad is the ability for caregivers to remotely access the device. This lets them change options or update phone numbers when needed. 

To learn more, read our complete review of the GrandPad.