Apple’s First iPad Launched 14 Years Ago Today, Bringing An Entirely New Category Of Portable Computing Thanks To Steve Jobs

After the first iPhone’s inception in 2007, Steve Jobs likely contemplated bringing the same software experience on a bigger display. However, Apple’s co-founder wanted to deliver a product that would have immense sell-through without cannibalizing the iPhone’s sales, and in 2010, he achieved just that with the introduction of the first iPad, which launched on January 27, marking its 14-year anniversary. With the iPad, Jobs introduced a brand new category that not only exists today but has forced competitors to bring their own versions to have some of the market share.

Current-generation iPad is struggling as hardware sales continue to dip, but the entire lineup would not have been possible without the first iteration

Weighing in at 1.5 pounds, the first iPad touted a 9.7-inch display, had thick bezels, and, of course, featured the iconic but discontinued home button. Though it was announced on January 27, Apple officially released the tablet in the U.S. on April 3, 2010, at a $499 price, making it quite an expensive slate for something primarily used as an internet browser. Regardless, the first-generation iPad garnered immense positive reviews from media outlets and critics, and in just 80 days, the company shipped three million units.

By the launch of the iPad 2, around 15 million units of the first model had already shipped, making it one of the most successful launches for a portable, personal computer. Over time, Apple has incorporated features that make the iPad function more like a notebook computer, such as bringing keyboard and mouse support. Unfortunately, the experience is not the same, and some might argue that Apple is deliberately gimping its tablet’s capabilities as it does not want Mac sales to suffer.

The tablet market is largely dominated by Apple, but the latter is struggling to gain traction in this space, as hardware sales continue to decline with every passing quarter. The technology giant reportedly reduced OLED orders for the upcoming iPad Pro family by 30 percent, likely anticipating ‘lower than expected’ demand for the newer models. Given that the current-generation M2 versions are just as capable during everyday use and will probably be discounted further, upgrading to any M3 model makes little sense for most consumers prioritizing their expenses in this grim global economy.

Regardless, it is still impressive that Apple was able to keep this division going for as long as it has, given that most companies throw in the towel as sales tumble due to a lack of innovation or market acceptance. The iPad might have hit a snag, but we will see what adjustments Apple comes up with in the near future.