IPAD Pro and Graphics

You can never have too much RAM - particularly when editing large graphics files. If your budget will stretch to a 1TB/2TB model of the 2021 or 2022 models of iPad Pro - of which benefit from 16GB RAM - you might be well advised to choose these models over the other models that “only” have 8GB RAM.

Enhancements to iPadOS15/16, in particular the new Stage Manager external monitor support that will be released later this year, are heavily RAM dependent. If you are editing graphics or video, greater internal storage offered by these higher-spec models may be beneficial.

Many Apps will work quite happily without an internet connection. As such, graphics editing Apps are unlikely to require a continuous internet connection.

While you may already be using other Apps, take a look at Affinity Photo2 and Affinity Designer2 - these being particularly popular with iPad and Mac users - along with a growing following of Windows PC users.

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/affinity-photo-2-for-ipad/id1616823773

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/affinity-designer-2-for-ipad/id1616833418

Only WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have GPS - this being a function of the iPad Cellular chipset. WiFi Only models of iPad have no GPS capabilities with which iPad Location Services can derive location. This fundamental difference may significantly impact your ability to use mapping Apps - in particular if real-time positioning (e.g., a moving map) is required.

WiFi Only models can only “infer” their location from a database lookup of neighbouring WiFi networks for which the geographic location is known, or the geographic location of your public IP address. For static applications in urban locations, where the location of IP public IP addresses and WiFi networks are known, an “inferred” location can be relatively accurate. However, in rural locations, or when using a Cellular/Satellite/VPN connection, location accuracy of an inferred location [if it works at all] may be very inaccurate. 

All this has significant implications for non-static mapping applications. If you need to have moving maps, or have future flexibility to do so, you’ll need to consider a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad. Choosing a cellular model does not commit you to adding a cellular service plan for the iPad, but ensures that you have immediate access to GPS/GNSS positioning services.

An iPad, whether a Cellular model or not, is not capable of directly accessing Cellular Voice or SMS/MMS Messaging features. An iPad with either WiFi or Cellular connectivity alone can only access IP-data services. If you have added a DataSIM and Cellular plan to a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad, the number associated with the SIM card is only used to identify your account for billing purposes. This number is not used for making calls or sending messages.

However, when paired with an iPhone, the capabilities of iPad significantly broaden to include access to Cellular Voice and Messaging services of the associated iPhone - relayed to the iPad over WiFi using Apple’s continuity features.

More information about Continuity and the relevant Cellular services can be found here:

Continuity

Use Continuity to connect your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch – Apple Support

SMS/MMS Messaging

How to forward SMS/MMS text messages from your iPhone to your iPad, iPod touch or Mac - Apple Support

WiFi Calling

Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling – Apple Support