In WWDC 2019, Apple announced the new iOS 13 for the iPads, which is a renamed version for iPadOS 13. The new OS has come with quite impressive features to compete the Microsoft Surface Pro lineups. It seems like Apple is trying to challenge Microsoft with the brand-new formation of the operating system for its tablets. The current version of iOS 12 (and the earlier OS) already supports the Bluetooth keyboard, and there are iOS Apps to adopt mice pointer. However, in the new OS, Apple has launched iPad mouse support for the consumers, especially for students and professionals who like to use the iPad for work.
The iPadOS is still in beta and will be available for the limited tablets only. There are multiple key features and improved enhancements like the new Home Screen, Sidecar, Multitasking, and Dark Mode, but here we will discuss only the mouse support for iPads.
iPad Mouse Support – The Future of Apple’s 2-in-1 Notebook
What we have noticed so far, is the Apple is trying to replace your primary laptop or computer with their tablet, but it’s not there yet. While mouse support is an exceptional new accessibility feature for some people but other like Killian Bell from Cult of Mac doesn’t think it’s a good move for Apple to go against their mission to replace laptops for an iPad.
What do you think? Will the iPad be a replacement for low-end laptops in the future? Let us know in the comment below.
iPadOS Supported Devices – Which devices will able to use Mouse support?
For now, the iPadOS is in beta phase; you can download the OS and update your existing iOS 12. However, its still buggy and there are more features to come when it released officially later this year.
List of iPads that support iPadOS 13
The new OS will be available for almost all Apple tablets from 3rd Gen and later. The following list of the devices have been confirmed to get the modern operating system update and iPad mouse support:
- 9-inch iPad Pro
- 11-inch iPad Pro
- 5-inch iPad Pro
- 7-inch iPad Pro
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad mini 4
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Air 2
iPad Mouse Pointer
The mouse pointer on iPadOS is a little awkward for some people (in my personal opinion). Since it’s a tablet and optimized for touch screen, it does not support a regular small size cursor and functions that are in MacOS and Windows 10.
Most of the people were expecting it to be a black arrow pointer that you have seen in most MacBook, Air, Pro laptops and iMac systems. However, it’s a circular cursor that moves across the screen of the tablet and acts as a finger touching the screen. However, you can resize and customize the buttons of your mouse to access different functions.
Wired or Wireless
We are glad to know that the iPadOS can support both Wired and Wireless Bluetooth mouse. However, to use computer mice with wire, you need to buy a USB to USB-C dongle for iPad Pro. Otherwise, we recommend you to get a wireless mouse if you are going to use it for your tablet.
What is the Best Mouse for an iPad?
Apple is not planning to make a smart mouse for tablets like the smart keyboard. Also, you’ll be grateful to know that you can use any wireless computer mice that support Bluetooth, including the mouse with wire. However, for wired and wireless USB mouse, you need a USB dongle for iPad. Below, we ranked some of the best mice for the iPad:
Apple Magic Mice 2
With the elegant design, the Apple Magic Mouse 2 is the number one companion for iPads. If you love Apple product, we recommend going with the Magic Mice 2. It’s Bluetooth wireless, lightweight and compatible with all MacOS and iOS devices.
Logitech Touch Mouse M600
The Logitech M600 is a wireless mouse, and it’s compatible with any tablet and laptop or PC. However, it’s not Bluetooth; it uses Nano receiver to connect wirelessly to any device. To use this mouse, you need to get a dongle for the iPad.
AmazonBasics Slim Wireless Bluetooth Mouse
The Slim Wireless Bluetooth Mouse from AmazonBasics is another excellent choice if you want to go for cheap. It’s small in size and lightweight which make it portable to carry around. Moreover, it can be used on any operating system including, Android, Chrome OS, iOS, MacOS, and Windows.
Logitech M557 Bluetooth Mouse
Although it has dedicated key for Windows, the Logitech M557 is one of the best wireless mouse and compatible with all Operating Systems including MacOS and iOS. You can configure the Windows Key to work with the iPadOS features and functions. It uses Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect your tablet without dongle and wireless Nano receiver. Moreover, the smart sleep feature of the Logitech mouse will help you save battery life.
Dell Premier Wireless Mouse – WM527
The Dell Premier Wireless Mouse WM527 is an ideal choice for Tablets and PCs. The beautiful Arc design and precision laser of the mouse allow users to navigate it on any surface. It can be connected to three devices at a time and can be easily switched between different devices without disconnecting the mouse.
HP Z5000 Bluetooth Mouse
Stylish, Luxurious, and modern elegant design, close to Apple Magic Mouse. The HP Z5000 has excellent capacitive touch control and compatible with any tablet or PC. It has three standard buttons and scrolling wheel. However, the scroll wheel is not compatible with iPadOS yet (it may be in the future).
FENIFOX Travel Wireless Mouse
Looking for cheap and reliable? The FENIFOX Bluetooth Slim Mouse is the only choice you have. It’s slim, light and ultra-thin and the best choice for travelers. Furthermore, it has three adjustable DPI levels and rechargeable feature so you can charge the mouse using USB cable even when you are using it.
Trackpad and Touchpad Support
In our opinion, it is unnecessary to use a Trackpad since its functions are similar to the mouse. However, the Touchpads will allow us to use all the new screen gestures of iPadOS (maybe in the future). For now, there is no such announcement has been made from Apple.
What is the Best Touchpad for an iPad?
Touchpads are not quite popular yet. However, if you don’t like using mouse for tablet, the Trackpad is the only best option available for you, especially if you are using your iPad with a keyboard. Unfortunately, there is only one Touchpad available for the iPad.
Apple Magic Trackpad 2
The Apple Magic Trackpad 2 is in the number #1 in our best trackpads list. It includes the built-in battery which can be recharged any time. It is slim, lightweight, and with Force Touch and Multi-Touch features. You can use it wirelessly using Bluetooth or with the Lightning port.
can confirm the iPad Pro is not compatible with Magic Mouse 2. 🙁 why write about how great the Magic Mouse is if its not even connectable via bluetooth.
The iPad Pro is compatible with the Magic Mouse 2, you need to install the iPadOS 13 first.