Hands-on: These are my favorite iPadOS 26 accessories [Video] - 9to5Mac

I will continue to shout at the mountaintops that iPadOS 26 has completely changed what the iPad is to many people.I have been using my iPad Pro since 2018 as my main computer because I loved the idea and versatility of the iPad.But it was hard to recommend it as a computer solution to the average person.

However, iPadOS 26 has made this a new reality for 95% of people who need a computer.But when you buy an iPad, you just get the iPad.So I wanted to share some of the best accessories to give you that computer-like feel for your iPad.

Be sure to check out our hands-on video below to get a real look at everything I mention in action! Lastly, today is the start of prime day! There are huge discounts on iPads, so if you are in the market for one, today is the day to snag one! iPad Mini 7 — Under $380 iPad A16 — Under $280 M3 iPad Air — Under $480 M4 iPad Pro 11-inch — $850 M4 iPad Pro 13-inch — $200 off Logitech Combo Touch I will be the first to tell you that I love the Magic keyboard.But for the iPad Pro, it is $350! You can literally buy an A16 iPad for that price.For a lot of people, that is a tough pill to swallow.

So the best alternative that will still give you the 1st party trackpad experience is the Logitech Combo Touch.They have a version for every iPad except the iPad mini.You get: A large, precise trackpad identical to Apple’s own A full-sized keyboard with a function row for quick controls Detachable design that doubles as a protective case The Combo touch starts at as low as $120 for the entry-level iPad and goes up with some great Prime Day discounts.

Sotsu Pro/Elite 16 Flip The new windowing system of iPadOS 26 has been excellent.It changes how you visualize and interact with an iPad.But when you use an external monitor alongside iPadOS 26, it makes it feel the most computer-like.

Please remember that proper extended monitor support is only available on M-series iPads like iPad Pros and iPad Airs.One of my favorite portable monitors has to be the Sotsu Pro/Elite 16! It looks like a large iPad on a studio display stand.You have the Elite version, which is 4k, and the Pro version, which is 2560×1600 in terms of resolution.

In my opinion, save the $160 and go with the Pro unless you need 4k, because otherwise they are the same! But you get: 16-inch display connects via USB-C No external power required (can run off iPad power) 360° rotation for maximum flexibility Built-in SD card reader for creators Fits in any laptop bag I love that this is a single-cable solution, so you just need the display and the cable, and you are good to go! The Pro retails for $599, and the Elite retails for $789.They also have some cheaper alternatives that start as low as $159! Kuxiu Magnetic iPad charging stand I have had this one for about a year now, and it has to be one of the best iPad products ever.It’s a simple and well-built magnetic iPad stand.

But its trick is that it charges your iPad while it’s magnetically attached.It uses the pin connectors to charge the iPad the same way it charges when it’s connected to the Magic Keyboard.It has a USB-C port on the rear of it that allows for passthrough charging.

You get: Charges your iPad wirelessly via the Smart Connector (up to 28W) Fully adjustable for different viewing angles Rotates 360° for easy content sharing Available for iPad Pro, iPad Air It brings MagSafe-like convenience to your iPad setup.Right now, it is on sale for under $90! External SSD storage I like to tell people to get the baseline level of the iPad Pro so they can get the most out of their cash.If you need additional storage, you can always get an external SSD to offload what is on your iPad.

I even use my iPad to edit videos, but I edit them using an external SSD in Lumafusion.Also, the iPad has a Thunderbolt port, so you can transfer at very high speeds.I recommend two SSDs: Lexar SL500 and the new Samsung T9 SSD.

Both offer the fastest read and write speeds that the iPad can handle, both are reliable and simple to use.Just a matter of form factor preference.The Lexar one is slim and has a metal shell, while the Samsung is a bit thicker and has more of a silicone/rubber protective outer shell.

They both come in the 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB varieties, starting as low as $120.The 4TB Samsung T9 brings the most value at $319! Charging accessories I want to go with two charging accessories.If you are looking for a simple but super high-quality and well-designed charging brick, then I recommend the Nomad Slim 65W charger.

It is on sale from $49 to $39.They have a 30W and 100W version as well, but for the iPad, the 65W is more than enough to charge at full speed, and it has a second port if you need to charge a second device.If you want the Swiss Army knife of chargers, then the InfinaCore P3 Pro is a 5-in-1 portable battery bank and wall charger.

It gives you: 65W regular power brick with AC prongs Built with a 10,000 mAh battery Qi2 wireless charging pad 2 USB-C ports & 1 USB-A port LED display with real-time charging diagnostic Right now its on sale for $125 from the regular $200 price.Again, this charger will do it all for you.Final thoughts Be sure to checkout our video to see all these in action as well as a few more surprises! I love that iPadOS 26 has changed the way most people view the iPad.

It is no longer an afterthought and these accessories will just help even further solidify that sentiment.Let me know what you think! What is your favorite iPad accessory I should check out? Let’s discuss below!   You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop.

Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Read More
Related Posts