Finding the best iPad for Shopify POS is one of the first steps you’ll need to take when setting up a new retail point of sale system.
I consider Shopify POS to be one of the best point of sale solutions out there for ecommerce vendors and omnichannel sellers.
Not only is the software extremely flexible and easy to use, but it gives you the freedom to run and manage your entire store from a range of iPad devices, tablets, and even smartphones.
This means you don’t need to invest a fortune in POS hardware before you can start selling.
Here’s your guide to choosing the right iPad for in-store experience optimization.
Introducing Shopify POS for iPad
Shopify POS is a flexible and intuitive point of sale software solution, deeply integrated with the Shopify ecommerce platform.
Shopify hardware compatibility extends to iPads, tablets and smartphones, as well as a range of other devices.
An iPad POS system is a great way to keep costs low when you’re launching your business, and ensure you can maintain mobility and agility in your store.
The challenge for retailers is in choosing the right iPad for their needs. There are plenty of options out there, from the iPad Air to the iPad Pro, and Shopify can work on any device running iOS 13 or higher.
The right choice for you will depend on the type of business you’re running, as well as the functionality and features you need.
Choosing the right iPad ensures you can streamline and simplify the process of running your company, while also enhancing customer experiences.
Here I’ll guide you through some of the top recommended iPad options for Shopify POS vendors, and how you can determine which solution makes the most sense for your company.
The Best iPad for Shopify POS: Key Takeaways
- The iPad Air (3rd generation or above), iPad Pro (2021, and 2021 editions), and the iPad 5th generation are our top recommendations for Shopify POS, based on their battery life, screen size, storage capacity, and processing power.
- The right choice of iPad for your company will depend on your budget, the portability of the device, the overall processing power you need, and other specific business needs.
- Choosing the right iPad for Shopify POS ensures you can make the most out of your point of sale software, and deliver an excellent customer experience.
- Shopify can support all iPads and iPhones running iOS 13 or higher, giving you plenty of options to choose from when selecting the right tablet.
- You can install Shopify POS on as many iPads as you want per store location (without paying extra). Plus, you can easily connect iPads to a reader to take payments.
Shopify POS iPad Requirements: What You’ll Need
There are a few requirements to consider implementing an iPad POS system with Shopify. First, you’ll need to ensure you have a Shopify POS subscription.
Shopify POS Lite is included with most of the core Shopify plans, including Basic Shopify, starting at $39 per month. If you want to upgrade to Shopify POS Pro (for more features), you’ll need either a subscription to Shopify Plus (starting at $2300 per month), or you can pay $89 per month, per location, as an add-on fee to your existing Shopify ecommerce plan.
Next, you’ll need to ensure your iPad is compatible with the Shopify POS platform. Shopify POS is technically compatible with all iPads that run iOS 13 or higher.
However, there are some specific requirements for each iPad model:
- Ipad: Generation 5 or higher (running iPadOS 15 or higher)
- Ipad Air: Generation 2 or higher (running iPadOS 15 or higher)
- Ipad Pro: All models running iPadOS 15 or higher
Finally, you’ll also need to purchase a card reader, so you can take payments with your iPad. Once you have a card reader, you’ll be able to take credit, debit, cash, check, and other payments through your iPad, and sync your data across your sales channels.
The Best iPad for Shopify POS: The Top 3 Options
I’ve based my list of the top iPads for Shopify POS based on factors like their affordability, overall performance, screen size, ease of use, and battery capacity.
All of these elements will be crucial when you’re choosing the right hardware for your point of sale system.
The iPad Air Gen 3: The Balanced Choice
If you’re looking for an all-around excellent option for agile payment processing and store management, the iPad Air Gen 3 is a great pick.
This version of Apple’s “lightweight” iPad was introduced in 2019, alongside the fifth-generation iPad Mini.
Available in both 64GB and 256GB models, the iPad Air combines a 10.5-inch screen with integrated Wi-Fi, and a smart connector for your existing Shopify POS hardware.
For retailers, this is one of the most flexible options in Apple’s lineup, offering a screen that’s big enough to make browsing through inventory and processing information simple, and small enough to carry with you on the move.
It also has a built-in 8-megapixel camera, so it’s great for combining with any barcode scanning apps you might want to use alongside Shopify POS.
Some of the key features include:
- 1080p video recording
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Apple Pay integration
- Touch ID for security
- Siri hands-free assistant
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Multiple storage options
While you can always consider upgrading to the latest iPad Air (5th generation) for a slightly wider screen, and 4K video, the 3rd generation model is more than enough for most retailers.
Plus, you can easily upgrade your iOS software whenever you choose, to maintain compatibility with Shopify POS.
Price range: $200-$250
The iPad Pro (2021 and 2022): For High-Volume Retail Operations
If you want the best possible iPad POS performance, the Pro is a great choice. Both the iPad Pro from 2021, and the updated model released in 2022 are ideal for more fast-paced, high-volume retail businesses.
Though these models are a little chunkier than the iPad Air, they come with incredible performance power, thanks to the addition of an M1 chip.
Plus, you can choose between 8GB and 16GB of RAM, up to 2TB of storage, and even access an upgraded front-facing camera with extended dynamic range video.
These iPad Pros feature ultra-fast GPU and CPU processors, as well as connectivity for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Notably, however, the 2022 model does include a few extra features, such as a higher bandwidth video decode engine, smart HDR 4, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
Key Features include:
- M1 chip for ultra-fast processing
- Up to 100GB of memory/bandwidth
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Cellular connectivity
- 11-inch or 12.9 inch screens
- Dual back camera and front-facing camera
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
Once again, you can upgrade to the iPad Pro 12.9-inch “6th Generation” model if you want to access the benefits of the M2 chip, with 15% faster performance, and a 40% faster neural engine to accelerate machine learning tasks. It also comes with 50% more memory bandwidth.
Price range: Some older iPad Pro models are available for around $500. If you’re looking for the latest version, you can expect to pay around $799+
The iPad 5th Generation: Affordable Efficiency
Despite being one of the oldest iPads still available today (first launched in 2017), the iPad 5th Generation still remains a reliable option for retailers, particularly if you want to keep costs low.
It features a 9.7 inch screen, capable of running the latest iOS operating system. Plus, it comes with 2GB of RAM, and storage options of 32GB to 128GB.
Like most iPads, the 5th generation tablet supports both Wi-Fi and Cellular collections, and comes with built-in stereo speakers, and an 8-megapixel camera.
The embedded M9 coprocessor and A9 chips mean this device isn’t quite as lightning-fast as some alternatives, but there’s more than enough power here for running a smaller operation.
The biggest potential downside is that if you’re looking for a way to connect your iPad to a card reader, you’ll need a cable that’s compatible with the lightning port.
Key features include:
- 9.7-inch display
- Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity
- 32GB or 128GB options
- Integrated 8mp camera
- Apple Pay and Siri compatibility
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
If you’re looking for a slightly larger screen, or more processing power, you can upgrade all the way to the iPad 8th generation, which includes Apple’s Neural Engine and an A12 Bionic chip.
However, the functionality doesn’t differ too much from the 5th generation tablet.
Price range: Apple doesn’t sell the iPad 5th generation directly anymore, so you’ll need to find a third-party seller. But some models are available for as little as $200.
Comparison of iPad Models
All 3 of the iPad models mentioned above share some overlapping features. They’re all lightweight and sleek devices, offering exceptional ease of use, and compatibility with Shopify POS.
However, there are some key differences between them that might sway your choice.
The iPad Air
The iPad Air is my go-to pick for retailers in search of a lightweight, and convenient all-around iPad POS system.
It features a fantastic A12 bionic chip for ultra-fast processing, as well as a set of cameras so you can take photos and scan barcodes when necessary.
Plus, it can deliver Wi-Fi speeds of up to 866MB/s, and support 4G LTE cellular connections too.
However, this system does lack some of the processing power of the iPad Pro, so if you’re processing a lot of payments at speed, you might find it’s not agile enough for you.
The iPad Pro
For high-volume businesses, the iPad Pro offers a much higher level of functionality. Even the slightly older models mentioned above from 2021 and 2022 are packed with power, thanks to the addition of Apple’s top-of-the-range M1 chip.
The ultra-crisp 11-inch and 12.6 inch displays are excellent for sorting through content and information in an instant.
Plus, you’ll have access to phenomenal Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and 5G cellular connections, so you’re guaranteed to have ultra-fast internet. The biggest downside here is that you’ll need to pay a little more for a “premium” experience.
The iPad
The iPad is my go-to choice for smaller companies, pop-up store retailers, and solo entrepreneurs who want exceptional functionality for a lower price.
Although you only get a 9.7 inch display, that’s still plenty of space to review all of your orders, product, and inventory information.
Plus, the A9 chip is powerful enough to deliver exceptional performance, though it might not load content quite as quickly as some of the more recent iPad creations.
That being said, this iPad should give you everything you need to run a successful business, with strong connectivity options, built-in security, and a 10 hour battery life.
Choosing the Right iPad for Your Business Needs
If you’re choosing an iPad for your retail business, it might be tempting to simply select the latest model available from Apple, or the cheapest device based on your budget.
However, if you want to ensure you and your customers get the best possible experience, it’s important to think about:
- Your business needs: What kind of features should your iPad have, based on your business requirements? Do you need a camera for barcode scanning? How large should the screen be, and how lightweight does the device need to be for portability purposes? How much battery life do you need to run your POS system all day?
- POS system requirements: Consider whether the iPad you choose will enable you to take full advantage of your Shopify POS system. Can you access your software through the fastest possible internet and mobile connection? Does the system have enough memory and bandwidth, and can you upgrade the iOS if necessary?
- Usability: How simple is the solution to use? Does it come with intuitive security features like touch ID or Face ID? Is it easy to connect to the internet or a mobile line? How quickly can it process information based on the chips and technology available?
Integrating iPad with Shopify POS Hardware
Another point to think about is whether you can connect your iPad with the other point of sale hardware you’re using.
Most tablets should be able to connect with a card reader through a compatible cable, giving you the opportunity to take payments at your store.
However, if you’re going to be connecting your system with external hardware through a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, you’ll need to ensure these connectivity options are strong enough to avoid any disruptions in your day-to-day work.
It’s also worth thinking about any accessories you might require for an optimal setup. For instance, alongside purchasing your iPad and card reader, you may also need a retail stand for your tablet, which swivels when you need a customer-facing display.
You might also want to invest in cash drawers, receipt printers, and barcode scanners on the Shopify hardware store.
Optimizing Your Shopify POS Setup
Once you choose the right iPad for your Shopify POS software, setting everything up is relatively straightforward.
First, you’ll need to choose a Shopify subscription, so you can access the POS software. Basic Shopify for $39 per month does give you access to Shopify POS Lite, but I recommend considering Shopify Advanced if your business is a little larger, as this comes with some extra features connected to inventory and employee management.
Next, you’ll need to download the Shopify POS app on your iPad. You can do this by visiting the point of sale app page here.
The app will guide you through the process of connecting your hardware to your Shopify POS account, and syncing your inventory, customer, and order information.
To get the best experience from your POS solution:
- Customize the POS experience: Shopify’s POS app allows you to customize your point of sale dashboard with images and information from your ecommerce store, as well as widgets, extensions, and apps. You can even customize the checkout experience for customers.
- Configure your settings: Make sure you have all the right settings configured in your app. Set up employee PINs for your team members, choose the payment methods you’re going to accept from customers, and configure your delivery and shipping information.
- Experiment with revenue-boosting features: Take advantage of Shopify POS’s features to boost your revenue. For instance, you can set up customer profiles, loyalty programs, and create discount codes and gift cards to help increase sales.
Choosing the Right iPad for Shopify POS
Choosing the best iPad for Shopify POS is a crucial step in ensuring you can make the most of your point of sale technology.
iPads represent fantastic and portable POS solutions, ideal for a wide range of business models. However, while countless iPads and tablets are compatible with Shopify POS, not every solution will offer the same level of performance.
I recommend choosing the iPad Pro if you’re looking for state-of-the-art iPad POS performance, and endless opportunities for in-store experience optimization.
The iPad Air is great for fast-based retail operations, and all-around functionality. Alternatively, the basic iPad (5th generation) is a great choice if you’re looking for affordability.
FAQ
Technically, you can install the Shopify POS software on any iPad or iPhone running iOS 3 or above. With the iPad, you’ll need at least a 5th generation model. With the iPad Pro, you’ll need to ensure your model is running iPadOS 15 or higher for the best results. If you’re using an iPad Air, you need a Generation 2 model or above.
Your standard iPad will need to be a Generation 5 model or higher. An iPad Air needs to be 2nd generation or higher, while all iPad Pro models should work. However, you will need to ensure your device is running iPadOS 15 or higher, no matter which model you choose.
The iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro (2021 and 2022) and iPad (5th generation) all offer up to 10 hours of battery life. Notably, however, these batteries can deteriorate over time. Most last around 2-3 years, which means you may need to replace your battery or device every once in a while.
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