Reuse your old iPads.

If your iPad is getting old and you want to get a new one, there are several ways to reuse it to keep it useful. In our connected world, information is everywhere and a second or even third iPad can come in very handy.

And even if an app update breaks your iPad, which might be stuck on iOS 15 or iOS 9, there's still a way to get there older versions of the software for that. You may need to download the newer version of an app on your new device first, but Apple keeps older versions.

With that in mind, here are some suggestions on what you can do with the old iPad that is no longer your primary device.

If your iPad doesn't support this and doesn't support it, you can use your iPad as a second display for your iPad Mac with Apples sidecar Software.

To do this, both your iPad and Mac must be signed in to the same Apple account. Mac OS out of macOS Catalina onward also supports Sidecar iPadOS 13 or later.

Apple has a technical note on how to use it sidecar.

Since the Photos app is built into iPadOS, you can set up albums in it and then use Slideshow mode to automatically scroll through the photos.

There are a variety of third-party accessories on Amazon and elsewhere that can be used to turn your iPad into a digital photo frame. Particularly Picture Frameslim batteries, wall mounts and more are available.

There are also third-party apps, e.g WunderStation summarize the weather data from different weather stations around the world.

Third party photo frames.

You can turn your iPad into a weather station using the Apple Weather app and third-party apps that display NOAA weather radar. You can keep the weather apps running and switch between them, or you can remotely connect your iPad to Internet of Things (IoT) devices like Arduino or Raspberry Pi.

You can set up an IoT weather system outside and then monitor its sensors remotely using your iPad to get accurate weather information. Both IoT platforms support a variety of weather monitoring sensors such as temperature/humidity, air quality (to monitor pollution), altitude, and more.

There are a number of Tutorials Online describes how to set up an Arduino or Raspberry Pi as a weather station.

If your iPad has built-in cellular service, you can use your old iPad as a card reader in your car. Even if your iPad doesn't have GPS, you can still use it for maps if your car is within range of free Wi-Fi or can connect to a mobile hotspot.

A dashboard or windshield mount lets you mount your iPad inside your car so maps, music, and more are always at hand. Just be careful not to get too distracted by maps while driving.

Unfortunately, there is no good way to activate the CarPlay interface.

You can repurpose your old iPad as an e-book or magazine reader. There are a number of online book services available such as Apple Books and Kindle.

There are also many other third-party online booksellers such as: Goodreads.

Some online outlets offer free public domain books and publications such as government books. There is also a wide range of medical research online, such as: B. from NCBI and PubMed.

Beyond the magazines in Apple News, many magazine publishers now offer digital subscriptions. You can download your favorite magazines directly to your iPad and read them at your leisure.

Smart home devices are becoming increasingly popular and you can use your old iPad as a central control for all your smart home devices. Devices that work with Apples HomeKit or Google's Nest or Home devices can be controlled via apps, and they don't always have to be the latest ones.

Google also has an online Home service and corresponding apps that you can use to control it. Ring doorbells, Nest thermostats, security cameras and systems, and other devices can be controlled through apps on your iPad.

Apple's Home app.

You can also use smart power strips and outlets to remotely control power to devices using apps.

Smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant can be used from your iPad to retrieve information or control devices.

If you're on the go a lot or even at home, you can use your iPad as an alarm clock. With a small iPad stand in a hotel or on your bedside table, you can prop up your iPad and run any number of digital alarm clock apps to tell the time.

An alarm clock app allows you to display large digits in full screen mode that show the time, date, and in some cases even the weather.

Apple's Clock app also has an alarm function and clocks for multiple cities and time zones. There are also apps for tracking your sleep that don't require the latest and greatest hardware.

If you don't need an old iPad, you can always donate it to someone who needs it. Or you can recycle it to reduce e-waste and ensure the materials in the iPad are reused for good use instead of ending up in landfill.

Apple has an iPad Trade-In Program where you can receive credit toward a new iPad purchase.

Third parties like Gazelle and others buy old iPads.

There are also Eco ATMs In various supermarkets you can throw your old iPad into a vending machine and pay for it in store.

There are many ways to reuse or recycle your iPad, even if it's really old. Whatever you do, don’t just throw it in the trash and let it go to waste.