After my post a couple of days ago about forScore interface changes, a friend asked me for recommendations about which iPad models to consider for use with forScore. Here is what I told them.
If I were going to by a new iPad today, I’d probably pick the iPad Air 13-inch model with 256 GB storage for about $900. Another $200 gets you 512 GB storage. If I were going to be performing outside regularly, in full sun, I’d consider the brighter iPad Pro 13-inch, which is $1300 with 256 GB storage.
You can save money by purchasing used, and I’ll talk a bit more about that below.
Oh, and remember that you’ll also need an Apple Pencil. Although you can make notes on your score with just your finger, it is so much nicer and easier with the Pencil.
Screen Size
As you get older, your eyes will thank you more and more for buying the one with the largest screen. Today there are two choices with the largest screen: iPad Pro 13-inch, and iPad Air 13-inch.
If you are young and have sharp eyes, you could try the iPad Pro 11-inch and the iPad Air 11-inch. They are about $300 less than the corresponding 13-inch models.
Either way, be sure to learn the Crop feature of forScore. Eliminating the empty space on the edges of score pages makes a significance difference in readability when the iPad is at music stand distance.
Weight
Hmm, I don’t really know why the iPad Air is called “Air.” It weighs 1.36 pounds (616 grams), which is slightly heavier than the Pro at 1.28 pounds (579 grams). The Air is even 1mm thicker than the Pro!
I usually carry my iPad in the zippered music pocket of my horn case. I can feel the extra weight of it when carrying my horn case, but it’s not enough to bother me.
Storage
The Pro and Air both offer way more storage than you’ll need just for forScore. I have hundreds of scores, totaling many thousands of pages, as well as dozens of music recordings (for playing along with orchestral recordings), collected over many years, and my forScore storage is currently about 56 GB. If you are buying a new iPad, I recommend getting 256 GB. This is standard for the Pro model and an upgrade for the Air. If you think you’ll use your iPad for other storage-heavy applications, such as saving, watching, and editing videos, then you should spring for more storage.
Battery Life
The Pro and the Air have similar battery life, so this is not a factor in choosing between them.
Generally, iPads have plenty of battery life for rehearsals and concerts. I think I use maybe 20% of battery capacity for getting through a 2.5-hour rehearsal. I do carry a battery pack in my case, but I only need to use it when I have forgotten to charge it at home.
Brightness
Another way the iPad helps out with reading music on the stand is by supplying its own light. That is super helpful. Besides never needing a stand light again, the extra light from the iPad really helps aging eyes. The iPad Pro has significantly higher max brightness (1000 nits) than the Air (600 nits), but I never have the brightness turned all the way up in orchestra rehearsals and concerts. I typically have the brightness set at about 30-40%. That makes me think that the Air would be plenty bright for indoor use.
If you are regularly performing outside, in full sun, then you might consider getting the Pro instead of the Air.
Glare Reduction Option
The Pro has an option called “nano-texture display.” I paid extra for this on mine, but I’m not sure if it has really made a significant difference. The Air does not have this option.
Processing Speed
The Pro has more and faster processing cores, but I don’t think it matters for using forScore. I expect the Air would be plenty fast.
Biometrics
For quickly unlocking your iPad the Pro has Face ID, and the Air has Touch ID. I find Face ID to be a bit more convenient, but you can decide whether this matters to you.
Cost
For the same amount of storage, the Air is about $400 cheaper than the Pro.
Buying Used
Using forScore does not strain the computing capabilities of the iPad, and I think it would be fine to purchase a used iPad Pro.
You may need to replace the battery if you buy used. To give you an idea of this cost, I looked up battery replacement estimates from Apple. Replacing the battery on an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) currently costs about $120.
Also, when choosing a used model, check to see whether it can run the latest iPad operating system. iPadOS 26 was just released, and I think you want to be able to use that version. See Apple’s page, iPad models compatible with iPadOS 26.
That’s all I’ve got for you. Good luck with your shopping!