External Monitors for iPad® to Accomplish Multitasking

iPads, powered by the advanced M-series chips and the latest iPadOS^® updates, have evolved beyond companion devices into true productivity tools.  Pairing your iPad with an external monitor creates a more flexible, focused workspace for multitasking, content creation, and more. This guide covers iPad compatibility, what to look for in an external monitor, and tips to help you build a smarter, more seamless multi-screen workflow.

Not all iPads support full external display functionality. If you're considering using an external monitor for iPad, first check compatibility:

• iPad models with Stage Manager^® support (iPad Pro^® with M-series chips and iPad Air^® M1) offer full external display functionality.
• Older iPad models may only mirror their screen instead of offering an extended display.
• iPadOS 16 or later is required to unlock advanced multitasking features with external monitors.

If your iPad has a USB-C port, you can connect directly to a monitor using a USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to HDMI cable. For Lightning port iPads, a Lightning to HDMI adapter is required.

How to check your iPad model and iPadOS version: Go to Settings > General > About to find your model’s name and software version.

Selecting an external monitor for iPad or MacBook with iPad multitasking requires careful consideration of display quality, connectivity, and consistency across screens. Here’s what to focus on:

• Using multiple screens for extended periods can lead to eye strain and poor posture. Choose an adjustable monitor stand or monitor arm to align screens at eye level.
• Anti-glare displays and blue light reduction features can also improve visual comfort.

Apple^® has noted that most MacBook^® users also use an iPad—but adding an external monitor can introduce color inconsistencies across all three screens.

 Due to differences in display technology and calibration, MacBook, iPad, and external monitors often show colors differently. To maintain visual consistency, choose a monitor with factory-calibrated color profiles or one that allows manual adjustments.

While achieving perfect color uniformity across MacBook, iPad via Sidecar, and an external monitor can be challenging, you can still calibrate your monitor to closely match either your MacBook or iPad—with the right tools and settings. This creates a more cohesive visual experience, even if the screens aren’t identical.

BenQ MA monitors with Display Pilot 2 for macOS support automatic syncing with MacBook settings and allow manual tuning to match iPad colors through model-based adjustments. This helps minimize visible discrepancies. 

Bonus: A USB-C monitor can also power both your MacBook and iPad, streamlining your setup and reducing cable clutter.

_{*Display Pilot 2 is supported on macOS devices such as MacBook and Mac mini. Display Pilot 2 is not available for iPadOS or iOS}

With external display support and powerful M-series chips, iPad has unlocked a world of desktop-like possibilities—making multitasking a central part of your productivity. Getting the most out of your devices is as much about setup as it is about habits. Here’s how Apple’s ecosystem makes multitasking seamless:

• On iPads with M1/M2 chips, Stage Manager enables windowed multitasking on external displays.
• Using your iPad as a secondary screen of MacBook with Sidecar^® helps create a seamless viewing experience.
• Universal Control lets you use a single keyboard and mouse to control both Mac^® and iPad, drag-and-drop files, and transition fluidly between screens.

Combine Apple's features with an external monitor, and your workflow instantly levels up—with more space, more flexibility, and more focus.

Check your calendar, take notes, or review documents on your iPad connected to a larger monitor for better focus and comfort. With Stage Manager, you can keep multiple apps open and organized, transforming your iPad into a powerful desktop companion. External display support lets iPad do more than ever spreading your apps, notes, and ideas across a larger canvas. Add a MacBook, and your workspace becomes fluid, connected, and built for multitasking.

_{iPad^®, iPadOS^®, Apple^®, MacBook^®, Sidecar^®, iPad Pro^®, Mac^® and iPad Air^® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc}