An iPad is a type of tablet computer developed by Apple Inc. It runs on iOS, which stands for iPhone Operating System, and features a large touch screen display that allows users to interact with the device using their fingers or a stylus pen. The iPad was first introduced in 2010 as a way to bridge the gap between laptops and smartphones, offering a larger screen than a phone but still being portable and easy to use. Since then, it has become one of the most popular tablet devices on the market, with many different models available for personal or professional use.