How to Use the Claude iPad App | Free vs. Paid Plans Explained
For anyone looking to start using Claude on iPad, this guide covers everything from App Store installation steps and feature differences between Free, Pro, and Max plans, to iPad-specific tips like Split View, voice input, and file attachments. With a device running iPadOS 18.0 or later, you can be up and running in 3 minutes, and conversation history and Projects sync automatically with the web version. This article gives you everything you need to choose the right setup and pricing plan for your needs.
Using Claude on iPad is simple: get the free app from the App Store on a device running iPadOS 18.0 or later, log in with the same account you use on claude.ai, and you're ready to go in 3 minutes. Conversation history and Projects sync automatically with the web version, making it easy to pick up right where you left off whether you're on the go or at home.
For plan selection, the free tier (Haiku 4.5) is sufficient for everyday use. If you need Sonnet 4.6 and unlimited Projects, Pro (around ¥3,400/month) is the way to go. For processing long documents or using Extended Thinking, Max (¥17,000–¥42,400/month), which includes Opus 4.8 (with 1M context support), is the recommended choice.
The iPad's unique advantages include being able to attach iCloud/Google Drive documents directly from the Files app via Split View, and the productivity that comes with landscape orientation. However, local MCP and Computer Use are not supported, so for advanced extension use cases, consider using the web or desktop versions alongside the iPad app.
目次 (18)
- What You Can Do with the Claude iPad App — Getting the Full Picture First
- Installation Steps — Done in 3 Minutes from the App Store
- 1. Search for "Claude" in the App Store
- 2. Create an Account or Log In
- 3. Skip the Tutorial and Start Right Away
- What's Available on the Free Plan
- What Changes When You Upgrade to a Paid Plan (Pro or Max)
- Pro Plan — Around ¥3,400/month
- Max Plan — ¥17,000–¥42,400/month
- iPad-Specific Tips to Get the Most Out of Claude
- Use Split View to Reference Materials While Chatting
- Use Voice Input to Send Long Text in One Go
- Attach Files Directly from the Files App
- Work in Landscape Mode to Boost Productivity
- How to Send Files, Images, and PDFs — With Usage Examples
- About Syncing with the Web and Desktop Versions
- FAQ and Troubleshooting
- Next Steps — Going Deeper with Claude on iPad
What You Can Do with the Claude iPad App — Getting the Full Picture First
The Claude iPad app is an official iOS native app provided by Anthropic. It shares the same models, conversation history, and Projects as the web version (claude.ai), so you can seamlessly pick up your work at home even when you're out and about.
Here are the main features:
- Text chat — Supports over 100 languages including Japanese. Handles a wide range of tasks such as drafting long documents, summarization, translation, and code generation
- Voice input — Just tap the microphone button and speak; works even when your hands are occupied
- Image analysis — Attach photos, screenshots, or handwritten notes and Claude will read and respond to the content
- File and PDF attachments — Upload Word, Excel, or PDF files for content analysis, summarization, or Q&A
- External service integrations — Connect with major services like Google Drive and Gmail (requires setup)
- Projects — Organize multiple chat histories by project and maintain shared instructions and background information
The main differences from the web version are two points: "no local MCP support" and "no Computer Use (desktop operation) support." Otherwise, the core features are nearly on par with the web version (Official iOS Installation Guide).
Installation Steps — Done in 3 Minutes from the App Store
1. Search for "Claude" in the App Store
Open the App Store on your iPad and type "Claude" in the search bar. The app with the blue-purple icon developed by Anthropic will appear — tap "Get." The required OS is iPadOS 18.0 or later (note that the latest version cannot be installed on devices running iOS/iPadOS 17 or below).
2. Create an Account or Log In
When you launch the app, it will ask for your claude.ai account.
- New user — Sign up with your email address or a Google/Apple account. If you use email, you'll receive a verification code to enter
- Existing user — Log in with the same email and password as the web version. Conversation history and Projects will sync automatically
3. Skip the Tutorial and Start Right Away
After logging in, the chat screen opens immediately. You can start by typing in the input field or tapping the microphone icon and speaking. The initial tutorial is optional, so feel free to skip it.
What's Available on the Free Plan
The Claude free plan is available right after registration with no credit card required. Here's a breakdown of available features and limitations.
| Item | Free Plan |
|---|---|
| Available model | Claude Haiku 4.5 (lightweight, fast) |
| Chat limit | Limited to a set number of messages per day (not officially disclosed) |
| Voice input | Supported |
| Image analysis | Supported (attachment limit per conversation applies) |
| PDF and file attachments | Supported |
| Projects | Available (limit on number of projects applies) |
| Conversation history sync | Automatic sync with web and desktop versions |
When you hit the limit, a message will appear and the limit resets after some time. For everyday tasks like looking things up, proofreading, or light translation, the free plan is more than enough.
What Changes When You Upgrade to a Paid Plan (Pro or Max)
First, here's a quick comparison of Free, Pro, and Max. Finding the row that matches your use case under "Intended Users" makes it easy to determine which plan is right for you at a glance.
| Comparison | Free | Pro | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available models | Haiku 4.5 | Sonnet 4.6, Haiku 4.5 | Full lineup including Opus 4.8 (with 1M context support) |
| Monthly price | ¥0 | ~¥3,400 | ¥17,000–¥42,400 |
| Daily usage limit | Low (not officially disclosed) | Significantly increased | Maximum |
| Projects limit | Yes | Removed | Removed |
| Intended users | Everyday lookups, proofreading, light translation | Those who frequently need high-accuracy responses for daily work | Heavy users processing long documents or using Extended Thinking |
Details on each plan are below. If you want to use more powerful models for extended periods, a paid plan is the way to go.
Pro Plan — Around ¥3,400/month
- Available models expanded to Claude Sonnet 4.6 and Haiku 4.5 (higher-accuracy responses)
- Significantly increased daily usage limit
- Projects limit removed
- Priority responses (shorter wait times during peak hours)
Max Plan — ¥17,000–¥42,400/month
- Available models expanded to the full lineup including Claude Opus 4.8 (with 1M context support)
- Maximum context length (handle long documents and long conversations in a single session)
- Access to Extended Thinking (deeper reasoning steps)
You can upgrade your plan from "Settings → Plan" within the iPad app. Billing goes through the App Store, so purchase history and cancellations are managed through App Store Subscriptions.
iPad-Specific Tips to Get the Most Out of Claude
Leveraging iPad's OS features makes using Claude far more comfortable than on a smartphone.
Use Split View to Reference Materials While Chatting
With iPad's Split View, you can display reference materials (Safari, PDF, Notes) on the left side of the screen while chatting with Claude on the right. This lets you work in real time — saying things like "Summarize this text" or "Calculate the numbers written here."
How to activate: With the Claude app open, drag another app from the Dock to the edge of the screen.
Use Voice Input to Send Long Text in One Go
Tapping the microphone icon in the lower right of the screen activates voice input mode. Whatever you say is converted directly to text, so you can send long instructions or questions hands-free. This is often faster than opening the keyboard and works great while commuting or cooking.
Attach Files Directly from the Files App
Tapping the paperclip icon in the input field lets you choose from attachment options like "Files," "Photo Library," or "Scan Document." Choosing "Files" lets you directly select documents stored in iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Box in the iPad's Files app. The ability to feed cloud storage documents directly into Claude without downloading them first is one of the iPad's biggest advantages.
Work in Landscape Mode to Boost Productivity
Rotating to landscape mode widens the input field and lets you see both the chat history and input field at the same time. For drafting and editing long text, landscape mode is noticeably more comfortable than portrait.
How to Send Files, Images, and PDFs — With Usage Examples
The Claude iPad app lets you attach a variety of files for analysis and Q&A.
Images (photos and screenshots) Select from your photo library or shoot directly with the camera and send. Practical uses include reading charts and tables, cleaning up handwritten notes, and translating English signs.
PDFs Select a PDF from the Files app or a share sheet, and you can ask Claude to summarize it or answer questions in a Q&A format. Great for extracting key clauses from contracts or organizing the arguments of a research paper.
Word and Excel (.docx / .xlsx) Office documents can be attached directly via Dropbox or iCloud Drive. Useful for summarizing spreadsheet data or giving instructions for restructuring a document.
There are file size limits, but they cover most general files you'd encounter in daily work.
About Syncing with the Web and Desktop Versions
Claude app conversations, Projects, and settings are tied to your claude.ai account and automatically sync across iPad, iPhone, browser, and the Mac desktop app.
- Continue on your desktop something you started writing on iPad
- Access projects and custom instructions you created on your home Mac from your iPad on the go
- Manual export of history is also available from the claude.ai settings page (JSON format)
However, local MCP, which is only available in Claude Desktop, does not sync to the iPad app. Only Remote MCP (connectors running on the cloud side) can be used on iPad. For details, see "How to Use Claude iPad MCP."
FAQ and Troubleshooting
Q. I can't find the app in the App Store. The app is available on Japanese App Store accounts. In some cases, corporate MDM (device management) environments or specific restriction settings may prevent the app from appearing. Check the region settings on your Apple ID.
Q. I can't log in. If you signed in using Google or Apple account integration, there is no email/password combination. Sign in using the same method you used to register (the Google button or Apple button).
Q. Will my subscription be cancelled if I uninstall the app? Deleting the app does not automatically cancel your App Store subscription. You must manually cancel it by going to "Settings app → Apple ID → Subscriptions" (official notice).
Q. Can I receive notifications? The Claude iPad app supports real-time notifications. Go to "Settings → Notifications" and allow notifications for Claude.
Q. Can I use it offline? Claude requires cloud processing, so Wi-Fi or mobile data is required. It cannot be used in airplane mode or other states without a connection.
Next Steps — Going Deeper with Claude on iPad
Once you're comfortable with the basics, these articles will help you expand your usage:
- Want to make the most of the iPad Pro's large screen and Apple Pencil? → Complete Guide to Using Claude on iPad Pro
- Want to use Claude to handle Mac work remotely from your iPad? → How to Co-work with Claude on iPad
- Want deeper integration with external services like Google Drive? → How to Use Claude iPad MCP
- Want a detailed comparison of pricing plans? → Complete Guide to Claude Pricing Plans
