The restaurant industry has changed drastically over the years. Restaurant-tech implementation is no longer just about staying ahead but staying operational. And for many restaurant owners, especially those running quick service formats or casual dining setups, one question might come up occasionally:
Do they need a iPad/tablet point of sale system?
The short answer.
Yes.
But let’s talk about what’s changed, what still works, and what to watch out for before you invest (or reinvest) in tablet-based ordering.
Why iPad POS Systems Took Off in the First Place?
Back when bulky legacy POS systems ruled the dining floor, iPads brought a breath of fresh air. They were:
- Mobile – Servers could take orders tableside, send them directly to the kitchen.
- Cost-effective – Far cheaper than traditional bulky terminals.
- Easy to use – Staff could be trained within hours.
And customers just happen to love them. It made the restaurant feel modern, even if everything else stayed the same way.
What’s Changed in 2025?
The hardware is still solid. iPads and Android tablets have evolved in power, battery life, and durability.
But the software running on them? That’s where the real shift has happened.
Modern restaurants need to go way beyond just taking orders.
Today’s POS must:
- Connect with loyalty programs and CRMs
- Sync in real time with kitchen display systems (KDS)
- Enable delivery dispatch workflows
- Capture customer data for marketing
- Handle direct and third-party order flows with ease
Morden tablet POS softwires should be able to do all this without needing five different add-ons to get there.
If you’re choosing the right ecosystem. iPad and tablet-based POS systems still offer great flexibility, but only if paired with the right software capabilities.
For example, our Order Taker system can turn any Android or iPad device into a powerful tableside POS.
The Pros: Where iPad point of sale for restaurant still shines like a diamond
According to Arizton market report tablet POS market isn’t slowing down it was valued at $5.16 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $7.28 billion by 2030, showing just how strong and relevant these systems remain for modern restaurants.
The following are some of the most important benefits of a restaurant point of sale system:
- Built-In Kitchen & Delivery Sync
Orders instantly sync with KDS and delivery dispatch tools, keeping prep and drop-offs efficient and timed.
- Real-Time Loyalty & Guest Data
Capture emails, apply loyalty points, and personalize offers right from the table—without extra steps.
- AI-Powered Order Management
Smart sequencing, batching, and prep-time adjustments reduce delays and manual workload.
- Cloud-Native & Always Updated
Get new features and updates regularly with no hardware swaps required.
- Flexible Hardware Options
Modern Tab POS systems work seamlessly with both iPads and Windows tablets, and other peripherals.
What to Look for in a Tablet POS in 2025?
If you’re evaluating (or re-evaluating) your Tablet POS setup this year, make sure it:
- Connects with your KDS and dispatch platforms
- Enables customer data capture for loyalty and marketing
- Doesn’t require 3+ apps just to function
- Has strong offline mode and enterprise-grade security
Takeaway: Choose Smarter, Not Just Smaller
A tablet POS isn’t just about replacing a bulky cash register it’s about reimagining the order flow. When done right, it speeds up service, reduces errors, and keeps your restaurant agile. But don’t be fooled by sleek hardware alone. Look under the hood because what powers your software matters more than the tablet it’s running on.
