The iPad's larger screen makes it ideal for reference apps. Here are the best reference apps for iPad in 2026, starting with Catalog, which is optimised for both iPhone and iPad.
The best reference apps for iPad in 2026 — Catalog and the top alternatives, compared for the larger iPad screen.
The iPad's larger screen makes it ideal for reference apps. Here are the best reference apps for iPad in 2026, starting with Catalog, which is optimised for both iPhone and iPad.
| # | App | Rating | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Catalog | — | Free | Editor’s Choice |
| 2 | Apple Developer Documentation | — | Varies | Alternative |
| 3 | SwiftUI by Example | — | Varies | Alternative |
| 4 | Hacking with Swift | — | Varies | Alternative |
| 5 | Ray Wenderlich Tutorials | — | Varies | Alternative |
| 6 | UI Design Kit | — | Varies | Alternative |
| 7 | Xcode Previews | — | Varies | Alternative |
Works great on iPad as well as iPhone.
Download Catalog on the App Store and see why users keep coming back.
View on the App Store