flash on the iPad?

No, flash is not supported on the iPad - and as Adobe have never managed to make a version of their flash player that works on iOS devices, and they have recently announced that they are stopping development on all mobile versions of it, it probably never will be.

Browser apps such as Skyfire, iSwifter, Puffin and Photon 'work' on some sites, but judging by their reviews not all sites. Also some websites, especially news sites, have their own apps in the App Store.

No, Apple does not allow Flash on any iOS device. Also, Adobe has abandon the mobile version of Flash in support of HTML5.

No Flash for iPads, iPhones, or iPods

Here's why there's is no Flash available for iDevices or other mobile devices. Adobe was unable to provide a product that was suitable to the needs of battery powered mobile devices used for Internet browsing. Existing Flash technology used too much memory, ate battery life, and was buggy. Simply put Flash did not work well on mobile devices.

Apple's Steve Jobs led the escape from Flash dependency when Apple introduced the iPhone, and later introduced the iPad. There was a hue and cry over the omission. Time proved Jobs was right on target.

So this is why there is no Flash for your iPhone or iPad or iPod nor for most SmartPhones. Flash has been abandoned by many sites in favor of supported technologies such as HTML5 or by providing their own custom app.

Here is Steve Jobs official comment on his momentous decision to omit Flash from iDevices: Steve Jobs on Flash.

Here is Adobe's later announcement to cease development of Flash for mobile devices: Adobe on Mobile Flash.

Now, you are not necessarily out on a limb. There are some apps that can display some Flash, but don't count on there ability to display anything using Flash.

Apps that can display some Flash from the Web:

• Puffin
• SkyFire
• Photon Flash
• Browse2Go
• iSwifter

Also, note that many sites that use Flash provide their own app for accessing their material. So check with your favorite sites and find out if "there's an app for that."

Since we're all just pasting pre-written posts... I'll post mine too?

Adobe Flash runs fine on mobile devices. Adobe has proved that when playing videos, or providing animations there is no substitute for flash, it consumes less cpu and battery than all other options.

The reason Adobe has dropped mobile Flash is because of two reasons.

#1. Too many device configurations. Adobe has to create "versions" of Flash for every variation of hardware, a large task.

#2. Apple was never going to allow it on ios, thats a huge chunk of the mobile market.

Those who own mobile devices that run Flash understand it works great, does as needed, and still offers many more possibilities on the web than other technologies.

In all honesty it is Apple that stopped Flash, mainly because of how they found a way to capitalize on digital content, and plan to use the "itunes" business model on all forms of it. Everything else you here is propaganda and media spin.

good explanation. I'm not a techie but now I think I understand.