What file type is used for the configuration files on iPads?

The correct answer is PLIST, which stands for Property List. PLIST files are used on iOS devices, including iPads, to store user settings and application data in a structured way. This format allows for the efficient storage of simple data types like strings, numbers, dates, and arrays, and is widely used in Apple's ecosystem due to its compatibility with various programming languages and frameworks including Swift and Objective-C.

PLIST files are typically XML or binary formatted, which makes them easy to read and write by both humans and machines. Their structure is particularly suited for apps to read and modify configuration settings easily, enabling a seamless user experience. As a result, PLIST files act as vital components for application configurations, preferences, and some system settings on iPads.

While JSON and XML are also structured formats used for data serialization and can serve similar purposes, they are not specifically designed for the Apple environment to the same extent as PLIST files. The TXT format, being plain text, lacks the structured data capabilities required for efficient configuration file usage on iPads, making PLIST the most appropriate choice.