[WWDC 2024] Apple Unveils Major iPadOS 18 Update Packed with New Features

Apple has officially previewed iPadOS 18, a significant update that transforms the iPad experience, making it more versatile and intelligent than ever. This latest release introduces a plethora of new features, including the much-anticipated Calculator app with Math Notes, enhanced handwriting tools in Notes designed for the Apple Pencil, and extensive customization options for the Home Screen and Control Centre. iPadOS 18 also boasts a major redesign of the Photos app and new expressive tools in Messages.

Introducing Apple Intelligence in iPadOS 18

One of the standout features of iPadOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence system that combines generative models with personal context to deliver highly relevant and useful information. Deeply integrated into iPadOS 18, iOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, Apple Intelligence enhances the user experience by understanding and creating language and images, performing actions across apps, and simplifying daily tasks. Leveraging the power of Apple silicon and the Neural Engine, this feature is available on iPad models with an M-series chip.

Calculator on iPad: Math Notes

The all-new Math Notes calculator allows users to type or write out mathematical expressions and see them instantly solved in their own handwriting. This feature is particularly useful for students learning new concepts, calculating budgets, and more. The new graphing feature lets users write or type equations and insert graphs with a single tap. Math Notes are also accessible in the Notes app under a dedicated folder.

Enhanced Handwritten Notes with Smart Script

Smart Script makes handwritten notes more fluid and flexible, maintaining the user’s personal handwriting style while enhancing readability. This feature allows users to write quickly without sacrificing legibility and makes editing handwritten text as simple as editing typed text. With Apple Pencil, users can easily add space, scratch out sentences, or paste typed text in their handwriting, with the paragraph automatically adjusting to fit the new content.

iPadOS 18 introduces even more ways for users to customize their Home Screen and app icons, as well as the Control Centre. Users can arrange app icons and widgets in any open position on the Home Screen, choose from light, dark, or tinted appearances, and make icons and widgets larger for a streamlined look. The redesigned Control Centre offers quick access to frequently used controls and the ability to add controls from third-party apps, enhancing customization and flexibility.

Redesigned Photos App

The Photos app has received its biggest redesign yet in iPadOS 18, taking full advantage of the larger iPad display. It now automatically organizes libraries, allowing users to spend more time enjoying their moments rather than searching for them. New collections help users browse by themes, and a new carousel view presents daily highlights. The app is also customizable, enabling users to organize and pin collections for easy access.

New Messaging Features

Messages in iPadOS 18 get a significant upgrade with new text formatting options, animated text effects, and redesigned Tapbacks. Users can schedule messages to send at a later time, ensuring they stay in control of their communications. This update makes iMessage conversations more expressive and engaging than ever.

Safari Enhancements

Safari now offers a distraction-free browsing experience with Highlights and a redesigned Reader view. Machine learning helps surface key information about web pages, providing users with summaries, location details, and more. The redesigned Reader view presents articles and summaries in a streamlined manner, enhancing readability.

New Privacy Controls

iPadOS 18 introduces new privacy features, giving users more control over who can see their apps, how they share contacts, and how their iPad connects to accessories. Users can lock or hide apps to keep content private, and manage app access to contact information more granularly. New privacy controls also extend to Bluetooth accessory pairing.

Additional Features

• Passwords App: Built on Keychain, this new app securely stores passwords, verification codes, and security alerts in one place.
• SharePlay Enhancements: Improved screen sharing and remote control capabilities for collaborative experiences.
• Freeform: Enhanced tools for organizing and presenting ideas on boards.
• Gaming Features: Game Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, and Game Porting Toolkit 2 for an immersive gaming experience.
• Calendar and Reminders Integration: Users can view, create, and manage events and tasks directly from Calendar.
• Apple Maps: New features for exploring hikes and creating custom walking routes, with offline access.
• Accessibility: Eye Tracking for navigating iPad with eyes and Vocal Shortcuts for performing tasks with custom sounds.

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Pokdepinion: I’m hoping my iPad 10th Gen will be able to enjoy most of the new features. Otherwise, I will continue hoping for a new iPad Mini this year.