Apple has unveiled iPadOS 18, a significant update aimed at enhancing the versatility and intelligence of the iPad. The new operating system introduces several features designed for Apple Pencil, including a Calculator app with Math Notes and new handwriting tools in Notes. Users can now customize their Home Screen and Control Center more extensively, while the Photos app receives its most substantial redesign to date.
Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering, stated, "Our most versatile device is becoming even more powerful and intelligent than ever with iPadOS 18."
A notable addition is Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence system that combines generative models with personal context to deliver relevant information. This feature is built with privacy in mind and integrates deeply into iPadOS 18, iOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. It leverages Apple silicon and the Neural Engine for enhanced performance on devices equipped with M-series chips.
The Math Notes calculator allows users to type or write mathematical expressions and see them solved instantly. It includes features like graphing equations and converting units. Smart Script enhances handwritten notes by smoothing text in real-time and simplifying editing.
iPadOS 18 also brings enhancements to typed text in the Notes app, allowing users to organize content under headings or subheadings and highlight important information using new text colors.
Customization options extend to the Home Screen and Control Center. Users can place app icons and widgets freely on the Home Screen for an ideal layout. The redesigned Control Center offers quick access to frequently used controls and supports third-party apps through a new Controls API.
The Photos app's redesign takes advantage of the larger iPad display by organizing libraries automatically. New collections help users browse by themes without manual organization into albums. A carousel view presents daily highlights featuring favorite people, pets, places, etc.
Messages receive updates such as text formatting options (bold, underline), animated text effects, redesigned Tapbacks with emoji or stickers reactions, and message scheduling capabilities.
Safari introduces Highlights for summarizing webpage content using machine learning and a redesigned Reader view for streamlined article presentation.
Privacy features include locked/hidden apps to protect sensitive information from being seen inadvertently. Users can manage how apps access contact information by allowing access only to specific contacts rather than the entire list.
Apple Intelligence enhances writing across various apps with tools for rewriting, proofreading, summarizing text; creating playful images via Image Playground; generating photo-based stories through Memories; cleaning up distracting objects in photos; improving Siri's contextual relevance; integrating ChatGPT expertise into Siri/systemwide Writing Tools; ensuring privacy through Private Cloud Compute.
Additional updates include Passwords app for secure credential storage; improved SharePlay screen sharing; Freeform tool for idea visualization/presentation; immersive gaming features like Game Mode/Personalized Spatial Audio/Game Porting Toolkit 2; Calendar integration with Reminders tasks/events management capabilities offline custom walking routes creation/browsing national park hikes/saving favorite locations/personal notes addition within Maps Accessibility enhancements like Eye Tracking/Vocal Shortcuts
The developer beta of iPadOS 18 is available today via Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com while public beta will be accessible next month at beta.apple.com New software features will launch this fall as free updates compatible across various iPads/iPhones/Macs equipped accordingly More details available online at apple.com/ipados/ipados-18-preview/apple-intelligence Features subject change region/language/device availability limitations apply Visit apple.com further info
