iPadOS 18 was announced during the keynote at WWDC 2024. In a flurry of announcements, iPadOS 18 has arrived, promising to transform the iPad experience with a host of new features. Key highlights include a customizable home screen, a revolutionary Smart Script function in the Notes app, and finally – a native calculator app. Let’s discuss what these updates mean for iPad users and how they could change the way we use our beloved tablets.
iPadOS 18 : A more personal home screen
One of the standout features of iPadOS 18 is the ability to fully customize the home screen. In previous versions, customization options were somewhat limited, but Apple has taken significant steps to offer a more personalized experience.
With iPadOS 18, users can now add widgets of different sizes anywhere on the home screen. Makes it easy to access the information you need at a glance. Whether weather updates, calendar events or news headlines, widgets can now be resized and positioned according to personal preferences.
App Library, first introduced in iOS 14, has finally made its way to iPadOS. Combined with customizable widgets, this creates a streamlined and efficient user interface, making it easy to find what you’re looking for without cluttering up the home screen.
Taking a page from the macOS playbook, iPadOS 18 allows for custom app icons and themes. Users can choose from a variety of themes to create their own, meaning no two iPads have to look the same.
iPadOS 18 : Smart Script in Notes: A new way to take notes
The Notes app has always been a staple for iPad users, but with iPadOS 18 it’s getting a significant upgrade. The new Smart Script feature promises to revolutionize note-taking by bringing handwriting recognition and smart suggestions to the fore.
Handwriting recognition isn’t entirely new, but SmartScript takes it to the next level. The Notes app can now automatically convert handwritten notes into typed text with precision.
Smart Script provides intelligent suggestions based on the context of your notes. For example, if you write down a date, Smart Script can suggest adding it to your calendar. If you write a task, it may prompt you to add it to your to-do list. This level of integration between the Notes app and other iPad functionality makes for a seamless experience.
iPadOS 18 Calculator App: Better late than never
One of the most surprising announcements was the introduction of a native calculator app. iPad users have long lamented the absence of this basic utility, often turning to third-party applications to fill the void. With iPadOS 18, Apple has finally addressed this oversight.
The new calculator app isn’t just a basic number-cruncher. It is packed with advanced features including scientific functions, graphing capabilities and unit conversion. This makes it suitable for a wide range of uses from simple arithmetic to complex calculations.
The Calculator app is also deeply integrated with Siri and Spotlight. This means that you can calculate directly from the home screen or via voice commands.
Multitasking has been a strong point on the iPad, but iPadOS 18 refines it further. The updated multitasking menu makes it easier to enter split view or slide over, and a new shelf feature provides quick access to open windows.
iPadOS 18 also brings under-the-hood improvements that boost overall performance. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother and battery life is optimized.