At WWDC, AI dominated the headlines, leaving many iPad users to wonder if their beloved wannabe computer would be left behind.
However, despite low expectations due to Apple’s continued stance against macOS on iPad Pro, they’ve announced exciting features for iPadOS 18.
This fall, you can look forward to a more intelligent and versatile iPad designed to streamline everyday tasks and boost productivity.
In this article, we’ll explore the best iPadOS 18 features unveiled at WWDC, including the long-awaited Calculator app and Math Notes that leverage AI to transform how you work on your iPad.
Best iPadOS 18 Features Announced at WWDC
Calculator App with Handwriting Tools
One of the standout announcements is the introduction of the Calculator app, which is finally coming to the iPad.
But it’s not just any calculator. It comes with advanced handwriting tools specifically designed for the Apple Pencil.
This means you can write out math problems directly on the screen, and the app will solve them for you.
This feature also extends to the Notes app, allowing you to solve equations and perform calculations seamlessly within your notes.
Also: Your iPhone Is Finally Getting a Must-Have Feature That Will Instantly Double Your Productivity
Home Screen Customization and Redesigned Apps
Much like iOS 18, iPadOS 18 introduces new customization options for the Home Screen and Control Center.
You can now personalize your Home Screen by freely placing icons on the grid, leaving space to better admire their wallpapers.
The Control Center has also been revamped, allowing you to add or remove controls from a gallery and place them across multiple pages, enhancing accessibility and ease of use.
The Photos app has received a significant redesign, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.
Additionally, the Messages app has new ways to express yourself, although specific details on these updates are still forthcoming.
Math Notes and Smart Script
A particularly exciting feature is Math Notes, which leverages the Calculator app’s capabilities.
You can type or write out math problems and see them solved instantly. This feature also includes a graphing tool that allows you to write or type equations and generate graphs with a tap.
You can even add multiple equations to a single graph to explore their relationships.
Also: iOS 18 will finally bring to your iPhone a handy feature that Android users have had for years
Smart Script is another innovative addition coming to the iPad that improves handwriting legibility.
It smooths and straightens your handwriting in real time, making your notes easier to read without losing the personal touch of your handwritten style.
This feature is particularly useful for those who write quickly or have less-than-perfect handwriting.
New Customizable Tab Bar and Sidebar
Another much-needed feature that iPadOS 18 will bring to the iPad is the floating tab bar.
Unlike before, navigating within apps on iPads is now incredibly seamless. Whether you’re browsing Apple TV or exploring other apps like Apple Music or the App Store, this new tab bar allows quick access to different sections with just a tap.
If you prefer a sidebar layout, simply press the left button to switch. This is a familiar setup for Safari users, making the transition smooth and intuitive.
Plus, you can personalize your experience by dragging and dropping frequently used tabs onto the floating bar.
AI-Powered Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI system, is now part of iPadOS 18. This AI leverages generative models and personal context to deliver highly useful and relevant suggestions.
It can create language and images, perform actions across apps, and generally speed up everyday tasks, although this feature is limited to iPads with M-series chips.
Also: This Apple News’ Feature Makes It Easy to Reduce Stress and Anxiety From Consuming Bad News
Release Date and Compatibility
Developers can access the iPadOS 18 beta through the Apple Developer Program right after the announcement. A public beta will be available next month.
The official release of iPadOS 18 is set to release this fall and will be compatible with a range of iPads, including:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (M2)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (7th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
Bottom Line
While iPadOS 18 brings some welcome new features, it still falls short of making the iPad a true computer replacement.
Despite the introduction of a new Calculator app and Math Notes, the update does little to address the long-standing issues with multitasking.
Stage Manager, Apple’s solution for multitasking on the iPad, remains frustratingly inadequate. With no improvements announced at WWDC 2024, users who rely on efficient multitasking will continue to find the iPad lacking.
The iPad, it seems, is designed to be a larger iPhone rather than a full-fledged computer alternative.
I’d like to hear what you think about the new features coming to the iPad this fall in the comments.
