During its keynote at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple introduced a range of new features and AI integrations for iPadOS 18, including the launch of a new app. After over 14 years since the original iPad’s debut, Apple is finally adding a built-in Calculator app with an AI-driven Math Notes feature. The update also includes ChatGPT-enhanced Siri, new Apple Intelligence features, and customizable Home Screens and app icons. A developer beta for iPadOS 18 is now available.
iPadOS 18 Adds a Calculator App
The new iPadOS 18 update brings a built-in Calculator app, designed similarly to its iOS version. It functions as both a basic and scientific calculator and includes unit conversion capabilities. The app benefits from the iPad’s larger display, showing more buttons and features at once, and includes a History option for reviewing past calculations.
The standout feature is the Math Notes calculator within the Notes app. This allows users to input mathematical expressions by typing or handwriting them. Upon adding an equal sign, the app solves the equation in real-time, recognizing handwritten input. It can handle variable-based problems and display results with graphs that can plot multiple equations simultaneously.
Enhancements to the Notes App
The Notes app in iPadOS 18 also sees improvements. Users can now organize content by collapsing sections under headings and subheadings, and five new text highlight colors have been introduced.
A new feature, Smart Script, enhances handwritten notes using Apple Pencil. This feature makes handwritten text more legible while maintaining the user’s writing style and allows editing of handwritten notes as if they were typed. Typed text can also be integrated into handwritten notes in the same style.
Customization Features in iPadOS 18
Similar to iOS 18, iPadOS 18 allows for extensive customization of the Home Screen and app icons. Users can place icons and widgets anywhere on the screen, moving away from the traditional grid layout. Icons can be customized in dark, light, or tinted versions, and their sizes can be adjusted. Users can also remove icon labels for a cleaner look.
The Control Center has been redesigned to feature stacks of setting tools, such as media playback, Home controls, and connectivity settings, which users can swipe through. Apple encourages developers to create additional controls using the new Controls API.
Additional iPadOS 18 Features
– A redesigned tab feature for managing favorite tabs, which can morph into a sidebar for a more fluid view.
– Automatic organization in the Photos app, with a new carousel view highlighting different libraries.
– New text formatting options and animated texts in the Messages app, plus the ability to schedule messages.
– Safari browser now includes a Reader view for a more focused reading experience.
– iPad users can lock and hide apps.
– Integration of Apple Intelligence features such as systemwide Writing Tools, enhanced image capabilities, AI-driven Siri, and ChatGPT.
– A new Passwords app to manage and track login credentials.
– SharePlay now supports remote access and on-screen drawing.
– The Calendar app will integrate events and tasks from Reminders.
iPadOS 18 Availability and Compatibility
The developer beta of iPadOS 18 is available through the Apple Developer Program, with the stable version expected in September or October. The update will be available for the following iPad models:
– 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)
Notably, Apple Intelligence features will be available only on iPads with M1 chips or later, with Siri and device language set to US English.
