Top Features of iPadOS 18 Unveiled at WWDC 2024

Following the recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2024, the tech community is abuzz with details about the upcoming iPadOS 18. While iOS updates generally steal the spotlight, the latest iteration of iPadOS is poised to bring significant enhancements to Apple's tablets, especially with several AI-driven features aimed at improving user experience.

Advanced AI Capabilities on iPadOS 18

The introduction of 'Apple Intelligence' brings a suite of advanced AI features to the iPad, echoing the transformation seen with iOS 18. Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, has received extensive upgrades, including more dynamic conversational abilities and the power to interpret on-screen content for contextual responses. Users can also type to Siri, which operates as a text-based AI chatbot, expanding how users can interact with their iPads.

In addition, system-wide generative AI will allow for enhanced text creation, editing, and summarization, tailoring content to the user's needs. The redesigned Photos app and Siri enhancements with AirPods gesture control further enhance the iPad's intuitiveness and multitasking prowess.

Debut of the Native Calculator App

The long-awaited Calculator app makes its debut on iPadOS 18, mirroring the iPhone's utility and adding advanced pencil integration for those wielding an Apple Pencil. Users can expect expanded functionality for completing complex calculations and editing equations directly on their device. An innovative feature allows the iPad Calculator app to resolve hand-written equations the moment an equal sign is penned.

Enhanced Notes with Smart Script

The refined Notes app now includes Smart Script, which not only facilitates handwriting recognition through Apple Pencil but also dynamically corrects and straightens handwriting. Smart Script transforms note-taking, empowering users to seamlessly integrate handwritten notes with typed content. The collaboration between Notes and the Calculator app augments the iPad's capability for math and graphical computations.

Accessing Passwords Simplified

Apple has streamlined password management by introducing a dedicated Passwords app in iPadOS 18. This new app brings the convenience of popular password managers right to the iPadOS platform, offering a more intuitive and centralized way to access, manage, and autofill login credentials without navigating deep into system settings.

Standby Mode for iPad Pro

The latest iPad Pro is taking advantage of its OLED display through implementing a Standby Mode. While not all models support an 'always on' display, the feature leverages the power-saving capabilities of the OLED screen to show pertinent notifications and information, akin to a smart display – a big step towards transforming the iPad into a more capable smart home hub.

Compatibility is always a consideration with new updates, and iPadOS 18 will be available for a select range of iPads upon release. This includes the iPad (7th generation and newer), iPad Air (3rd generation and newer), iPad Pro (1st generation and newer), and the iPad mini (5th generation and newer).

AI, Siri, Calculator, Notes, Passwords, StandbyMode, Compatibility