Apple has just held its yearly WWDC Developers Conference at its HQ in Cupertino with the company announcing the UK release of its Vision Pro headset along with a massive update to the iPhone. If you happen to own an iPad there’s more good news with the US technology giant also announcing that a major upgrade to its iPadOS software is coming soon.
This latest and greatest operating system includes a swathe of smart features and improved ways to interact with the display but one of its standout features has to be the Calculator app finally coming to these tablets.
Yes, after years of waiting, you’ll soon be able to do your sums on these machines without having to download third-party software. This isn’t just any old calculator either. Apple has added full integration with the Apple Pencil which means you can scribble a sum or equation on the screen and get an instant answer. It’s really clever stuff and makes maths feel far more interactive than simply tapping the number keys.
The Calculator app isn’t the only change coming in iPadOS 18.
There are now more ways to customise the Home Screen with widgets and app icons being able to be placed anywhere on the screen. You’ll even be able to leave gaps between items on the Home Screen so you can see your wallpaper.
When switching to Dark Mode, your apps will also change to a darker colour and Control Center has been redesigned to provide easier access to many of the things users do every day.
The tab bar has been redesigned to float above app content with Apple promising that it will complement the sidebar to help users stay focused on what matters most.
The Photos app gets a new look and easier way to find your images plus there are upgrades to the Message app and Safari browser.
Finally if you always forgetting you password there’s a new app Passwords app coming in this release that makes it easy to access credentials and have them securely stored in one place. This includes passwords, verification codes, and security alerts.
“Our most versatile device is becoming even more powerful and intelligent than ever with iPadOS 18,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “With fun new ways to personalise the Home Screen, a redesigned Photos experience, major updates to the Notes app, the addition of Calculator with Math Notes, and the groundbreaking introduction of Apple Intelligence, iPadOS 18 brings incredible new features designed for the unique capabilities of iPad, making it even easier for users to get tasks done.”
iPadOS 18 will be available this autumn as a free software update for 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), and iPad mini (5th generation and later).