Using a more recent iPad Air M2, I’ve been beta testing iPadOS 18 to see how common people like us are affected by the most recent OS upgrade
The future of the iPad is a topic of much discussion. Will it become primarily a tablet, a computer, or a hybrid device? Many users in the professional world frequently address this topic. On the other hand, a sizable percentage of customers seem satisfied with the iPad’s existing features. As a result, people’s opinions of the iPad seem to differ, making it difficult to reach an agreement. But according to Apple, the iPad works best for the things that most people use it for. The company made this point quite clear last week at the Worldwide Developers Conference.
The most recent version of the iPad operating system, iPadOS 18, adds features that emphasise the fundamental qualities of the device while preserving its unique identity as an iPad. Even while not everyone in the audience may feel the same way, I am enthusiastic about the exciting new features that iPadOS 18 has in store for the iPad later this year. In this article, I go into detail about my experience with my iPad Air M2 running the developer beta of iPadOS 18, which will be out to the general public later this year.
Although the iPad now comes with a calculator, I’ve been particularly impressed by the “Math Notes” feature
I’m happy that Apple has finally added the Calculator app to the iPad because the gadget has been devoid of a calculator for a while. Was the wait worthwhile? Indeed. The iPad calculator now has a bottom-left button that lets users toggle between Basic, Scientific, and Math Notes modes, even though it still looks basic at first, much like the iPhone calculator.
The Basic mode of a calculator does standard calculations as one might anticipate. For years, the iPhone has had a Scientific mode that offers more sophisticated calculations like sine, cosine, tangent, square roots, and more.
Since Apple unveiled “Math Notes” at its yearly developer conference, testing was my main priority. With ‘Math Notes’, the equation is solved instantaneously when you write it down and use an Apple Pencil or your fingers to create an equals sign (e.g., 44=16) on the iPad’s touchscreen. Moreover, the functionality automatically updates the solution to reflect any changes you make to the equation later on. It is, in my view, one of the most remarkable uses of artificial intelligence in a consumer device’s software function.
Its ability to handle challenging physics problems is what makes it more appealing. Though I wouldn’t say Math Notes completely replaces a scientific calculator as a trustworthy tool for creating and solving equations, it is still superior. But what really makes this feature appealing is the unique way it uses visual aids to teach mathematics. Formulas are also supported by Math Notes, which automatically creates the necessary graphs. With this connection, you can now do calculations right on a sketch without having to manually enter numbers or operators. This is a new feature of the Notes app.
I tested the feature, and it was able to read my sloppy handwriting. For example, I drew a line across the expenses I provided from my recent trip to the US, and the app determined how much I spent overall. Even though I usually do this basic activity on my iPad, I decided to use it instead of writing it down on paper, which I tend to lose. Thanks to the Notes app, I can now simply review my prior costs. Even though this seems like a simple chore, I’m happy that the software can take care of it for me.
Some people might question the applicability of Math Notes and the usage of technology in teaching kids the fundamentals of mathematics. I do, however, have a moderate viewpoint on this issue. A tool like Math Notes, in my opinion, is not trying to replace teachers or conventional teaching techniques. I think that every person ought to be well-versed in the foundational ideas of mathematics. The problem, though, is that the topic is frequently portrayed as unduly complicated from a young age. I think everyday life might be a little bit easier if maths were taught in a slightly more interesting way and combined with technology.
Notes smart scripts make use of the Apple Pencil to improve handwriting legibility
I use my iPad’s Notes app a lot to record even the smallest information. I write down all of my thoughts every day, even the ones I have in the morning before I start my day. But my handwriting is often sloppy and hard to read, which makes me wonder what I’ve written..
Apple has revealed a new feature called Smart Script along with iPadOS 18. This feature works with the Apple Pencil to neatly and accurately fix handwritten text in real time. It is especially helpful for people who have trouble reading their own handwriting and frequently get lost when shopping, not knowing what to buy.
Still, Smart Script works just as Apple advertises. You can take notes with an Apple Pencil and Smart Script will automatically make your handwriting readable. One benefit is that the feature keeps your handwriting’s original style intact; the words and letters look and feel the same as before. Once you’ve finished writing a word, the procedure seems to happen instantly.
There’s more to Smart Script than just text cleansing. You can use it to insert material that has been typed into your notes in your own handwriting. For example, I can cut and paste a key element from a press release into my notes after a product launch if I see it while taking notes. The text is then replicated in my handwriting by the feature.
Additionally, a line will indicate any spelling mistakes you make in handwritten words while using Smart Script. When you tap the pencil on the word, a suggested substitution will show up. The properly spelt version will appear in your handwriting if you decide to accept it. This function is really amazing, in my opinion.
Control centre and home screen customisation
Like with my Mac, I’ve always wanted to customise the iPad’s home screen. With iPadOS 18, I can accomplish this with a lot more freedom and flexibility. The option to alter the layout and icons on the home screen is where customisation begins. I can now arrange any app wherever on the screen, just like I can on a Mac. As you may remember, iPad apps used to be shown in a single grid design, just like iPhone apps. That pattern has now vanished forever. I can also reposition app icons on the home screen to any location, much like with a Mac. To create a more streamlined and unique look, I can also turn app icons into larger widgets and change the colours of all the icons with a single theming tweak.
Similar features, including more control customisation over which controls to use, are available in the Control Centre. It’s important to remember that iOS 18 also brings Control Centre and a new customisable home screen.
Minor tweaks throughout iPadOS 18
There are a lot of little adjustments in iPadOS 18, some of which might not be noticeable right away. The new Tab Bar, which can be found in a few apps like Apple TV, Apple Music, and Podcasts, is one such addition. By mimicking the interface of a Mac, this Tab Bar improves navigation within these apps by presenting a sidebar menu with more information when you hover over or select an item.
iPadOS 18 offers more features like improved integrations between Calendar and Reminders, a redesigned Passwords app, a new option to lock and hide apps, a screen-sharing feature in SharePlay that allows you to control another person’s iPad remotely, and automatic transcriptions in Notes.
Early impressions
With iPadOS 18, at the very least, Apple has made it apparent where it stands on the iPad and where it is going. Although there are a lot of features missing from iPadOS—you probably have your own list—some people contend that Apple neglected to address the iPad’s multitasking capabilities in this update, which is a legitimate worry. Nevertheless, it appears that the argument over whether the iPad will ever be able to completely replace a Mac has been resolved based on my observations from WWDC 2024 and the conversations around Cupertino’s long-term plans for the device. The most recent updates to iPadOS 18 give priority to features that are useful for students or regular users, like Math Notes, which make use of the iPad’s touchscreen and the Apple Pencil. This may be an indication of Apple’s current thinking about the iPad, which suggests that replacing a Mac with an iPad is more of a pipe dream.