Apple unveils iPadOS 18: New apps, Apple Pencil features, handwriting tools, customisations and more

iPadOS 18

At WWDC 2024, Apple unveiled the iPadOS 18, the latest OS version for the versatile Apple iPad. iPadOS 18 comes with new Apple Pencil features, like a Calculator app with Math notes and handwriting tools in Notes, a heavily redesigned Photos app.

The iPadOS 18 also adds new ways to customise the Home Screen and Control Centre. Let’s take a closer look at some of the major updates iPadOS 18 brings to the iPad.

An All-new Maths Notes Calculator comes to iPad

With the new Math Notes calculator, iPad users can type or write out mathematical expressions and see the solutions in their own handwriting.

A new graphing feature has been added which allows them to type or write an equation and insert a graph with a single tap; they can also add more equations on the same graph.

With the iPadOS 18, Apple has introduced a new Maths Notes folder inside the Notes app.

iPad users can keep track of their calculations through History. They can also convert one unit of measurement into another.

Apple Intelligence comes to iPadOS 18

Apple Intelligence, the AI-powered “personal intelligence system” will be an integral part of the iPadOS 18. Apple has deeply integrated the AI system in iPadOS 18, iOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, with a focus on privacy.  All iPad models with an M-series chip will support Apple Intelligence.

As per Apple, the Apple Intelligence will simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. “It understands and creates language and images, takes action across apps, and draws from personal context”, said Apple in a press statement.

Smart Script for handwritten notes

Apple iPad users can expect “fluid, flexible, and easier to read” handwritten notes through the combined tech of Apple Pencil and Smart Script.

As per Apple, Smart Script will smoothen and straighten handwritten text quickly in real time.

Editing the text using an Apple Pencil will now become easier, claims Apple. Users can remove a sentence, add space and also copy-paste typed text in their handwriting.

A Redesigned Photos app

The Photos app has got the biggest redesign yet. The “simplified, single view displays a familiar grid, and new collections help users browse by themes without having to organise content into albums.”

You can pin collections to find them easily. A new carousel view has been added too.

More customisation options for the iPad

With the iPadOS 18, you can now place app icons and widgets in any open position on the Home Screen. Customise how you want them to look- light, dark, or with a certain tint.

You can now increase the size of the app icons and widgets and remove the names from under them. You can also add controls from supported third-party apps into Control Center from one place.

Messages gets a big update

With iPadOS 18, Apple has added text formatting options like bold, underline, italics, and new animated text effects to iMessages. There are now redesigned Tapbacks. Users can also schedule messages so that they are sent later.