It still looks and feels like iOS 13, but this year the iPad is getting its own operating system, signalling Apple's determination for the iPad to carve out a larger slice of our computing lives. And, be they big or small, there are numerous new features that will change the way you use your iPad and ensure the device features in our guide to the best tablets for years to come. Here's what you need to know.
1. A much better home-screen experience
Nowhere has the limitation of iOS on an iPad been more apparent than on the home screen. It may have taken nearly a decade, but the iPad's home screen finally feels like a bespoke experience instead of resembling an outsized iPhone. The grid of apps is tighter, so you can fit more in, but better still you can now pin widgets. It seems bizarre to be excited by such tweaks in 2019, but no matter how overdue they are, they're still welcome changes.
When is iPad OS coming out?: The full release will be autumn, probably in September when Apple announces its latest iPhones. The iPadOS beta is out now for developers, while the public beta will open at the end of June/beginning of July.
iPad OS Compatibility: Apple has confirmed iPadOS will be available on the iPad Air 2 and later, all iPad Pro models, the 5th-generation iPad and the iPad mini 4 and later models. This notably excludes the first generation iPad Air, which is one of the best-selling models.
2. Side-by-side Word docs
Obviously this feature isn't limited to Word documents, but it's a perfect example of how useful it'll be. In iPadOS, Apple has added Split View support within apps. This means you can view two documents from the same app side-by-side, such as two different notes, two different emails, two PDF documents or two Word documents. Again, a seemingly simple feature (which makes us wonder why it has taken so long to appear), but definitely a useful one that makes getting work done on iPad that little bit easier.
3. App Exposé
Alongside the side-by-side support, Apple introduced App Exposé. This gives you a quick view of all the open windows for just one app, so if you have lots of documents open you can quickly switch between them.
4. The secret mouse support
Yes, you read that correctly: iPadOS now supports mice. It's an odd one as Apple made no mention of it during its presentation, and, technically, it's not a standard feature but an accessibility feature aimed at those with limited motor functions. However, there are plenty of people who might find this useful regardless, especially thanks to the slow creep of "desktop" functionality coming to iPadOS.
5. A completely overhauled Files app
The iPad's Files app has always been an awkward beast thanks to the way iOS works, but it's getting a few important updates in iPadOS. There's a new column view that's reminiscent to the approach used in macOS, but, more importantly, it's getting proper support for USB thumb drives and hard drives and the ability to connect to network drives, which will make it much easier to use iPads in a business environment.
6. The 'desktop class' web browser
Another perennial annoyance has been expunged with what Apple is calling a "desktop class" version of Safari for iPadOS. What does this mean in practice? It finally plays nicely with web apps, such as Google Docs. And also Apple has finally introduced a download manager. There are also 30 new keyboard shortcuts just for Safari alone, as well as improved tab management.
7. Using your iPad as a second screen
Third-party apps have allowed you to use your iPad as a second screen for a while now, but now Apple supports it officially with iPadOS and the upcoming macOS 10.15 Catalina. The feature, called Sidecar, lets you use your iPad as a basic display, but also as a drawing tablet when combined with Apple Pencil, which is bound to appeal to users who use their iPads creatively. The Apple Pencil isn't quite as advanced as a full Wacom drawing tablet, but it'll offer just enough functionality for many people.
8. The QuickPath mini keyboard
This is another feature to file under "done by others before", but Apple has finally introduced swipe tying, which it is calling QuickPath, to iOS 13 and iPadOS. We think it will prove especially useful on iPads as the combination of a new mini keyboard and QuickPath should make it much easier to swiftly type without having to resort the full-size touch keyboard.
9. Expensive fonts
This is big news to anyone that wants to do serious creative work on an iPad. In iPadOS, you'll be able to purchase and download fonts from the App Store to be used in documents and image work on your tablet. This is excellent, though there's no word on whether you can load fonts you already own onto your device. Given this is Apple, we're betting it's a no, but we hold out hope nonetheless.
10. Did we mention dark mode?
And finally, the feature everyone is going crazy about: dark mode. It looks lovely, which is all you need to know. And relax...
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
