por During the WWDC keynote in June, Apple officially unveiled iPadOS 18, set to be released alongside iOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia on Monday, September 16, 2024. This next major update for iPads brings exciting new features that will further enhance the user experience.
As with previous updates, iPadOS 18 shares many features with iOS 18, such as the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence, which will be introduced in beta form and gradually expand its capabilities throughout 2025. However, there are also some exclusive features designed specifically for iPad users, including one that has been requested for years: a native Calculator app.
If you’re curious about what’s in store for iPads this fall, we’ve compiled all the essential details about iPadOS 18. This guide covers everything from the list of iPad models that will be compatible with the new software, to instructions on how to get and install beta releases to try it out ahead of time. We’ll also break down the standout features and ongoing beta developments so you can stay informed as the official release date approaches. Keep an eye on this superguide for all the latest information about iPadOS 18 as the launch draws near.
iPadOS 18: Compatiblity
Apple has revealed which iPad models will make the cut for iPadOS 18, so if you’re wondering whether you’ll be able to upgrade, here’s the list:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later)
- iPad Air (M2)
- iPad Air (3rd gen and later)
- iPad (7th gen and later)
- iPad Mini (5th gen and later)
iPadOS 18: New features
Apple Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently at the forefront of tech innovation, and Apple is joining the trend with its own AI initiative, called Apple Intelligence, which will debut with iOS 18.1. This cutting-edge AI system will introduce a wide range of new capabilities to the iPad, designed to enhance productivity and creativity.
Key features of Apple Intelligence will include:
- A revamped Siri experience: Siri will become more conversational, context-aware, and efficient, improving how users interact with their devices.
- Writing assistance tools: AI-driven suggestions will help users refine their writing, offering grammar and style improvements in real time.
- Summarization capabilities: Apple Intelligence will provide concise summaries of emails, web pages, and other lengthy texts, saving time and improving information retention.
- Image generation tools: Users will have the ability to create custom emojis, illustrations, and other graphics through powerful AI-powered image creation features.
Many of these features, such as advanced writing tools and image generation, will be introduced gradually in updates throughout 2025, allowing Apple to refine and expand the system’s capabilities over time. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple Intelligence continues to evolve.
Calculator
«They said it couldn’t be done!» Or rather, no one could quite figure out why Apple never did it sooner. But finally, the iPad is getting its own standalone Calculator app, and it just might be worth the wait.
In addition to the standard and scientific calculator layouts we’ve come to expect, Apple is introducing a brand-new feature called Math Notes. This innovative tool allows users to scribble down formulas or calculations using the Apple Pencil, and the app will instantly solve them as you write. Even better, if you need to go back and tweak part of your equation, the app will automatically update your results in real time. This seamless integration of handwriting and real-time calculation offers a powerful and intuitive way to interact with math on the iPad, especially for students and professionals who rely on precise calculations in their work.
Photos
The Photos app is receiving a significant makeover in iPadOS 18, making it easier than ever to navigate and organize your photo library. At the top of the main page, you’ll now see a dynamic collage of your photo stream, giving you a visually engaging overview of your recent memories.
Below this, Apple has introduced Collections, a new feature that automatically organizes your photos into topics such as Recent Days and People & Pets, offering a more intuitive way to browse through your library. Additionally, you can now set Pinned Collections, allowing you to quickly access your favorite albums or collections with just a tap. This update brings a fresh and streamlined approach to photo management, making it faster and more personalized to find and enjoy your photos.
Password Manager
iCloud Keychain has been a feature of Apple devices for a long time, but in iPadOS 18 it will turn into a dedicated Passwords app.
Customization
One of the most striking changes in iPadOS 18 is the newfound ability to fully customize your Home Screen pages. You can now add a color tint to app icons, giving them a uniform shade that matches your wallpaper, creating a seamless, personalized aesthetic. Additionally, icons no longer have to follow the restrictive grid system. You can place icons freely wherever you like without them snapping back to the next available spot, allowing for more creative layouts. You also have the option to resize icons, making them larger for better visibility or removing the app names beneath for a cleaner look.
In iPadOS 18, tapping and holding on an icon will bring up a revamped options menu. A standout feature is the ability to instantly turn an icon into a widget if one is available, giving you greater flexibility in how you interact with your apps. To enhance privacy, the new OS also lets you lock or hide certain apps from view, requiring Face ID or Touch ID to access them.
The Control Center has also been revamped, offering new customization options. Users can now add more controls to the list and even resize controls to suit their preferences. Additionally, third-party developers will be able to create their own custom controls, offering more ways to personalize and streamline the iPad experience.
iPadOS 18: Other features
There are plenty of exciting new features arriving with iPadOS 18 that will soon be available on your iPad this fall:
- Floating Navigation Bar: A small, quick-access tab bar will now be available across most of Apple’s apps, allowing you to stay in full-screen mode while still having access to essential navigation tools without interrupting your workflow.
- Game Mode: Designed to enhance gaming performance, this feature reduces in-game response time and improves overall performance. It also lowers the latency of Bluetooth controllers and reduces audio lag when wearing AirPods, delivering a smoother gaming experience.
- Messages: iPadOS 18 introduces text formatting to Messages, letting you customize your messages with bold, italics, and other styles. Tapbacks are also enhanced, allowing you to respond with any emoji, and a new feature lets you schedule messages to be sent at a specific time or date.
- Safari Updates: The updated Safari browser includes a new tool to quickly display highlights on a webpage, showing you the most relevant information. Additionally, the Reader mode has been improved with a summary of the page and a table of contents for easier navigation.
- SharePlay Updates: With the latest improvements, you can now share your screen and draw on it so others can follow along. If more direct assistance is needed, users can now allow you to remotely control their device, making collaboration and tech support easier.
- Freeform: The Freeform app introduces Scenes, a feature that allows users to move quickly between different areas of a document, improving workflow and organization.
- Privacy Enhancements: You now have more control over your data, with the ability to decide which contacts an app can access. The Privacy section of iPadOS has also been redesigned for easier navigation and clearer options.
With so many exciting features packed into iPadOS 18, upgrading to a newer iPad may be necessary to take full advantage of everything the update has to offer. To help you decide, check out our guides on the best iPad deals and best iPad Pro deals to see if you can grab a bargain on a new model ahead of the September release.
