If you’ve owned an iPad, one of the most frustrating things about it is that it does not have an actual calculator app–for 14 years, the calculator app is exclusive to iOS devices like the iPhone. Apple is finally solving that issue with iPadOS 18, as iPads get the native calculator app it deserves.
Outside of the iPad finally having a calculator app, Apple made extra features to its Notes app with Math Notes–using your Apple Pencil, you can write complicated equations and the iPad will give you real-time solutions. This feature will be handy for students, as Math Notes supports variables and updates in real-time when you change inputs.
Speaking of Notes, you get SmartScript for refining your handwriting with machine learning to make it more legible while still maintaining your handwriting style–we presume that even the worst handwriting can benefit from this. Notes also has live audio transcription as well when you record audio.
And just like the AI overload we had at COMPUTEX 2024, Apple is also introducing AI features to iPadOS 18, branding it as “Apple Intelligence“. However, Apple Intelligence is available only on iPads with M1 or newer processors.
Other new features include a floating tab bar, a revamped Photos app, a “smarter” Siri, and more customization options for the control center and app icons.
iPadOS 18 is compatible with the following models:
- 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)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
