Here are iPadOS 18 Features and Compatible iPads

Apple today previewed iPadOS 18 and there’s a lot of overlap of features from iOS 18 and also new Apple Intelligence features.

But the biggest news of course, is a freaking Calculator app for iPad, finally. How long did that take you Apple (14 years but who’s counting)?

“Our most versatile device is becoming even more powerful and intelligent than ever with iPadOS 18,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, in a statement. “With fun new ways to personalize the Home Screen, a redesigned Photos experience, major updates to the Notes app, the addition of Calculator with Math Notes, and the groundbreaking introduction of Apple Intelligence, iPadOS 18 brings incredible new features designed for the unique capabilities of iPad, making it even easier for users to get tasks done.”

Here are all the features from iPadOS 18 shared today by Apple at WWDC…

Personalized Spatial Audio for Gaming:

• The same immersive experience that has transformed music and movies now enhances your favorite games.
• Game developers are using a new API to bring this experience to games with advanced sound design.
• Voice quality improvements for in-game chat and streaming deliver 16-bit, 48kHz audio and support for dynamic head tracking.
• AirPods Pro now offer the best wireless audio latency ever for mobile gaming, giving you an edge.

AirPods:

• Hands-free Siri Interactions: Say yes with a nod or no with a shake. With Siri Interactions on AirPods Pro (2nd generation), you can respond to Siri without speaking out loud.

Notes:

• Highlighting: Make text stand out with color.
• Math Notes: Crunch numbers, evaluate expressions, and assign variables — right from Notes. The app solves expressions inline as soon as you type an equals sign.
• Custom Walking and Hiking Routes: Create and save custom walking and hiking routes with just a few clicks.

Messages:

• All-new ways to play with text: Type with tone, flair, and feeling. Add playful, animated effects to any letter, word, phrase, or emoji in iMessage.
• Tapback with any emoji or sticker: Express yourself in more ways than ever.
• Schedule a message with Send Later: Schedule a message to send at a specified time.

Passwords App:

• All your credentials in one place: Securely store passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes in the Passwords app.
• Securely synced across devices and apps: Works across Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and Windows.

Safari:

• Introducing Highlights: Quickly pull up relevant info from a site. Safari will automatically detect and highlight relevant information on a page.
• Tiling with keyboard and menu shortcuts: Lay out your workspace on the fly with keyboard shortcuts and menu options.

Continuity:

• Use your iPhone from your Mac: View and control your iPhone from your Mac with iPhone Mirroring.
• iPhone notifications on Mac: Catch iPhone notifications alongside Mac notifications.
• Seamless drag and drop between devices: Move files, photos, and videos between iPhone and Mac easily.

Productivity:

• Easy window tiling: Arrange windows into side-by-side tiles or place them in corners.
• Presenter preview: See what you’re sharing in video calling apps before displaying it.
• Background replacements: Replace backgrounds with built-in options or your own photos.

Maps:

• Topographic maps and trail networks: Detailed maps with trail networks and hikes in all 63 U.S. national parks. What about Canadian parks? Maybe one day soon.
• Save hikes for offline access: Browse and save hikes for offline use.

AirPods:

• Hands-free Siri Interactions: Respond to Siri with a nod or shake.
• Voice Isolation on AirPods Pro: Ensure clear calls in noisy environments.
• Personalized Spatial Audio for gaming: Enhanced immersive experience for gaming.

Photos:

• Swipe right for the new Carousel: Best content curated daily.
• Highlighting: Mark up notes with color.

Fitness+:

• Personalized and redesigned experience: Jump into workouts or meditations tailored to you. Enhanced search features for easier navigation.

Home App:

• Guest access: Manage entry permissions and schedules.
• Robot vacuum cleaners: Add and control robot vacuums in the Home app.
• Electricity Usage and Rates: Access and understand home electricity use.

Privacy and Security:

• Control how you share contacts with apps: Decide which contacts to share with apps.
• Redesigned Privacy and Security settings: Manage shared information easily.
• Improved Bluetooth privacy: Pair accessories while protecting nearby device information.

Additional Features:

• Accessibility: Eye Tracking and Vocal Shortcuts.
• Calendar: Create, view, edit, and complete reminders.
• Fitness+: Personalized workout selections.
• Apple TV App: Real-time actor and music information for Apple Original content.

As for iPadOS 18 compatible devices? These iPads will be able to install iPadOS 18: 

• 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)

What iPads missed the cut? iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd-gen (2017) and iPad 6th-gen (2018).