I’ve been exploring the iPadOS 18 (beta) update, and I’m impressed with how Apple has enhanced the iPad experience, especially for someone like me who uses it for both work and play. This update is packed with new features that improve productivity, customization, and user control, so let me share my thoughts on the key highlights.
Customization: Making My iPad Truly Mine
iPadOS 18 (beta) shines when it comes to customization. The new Dark look for app icons and widgets is sleek and my personal favourite, and being able to tint them with any colour or let iPadOS suggest a colour that complements my wallpaper is a nice touch.
I love that I can now rearrange apps and widgets exactly where I want them on each page. It lets me showcase my wallpaper and gives my Home Screen a fresh, personal look. Plus, the option to make apps and widgets appear larger is great for accessibility and just looks cool.
The new locked and hidden apps feature is a big deal for me. I often lend my iPad to others, and now I can protect sensitive apps and information easily, which gives me peace of mind.
Calculator: Finally, and Worth the Wait
I’ve always wondered why the iPad didn’t have its own Calculator app, but iPadOS 18 (beta) finally delivers.
And it’s not just a basic calculator. The app is beautifully optimized for the iPad’s larger display, offering basic and scientific calculators. I particularly love the new tools like the history log and unit conversion feature.
In addition, Math Notes make it much easier to calculate my equations on the fly, which is handy for both work and everyday tasks. The instantaneous response is something I appreciate.
Control Centre: Even More Control
The Control Centre redesign is another feature I’m enjoying. A single swipe down on the Home Screen now gives me grouped controls, which I can customize to fit my needs. The Controls gallery is super useful—I can add controls from my favourite apps, resize them, and even create custom groups.
This level of customization makes sure that everything I need is just a swipe away, making my iPad experience smoother and more efficient.
Photos: Memories and Personalization
The updated Photos app creates personalised memories, automatically generating memory movies from my favourite moments.
These movies are crafted with a combination of my photos and videos, set to music, and can be customised to my liking. It’s a delightful way to revisit and share my cherished memories.
Game Mode: A Boost for Gaming
As someone who enjoys gaming on my iPad, the new Game Mode is a welcome addition. It optimizes performance by minimizing background activity, which means I can enjoy consistently high frame rates, even during long gaming sessions.
Whether I’m diving into a graphic-intensive game or just passing time with simpler titles, Game Mode keeps everything running smoothly. Check out my gameplay on my favourite games, Genshin Impact and Asphalt 8!
Apps: A Cleaner, More Secure Experience
Apple has also made some nice tweaks to app interfaces and privacy settings. The redesigned tab bar that floats above content helps me stay focused on what I’m doing, and the updated Privacy and Security settings make it easier to manage my data.
I appreciate how straightforward it is to control what information I’m sharing with apps, keeping my data secure.
Apple Intelligence
Unfortunately, I’m unable to try the latest Apple Intelligence features, as they’re only available in the U.S. for now. I can’t wait to get my hands on them soon.
For those with iPad Pro and iPad Air models with M1 and later, Apple Intelligence is set to be a game-changer. It uses your context to offer the most helpful and relevant insights tailored just for you.
Apple Intelligence brings new tools for writing, focus, and communication, helping you craft and summarize text and prioritize notifications. It also offers delightful image creation, letting you generate unique images or memory movies. Plus, Siri is getting smarter, with richer language understanding and better awareness of your context, making it more capable than ever.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with iPadOS 18 (beta), I’m impressed with the improvements Apple has made. The update enhances everything from note-taking and calculations to customization and gaming, making my iPad an even more powerful tool. Apple has thought carefully about how to make the iPad experience more personal, efficient, and secure.
iPadOS 18 is compatible with a wide range of devices, ensuring that both older and newer iPads can take advantage of the latest features. Here’s a list of the iPads that support 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)
