It was a bright morning when I finally got my hands on the iPadOS 18 public beta. The anticipation had been building for weeks, and now the wait was over. With a sense of excitement, I sat down with my iPad Pro and prepared to dive into the latest and greatest that Apple had to offer. As I navigated through the setup process, I couldn’t help but feel like a pioneer, venturing into uncharted territory. If you’re ready to explore the wonders of iPadOS 18, join me on this journey as we discover the top ten new features that make this update truly awesome.
Dark Mode and Customizable Home Screen
The first thing that caught my eye was the revamped dark mode and home screen customization options. Long pressing on the home screen and entering what some call “wiggle mode” or “jiggle mode” (leave a comment below with your preference) revealed a new “customize” button. This button unlocked a plethora of options, starting with the ability to toggle between dark mode, light mode, and a new “tinted” mode. Tinted mode color-matches your icons with your wallpaper, giving your iPad a cohesive and personalized look. You can even adjust the saturation and pick a custom color if you prefer. The addition of large icons was another welcome change, making everything more accessible without sacrificing screen real estate.
Enhanced Control Center
Next, I explored the redesigned Control Center. It retained the familiar blurred background and opacity but introduced several new features. A power button allowed for quick shutdowns, and a plus button enabled adding more widgets. Multiple pages in the Control Center now let you manage media, home accessories, and connectivity options more efficiently. The ability to customize and organize widgets in different sizes provided a tailored experience, ensuring that everything I needed was just a swipe away.
Redesigned Photos App
The Photos app received a significant overhaul, merging everything into one clean view. Gone were the bottom tabs; instead, a left-hand menu provided access to categories like favorites, videos, and albums. The “recent day” view broke down photos by day, making it easier to find specific moments. The new layout felt intuitive and streamlined, perfect for managing my growing photo library.
New Calculator App
One of the most exciting additions was the new calculator app, finally making its debut on the iPad. It offered a basic version for simple calculations, a scientific calculator for more complex equations, and a groundbreaking “math notes” feature. With math notes, I could solve problems and graph equations in real time, using the Apple Pencil for precision. This feature alone felt like a game-changer, especially for students and professionals dealing with math regularly.
Improved Notes App
The Notes app also saw some impressive upgrades. It now included math-solving capabilities, similar to the calculator’s math notes. Additionally, it could transcribe audio in real time, making it easier to capture and organize spoken information. Another standout feature was the ability to correct and beautify handwriting while retaining the writer’s unique style. This combination of functionality and personalization made the Notes app more powerful than ever.
App Lock and Hidden Folder
Security and privacy were addressed with new app lock and hidden folder features. By long pressing an app, I could now require Face ID for access, ensuring that my sensitive information stayed protected. The option to hide apps and require Face ID to reveal them added another layer of security. This feature was perfect for keeping prying eyes away from personal apps and data.
Dedicated Passwords App
Managing passwords became more straightforward with the introduction of a dedicated passwords app. Previously part of the settings, this app now stood alone, offering features like passkey management, Wi-Fi sharing via QR codes, and security warnings for reused passwords. It streamlined password management, making it easier to keep my accounts secure.
TV App Insights
The TV app received a nifty new feature called “Insights,” similar to Amazon Prime’s X-Ray. While watching a show, tapping the insights button revealed information about the actors on screen, their filmography, and more. It added an interactive element to my viewing experience, making it easier to learn about the talent behind my favorite shows.
Remote Device Control via FaceTime
One of the most practical additions was the ability to control another iDevice via FaceTime. Whether helping a family member troubleshoot an issue or guiding someone through a setup process, this feature allowed for screen sharing and remote control. It turned me into a tech support wizard, capable of solving problems from afar.
Membership and Exclusive Content
Before wrapping up, I want to mention the benefits of joining my channel membership. Members gain access to exclusive content like downloadable wallpapers and live podcast shows. If you’re interested, check out the link in the description below. Your support helps me continue creating content and exploring new tech like iPadOS 18.
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Conclusion
As I wrapped up my exploration of iPadOS 18, I couldn’t help but feel excited about the future of the iPad. With features like a customizable home screen, enhanced control center, and powerful new apps, Apple had once again pushed the boundaries of what a tablet could do. Whether you’re a student, professional, or tech enthusiast, iPadOS 18 has something for everyone. So go ahead, take the plunge, and experience the magic of iPadOS 18 for yourself. And remember, for all your tech repair needs, trust Gadget Kings PRS to keep your devices in top shape.