iPadOS 18: Release Date, Compatibility, and Features, Changelogs
Discover what’s new in iPadOS 18, its release date, and which iPads are supported.
Updated : 2 months ago
What’s New in iPadOS 18: Complete set of Change logs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Apple Intelligence | iPadOS 18 introduces Apple Intelligence on iPad Pro and iPad Air models with M1 and later. It provides personalized insights that are most helpful based on your context. Coming in beta in US English later this year. |
| Notes | With Handwriting and Smart Script, jot down thoughts quickly and have them smoothed out automatically. Highlight text with color for emphasis and clarity. |
| Calculator | The Calculator app now includes Math Notes, allowing users to evaluate expressions, assign variables, and plot graphs using Apple Pencil. The updated Calculator also introduces unit conversion and history features. |
| Customisation | Personalize your Home Screen by rearranging apps and widgets. App icons and widgets can now be tinted with any color, or iPadOS can suggest a color to match your wallpaper. |
| Photos | The Photos app has received its biggest-ever redesign, automatically organizing your library by topics like trips, people, and pets. Customization options allow you to reorder collections or pin items for quick access. |
| Messages | Type with flair using new animated effects in Messages. You can also schedule messages to be sent later using the Send Later feature, making sure important messages are delivered at the right time. |
| Game Mode | Game Mode minimizes background activity, maintaining consistently high frame rates for extended gameplay. It also reduces audio latency with AirPods and makes controllers more responsive. |
| Safari | Safari introduces Highlights, automatically detecting relevant information on web pages, such as people, music, and movies. The redesigned Reader mode provides a summary and table of contents for easy navigation. |
| Passwords app | Store all your credentials, from passwords to security alerts, in the Passwords app, which is securely synced across devices including iPhone, iPad, and Mac. |
| SharePlay | Tap and draw during screen sharing to guide others, or even control their screen remotely to help them accomplish tasks more easily. |
| Freeform | Freeform now includes Scenes to help organize and present boards section by section. Improved diagramming lets you connect shapes and ideas more easily, while snapping items to a grid keeps everything aligned. |
| Apps on iPad | Apps on iPadOS 18 feature a redesigned tab bar that floats above your app’s content, helping you stay focused. The updated Document Browser makes it quicker to find recent files in apps like Pages and Keynote. |
| AirPods | AirPods now support hands-free Siri interactions, where you can nod for "yes" or shake your head for "no." Voice Isolation on AirPods Pro ensures crystal-clear calls, even in noisy environments. |
| Privacy and Security | iPadOS 18 introduces a redesigned Privacy and Security settings menu, making it easier to control how much information you share with apps. You can now choose which contacts to share with specific apps. |
| Improved Bluetooth Privacy | App developers can now offer a new way to pair Bluetooth accessories while protecting sensitive information about nearby devices. |
| Accessibility | iPadOS 18 introduces Eye Tracking, enabling users to control their iPad with just their eyes. Vocal Shortcuts let users with atypical speech trigger actions by recording specific sounds. |
| Calendar | The Calendar app allows you to create, view, edit, and complete reminders from the Reminders app, offering a seamless experience for managing your schedule. |
| Maps | Maps now lets you browse thousands of hiking routes and save them for offline access. You can also create custom routes to plan your next adventure. |
| Apple TV app | The Apple TV app now includes InSight, providing real-time information about actors and music for Apple Original shows and movies as they play. InSight is also available when using iPhone as a remote for Apple TV 4K. |
| Home app | With guest access in the Home app, you can manage how and when people can enter your home, granting access to specific devices like alarm systems and door locks. You can also add robot vacuums to automations and Siri commands. |
Apple's iPadOS 18 brings a new level of performance and usability to iPads. With enhanced multitasking, improved widgets, and new features like intelligent search and call recording, iPadOS 18 is designed to provide a seamless experience for users. The Control Center has been redesigned with greater customization, and apps like Safari, Mail, and Photos have received major upgrades.
iPadOS 18 Release Date
Apple announced iPadOS 18 on June 10, 2024, during the WWDC event. The public release is expected on September 16, 2024. This update will be available globally, with Indian users receiving the update on the same day.
Compatibility: Supported Devices
iPadOS 18 will be compatible with several iPad models, including the iPad Pro (2021 and later), iPad Air (4th generation and later), and iPad mini (6th generation and later). Apple is also ensuring backward compatibility for some older models, though the performance improvements will be most noticeable on newer devices.
New Features in iPadOS 18
Here are some of the most exciting features of iPadOS 18: - Home Screen Customization: You can place icons anywhere on the grid and enjoy a new theme engine. - Redesigned Control Center: Multi-page support and third-party app integration. - App Improvements: Safari now includes WebEraser and intelligent search, while Mail, Photos, and Fitness apps have received significant upgrades. - AI Integration: AI-driven tools for a smoother user experience.
Changelogs and System Updates
iPadOS 18 introduces a fresh set of system updates, focusing on performance, security, and customization. New widgets, AI features, and a fully customizable Control Center make this the most advanced iPadOS yet. Call recording is finally supported natively.
Changelogs/New Features in iPadOS 18
| Feature/Change | Description |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Widgets | Widgets on the Home Screen now have more interactive capabilities, including access to system-wide actions. |
| Stage Manager Improvements | Multitasking features enhanced with smoother animations, better window management, and more app control. |
| Safari Updates | Safari introduces intelligent tracking prevention and better password management. Tab groups now support more robust collaboration tools. |
| Files App Redesign | Improved file management with more organization options, quick access, and new search capabilities. |
| Apple Pencil Enhancements | Expanded support for more gestures and use cases across apps like Notes, Mail, and Safari. |
| Improved Continuity Features | Better integration between iPad and other Apple devices for a seamless transition in workflows. |
Supported Devices
| Device |
|---|
| iPad Pro (all models) |
| iPad Air (5th and 4th generation) |
| iPad (10th, 9th, 8th generation) |
| iPad mini (6th and 5th generation) |
Frequently Asked Questions about iPadOS 18
1. What is the release date for iPadOS 18?
iPadOS 18 is expected to be released to the public on September 16, 2024. The update will roll out globally for all compatible iPad models.
2. How do I update my iPad to iPadOS 18?
To update to iPadOS 18, open the Settings app on your iPad, navigate to General > Software Update, and click “Download and Install” if the update is available.
3. Which iPads are compatible with iPadOS 18?
iPadOS 18 is compatible with iPad Pro models (M1 and later), iPad Air models (M1 and later), and newer iPad models released in 2023 and later.
4. What is Apple Intelligence in iPadOS 18?
Apple Intelligence is a new feature in iPadOS 18 that draws on your personal context to provide relevant insights and suggestions. It adapts based on your behavior and interactions with your device, making it more helpful in your daily tasks.
5. How does the new Calculator app work in iPadOS 18?
The updated Calculator app in iPadOS 18 supports Apple Pencil for evaluating expressions, plotting graphs, and performing inline calculations. It also includes tools like unit conversion and history tracking for efficient calculations.
6. How can I customize my Home Screen in iPadOS 18?
iPadOS 18 allows users to rearrange apps and widgets anywhere on the Home Screen, tint app icons, and create a personalized look that complements your wallpaper.
7. How do I enable Game Mode in iPadOS 18?
Game Mode in iPadOS 18 can be enabled from the Control Center or the Settings app. Once activated, it minimizes background activity to sustain high frame rates, improves AirPods responsiveness, and optimizes controller input for better gameplay.
8. What’s new in Messages in iPadOS 18?
Messages in iPadOS 18 introduces new animated text effects, allowing you to apply playful designs to text, letters, and emojis. The “Send Later” feature lets you schedule messages to be sent at a specific time.
9. How do I save maps for offline use in iPadOS 18?
iPadOS 18 allows users to save maps, including hiking routes, for offline access. Simply open the Maps app, select a route, and save it for offline use to ensure you can access it even without an internet connection.
10. How do I access real-time actor and music information in the Apple TV app?
The Apple TV app in iPadOS 18 introduces the InSight feature, which provides real-time information about actors and music for Apple Original shows and movies as they play. InSight is also available when using iPhone as a remote for Apple TV 4K.
11. What are Smart Script and Handwriting features in iPadOS 18?
Smart Script in iPadOS 18 allows you to jot down handwritten notes quickly, and the system automatically smooths out your writing. You can also highlight and organize text using colors for better clarity and emphasis.
12. How do I manage reminders in the Calendar app in iPadOS 18?
The Calendar app in iPadOS 18 allows you to create, view, edit, and complete reminders from the Reminders app directly within the calendar interface, making it easier to manage your schedule.
13. How does the Photos app organize my photos in iPadOS 18?
The Photos app in iPadOS 18 automatically organizes your photo library by helpful topics such as trips, people, and pets, making it easier to find your favorite memories quickly.
14. Can I hide apps on my iPad running iPadOS 18?
Yes, iPadOS 18 introduces the ability to lock and hide sensitive apps, ensuring that they remain private and protected when others use your device.
15. What is Live Voicemail in iPadOS 18?
Live Voicemail in iPadOS 18 provides real-time transcription of voicemail messages as they are being left, allowing you to read the message and decide whether to pick up the call or let the voicemail finish recording.
16. How do I manage Privacy and Security settings in iPadOS 18?
iPadOS 18 features a redesigned Privacy and Security settings menu, making it easier to manage what information apps have access to. You can now choose which contacts to share with specific apps, rather than giving access to your entire contact list.
17. Can I customize the Control Center in iPadOS 18?
Yes, iPadOS 18 allows you to customize the Control Center by adding controls from the gallery, resizing controls, and even creating groups of controls for quick access.
18. How does SharePlay work in iPadOS 18?
SharePlay in iPadOS 18 lets you share your screen with friends and family, allowing them to draw on your screen to highlight actions or control your screen to help with tasks.
19. How do I sync passwords across my devices with the Passwords app?
The Passwords app in iPadOS 18 securely stores your credentials, passwords, and security alerts, which are synced across all your Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
20. Can I use Voice Isolation on AirPods Pro in iPadOS 18?
Yes, iPadOS 18 introduces Voice Isolation for AirPods Pro, ensuring crystal-clear calls even in windy conditions or noisy environments through advanced computational audio technology.
