Yesterday, Apple surprised everybody by announcing a revamped operating system for the iPad. Until yesterday, we were used to the iPad getting a slightly tweaked version of iOS but it always felt like iOS was not meant for iPad.
Well, that changed yesterday thanks to the announcement of iPadOS and this was long overdue from Apple. iPadOS seeks to transform the iPad to a proper desktop replacement, which has been a song that Apple has been touting as the reason for people to get the iPad in the first place. So what is new with iPad OS? Here is a run down.
- Slide Over and Split view which allows you to work with multiple apps on the iPad effortlessly.
- Apps in Multiple Spaces where you can work with the same app in split view
- App Exposé where you can see all the various windows you are currently engaged in.
- You can pin your widgets on your Homescreen.
- Floating keyboard that you can move around for quick one handed typing and more room for your apps.
- Install fonts from the App Store for use in your documents.
- Redesigned Files app which gives you a more detailed view of your files. Also includes more controls to do what you want with them.
- iCloud Drive Folder Sharing where you can collaborate on files and documents with shared folders.
- External drives support where you can connect your USB drives, SD card reader or external hard drive.
- New Photos Tab which will show you a curated view of your best moments from every day, month and year.
- Mouse support as an assistive touch feature.
iPad OS will be compatible with the 12.9 inch iPad Pro, 11 inch iPad Pro, 10.5 inch iPad Pro, 9.7 inch iPad Pro, 6th gen iPad, 5th gen iPad, 5th gen iPad mini, iPad mini 4, 3rd gen iPad Air and iPad Air 2.
The inclusion of all these features into iPadOS finally makes the iPad the laptop replacement Apple wanted the device to be. Features that we have enjoyed on PCs are now present here and it is a step in the right direction for the lineup. Add to the fact that certain iPads like the iPad Pros are more powerful than most laptops and the inclusion of fully featured productivity apps like Photoshop.
