iPadOS – iPad’s Latest Features Explained

Apple has been pretty busy this year unveiling a series of new tech, including the new iPhone 11 series, the magnificent A13 Bionic chip, and the iOS 13 operating software among others. Among this year’s many releases, the new iPad OS, iPad’s latest operating software, is one that has got iPad users across the world pretty excited.

Is the New iPadOS Out?

The new iPad OS, also known as iPad OS 13.1 was released a few weeks ago and is currently available to users for download and there are enough iPad users out there for this to be big news. The apple company sold over 43 million iPad units in the previous year according to reports, however, when it comes to global tablet sales, Apple’s market share has fluctuated in the past.

That said, an article published by The Verge online states that revenue earned via iPad sales is higher this year, than it was in 2018 at roughly the same time. So what does the new iPadOS have in store for users? Let’s find out!

What are the Features of The New iPad?

For those of you who may not be aware of this, the new iPad OS is actually the first dedicated operating software designed specifically to be run on iPad devices. Apple has peppered the new operating software with a number of features to help and facilitate users as well as many that impress and entertain.

Here are some of the new features you can expect to have access to when you update to the new iPad OS.

Safari

One of the updates of the new iPad OS involves optimization of the built in Safari browser. Safari is now capable of loading full size versions of websites as opposed to condensed ones that can sometimes become inconvenient.

Apart from this, the updated Safari browser allows users to select between regular and desktop views for websites and can also access a download manager making file tracking a lot simpler.

Multitasking Features

If you’re an iPad user, you probably remember the Slide Over feature which would allow app dragging as well as screen placement or floating. The upgraded Slide Over feature allows users to float multiple apps at a time as well as multitask by opening overlapping and twin windows (to run two separate apps).

The Slide Over feature being a lot more flexible than it was previously, allows users to zip through apps maximizing relevant ones as needed. Apart from this, there are other shortcuts and buttons that help make Slide Over navigation simple.

Besides the Slide Over improvements, split screen features are also among those introduced with the new iPad OS. This feature allows users to open and operate numerous windows, even if they belong to the same app and operate them simultaneously.

Home Screen Facelift

The home screen configuration for the iPad has also been altered with the introduction of the new iPad OS. Apart from improved spatial utilization (as the iOS used is no longer generically programmed for iPhones and iPads alike), the new home screen is a lot more customizable than previous versions.

Customizations include the addition of widgets and shortcuts, increased home screen space and a sidebar to help with organization.

Dark Mode

The dark mode feature is something that many developers including Apple seem to be introducing to their devices and systems this year. The dark mode feature on the new iPad OS can be turned on indefinitely but can also be set to turn on according to the time of the day.

This is great as users need not be bound to use dark mode during the day as the interface auto switches to the same according to user defined settings.

Sidecar

Here’s another fun and exciting new iPad OS feature which is due to impress Mac users in particular. To use this feature you will need access to a Mac which has the macOS Catalina feature downloaded and activated.

This feature allows your iPad to double up as a side or additional display for your Mac, however do remember that this only works if both your Mac and your iPad are registered on the same Apple ID.

Apart from additional screens, this feature also allows iPad owners to use their iPads as drawing tablets for stylus input, with the Mac acting as a main system. A pretty brilliant feature if you ask us!

Text Editing

Text editing has become a lot simpler due to features introduced via iPad OS. Upgraded text editing features include:

• The ability to use your cursor to pick up words and drag them to wherever on the document they may be needed.
• Selection of text sections by a simple finger dragging motion.
• Triple tap quick selection of sentences.
• Double tap quick selection of words.
• Quadruple (X4) taps for quick selection of an entire paragraph.

Apart from the actions listed above, the new iPad OS also offers a three finger pinch and un-pinch shortcuts for copying and pasting, three finger undo swiping and quick keyboard features that allow for swipe typing.

Upgraded Files App

The files app is now going to be capable of direct cloud sharing via the introduction of a new cloud folder to supplement the original downloads folder which has also been upgraded. Users will now be able to remotely access files located in other synced devices as well as enjoy the convenience of real-time file syncing.

Font Management

Finally, iPad users will now have access to numerous font options that can be paid for and downloaded via the Apple Store. These can be used in both documentation and graphic designing without the need to physically sync to a desktop computer.

Compatibility

Below are the devices that will be able to access the new iPad OS:

• 5-inch iPad Pro
• 11-inch iPad Pro
• 9-inch iPad Pro
• 7-inch iPad Pro
• iPad (5th generation)
• iPad (6th generation)
• iPad (7th generation)
• iPad Air (3rd generation)
• iPad Air 2
• iPad mini (5th generation)
• iPad mini 4

Our Two Cents

As you can see, Apple has yet again delivered on making life simpler and device functions more efficient for iPad users. The new iPad OS will probably be the latest in such operating software until the unveiling of Apple’s new technology next year.

Apart from keeping with their standard of technological excellence, the Apple Company also seems to be making an effort to penetrate the Android market by offering beginner level devices and looking into ways that they can make their software more accessible and hence easier to promote.

Other companies such as Google and Huawei have recently introduced some fine tech of their own to the market which has likely helped to keep Apple on its toes. The new iPad OS is just one example of the efforts the company seems to be making.

In a nutshell, if you’re someone who owns an iPad that is compatible with the new iPad OS, you’re probably going to have a great time getting your head around the new and fun features that have been introduced! Furthermore, if all goes well, accessibility on your device will only get better.

Let’s wait and see what interesting upgrades the Apple Company brings forth next year!