iPadOS was first announced at Apple’s WWDC 2019 conference as a new operating system for Apple’s iPad which used iOS. Basically, iPadOS builds on the same foundation as iOS, adding intuitive features specific to the large display of iPad. Now, Apple iPadOS is available for iPad Air 2 and later and iPad mini 4 and later. iPadOS has a new Home screen layout with icons arranged in a tighter grid to give you more room for apps and information.
What’s new in iPadOS
Split View and Slide Over
Split View allows you to work on multiple files and documents simultaneously while using the same app for multiple purposes.
With Slide Over, you can quickly move between apps by swiping along the bottom. You can also swipe up to see all the apps in Slide Over and make it full screen by dragging it to the top.
You can also open a window from the same app in multiple spaces so you can work on different projects across your iPad. The updated App Switcher shows all spaces and windows for all apps along with title windows and the App Exposé allows you to see all the open windows for an app by tapping its icon in the Dock.
Updates to Apple Pencil
Apple Pencil integration now brings more natural customizations to iPadOS. The latency has been reduced to 9 milliseconds and tool palette has been redesigned. You can drag it to either side of the screen, or minimize it in the corner so you have more room for your content. Apple Pencil also has a pixel eraser and a ruler. You can also quickly take a screenshot using Apple Pencil by dragging it from either bottom corner.
Improvements in the Files app
The Files app gets a major improvement and iCloud Drive support for folder sharing. You can now access files on a USB drive, SD card, or hard drive. You can also share folders with friends, family, and colleagues in iCloud Drive. You can also easily browse files deep in nested folders in the new Column View. Quick Actions makes it easy to rotate, mark up, or create a PDF in the Files app.
Improved Text Editing
Text editing on the iPad receives a major update with iPadOS. With Scroll bar scrubbing, you can instantly navigate long documents, web pages, and conversations. You can also select text just by tapping and swiping. You can double-tap to quickly select addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and more. With a simple three‑finger swipe to the left, you can undo gestures or redo by swiping three fingers to the right. You can also quickly select email messages, files, and folders by tapping with two fingers and dragging.
Other updates in iPadOS
- You can use your iPad as a second display for additional screen space.
- New Dark Mode option for low-light environments
- New Photos tab lets you browse your photo library with different levels of curation
- Apps launch is up to 2x faster and unlocking the iPad Pro is up to 30 percent faster
- Support for Apple Arcade, a game subscription service with over 100 amazing new games, all with no ads or additional purchases.
Bug in iPadOS grants third-party keyboards full access
Apple has warned its users that a bug has been found in iOS and iPadOS that can result in keyboard extensions being granted full access even if you haven’t approved this access. This issue does not impact Apple’s built-in keyboards. It also doesn’t impact third-party keyboards that don’t make use of full access. Apple says that the issue will be fixed soon in an upcoming software update.
These are a select few updates. For more information read the detailed coverage on Apple iPadOS.
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