Apple Unveils iPadOS 18 With New Calculator App, Tab Bar, and More

Apple today previewed iPadOS 18, a major update to the operating system for the iPad that introduces a new Calendar app, a redesigned systemwide tab bar, and more.

ipados 18 math notes
‌iPadOS 18‌ brings over many of the new features and improvements introduced in iOS 18 to the ‌iPad‌ such as the redesigned Photos app and new Home Screen customization tools.

In ‌iPadOS 18‌, a new floating tab bar morphs into the navigation sidebar. The tab bar is also customizable to keep favourites within easy reach. It is available across the system. There is also a new document browser in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.

‌iPadOS 18‌ also brings the Calculator app to the ‌iPad‌ for the first time, with new features like history and unit conversions. Math notes allows users to solve expressions when writing with the Apple Pencil.

Math notes enable users to hand-write expressions and automatically calculate the answer, displaying it in handwriting that's like their own. Users can use basic or scientific math, and notes can be saved for later. Variables are supported, allowing you to solve algebraic equations. They can be edited to see results change in real time, and even generate a graph.

Notes has the same math capabilities from Calculator. Notes also gains new Smart Script capabilities that automatically improve your handwriting as you write.

SharePlay now allows users to tap and draw on the screen when sharing, and you can remotely control someone else's ‌iPad‌ or iPhone.

‌iPadOS 18‌ also includes refined animations across the UI, making them feel even more responsive. There are new APIs for developers to integrate these animations.

The first developer beta of ‌iPadOS 18‌ is available starting today, with a public beta following in July, and official release to the public in the fall.

Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

Popular Stories

2007 iPhone

Apple Discontinuing This 18-Year-Old iPhone Feature

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:51 pm PST by
The end of an 18-year era is on the horizon for the iPhone. Apple reportedly plans to announce a new iPhone SE as soon as next week, and the device is expected to feature a full-screen design with Face ID, instead of a Touch ID home button. That means Apple will no longer sell any new iPhone models with a home button, for the first time since the original iPhone launched. The home button...
iCloud General Feature Redux

iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Receive an All-New Perk

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:21 am PST by
If you pay for iCloud storage on your iPhone, Apple has a new perk for you, at no additional cost. iCloud+ is the official name for Apple's paid iCloud storage plans, which range from 50GB for $0.99 per month to 12TB for $59.99 per month in the United States. iCloud+ plans already come with multiple perks for free, such as Hide My Email and HomeKit Secure Video, and now there is another one...
imac video apple feature

Apple to Announce New Products Next Week

Saturday February 8, 2025 10:55 am PST by
Apple has yet to release any new devices in 2025, but at least two new products are expected to be announced next week, according to rumors. Below, we outline the new Apple products that are likely to be unveiled next week. iPhone SE 4 Apple plans to announce the long-rumored iPhone SE 4 as soon as next week, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The new iPhone SE is rumored to...
iOS 18

iOS 18.4 Will Include These New Features for Your iPhone

Wednesday February 5, 2025 7:15 am PST by
iOS 18.3 was released last month, so the first iOS 18.4 beta should be coming soon. iOS 18.4 is expected to be a more substantial update for the iPhone, with several new features and changes related to Apple Intelligence and beyond. Apple's website suggests that iOS 18.4 will be released in April, following beta testing. Below, we outline what to expect from the update so far. Apple...
oppo find n5 fingers

World's Thinnest Foldable Phone Launches Next Week

Monday February 10, 2025 3:05 am PST by
Oppo has confirmed a February 20 global launch for its Find N5, which the company claims is the world's thinnest device in the foldable phone category. The phone is expected to be re-branded as the OnePlus Open 2 in the US. The Chinese vendor has been teasing the device in the last few weeks, touting its waterproofing and nearly invisible display crease, and highlighting its thinness by compa...
apple silicon mac lineup 2024 feature purple

Apple Increases Mac Trade-In Values for a Limited Time

Sunday February 9, 2025 3:53 pm PST by
Apple today increased its estimated trade-in values for select Mac models in the United States, with the full changes outlined below. Apple says the extra trade-in credit for select Macs is available with the purchase of an eligible new Apple device through April 2. The trade-in values increased by between $10 and $50. Model New Value Old Value MacBook Pro Up to $925 ...
iPhone SE 4 Single Camera Thumb

iPhone SE 4 Launching as Soon as Next Week

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:30 pm PST by
Apple's next-generation iPhone SE could debut as soon as next week with a launch to follow later in February, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple isn't expected to hold an event for the iPhone SE 4, and will instead unveil the device through a press release. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to have an iPhone 14-style design, with Apple eliminating the thick bezels and Touch ID Home button of...
maxresdefault

iPhone SE 4 Launch is Imminent - What to Expect

Friday February 7, 2025 2:42 pm PST by
Apple's next-generation low-cost iPhone is almost here, with rumors suggesting we're going to see it introduced as soon as next Tuesday. With a release happening in the very near future, we thought we'd highlight everything we know about Apple's newest iPhone. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Design The iPhone SE 4 will look like the iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch ...

Top Rated Comments

JamesMay82 Avatar
9 months ago
I’m gutted! Still the same crap files app!
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
atoqir Avatar
9 months ago

this is crazy, same BS, i just got my m4 ipad, what a disappointment
Golden rule: Always buy products (whatever they are) with the features they offer when you buy them, not what they might offer someday.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pshady Avatar
9 months ago
Glad I got the M4 for the new calculator app.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lotzosushi Avatar
9 months ago
Everyone: This is gonna be Apple's biggest iPad OS update since the iPad was introduced!!

Apple: Here's a calculator.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Supermallet Avatar
9 months ago
So they debut the M4 chip with the iPad Pro and then make no improvements to features like Stage Manager? I'm not demanding MacOS on the iPad but good god Apple make it more functional for those of us who want to use the full power of the chips in these devices.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sofargone Avatar
9 months ago
what a joke, no new multitasking features or better files app, disappointed in apple! the worst ipados update to date
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)