iPadOS 18 Beta 1 review (video)

The release of iPadOS 18 Beta 1 marks another milestone in Apple’s ongoing efforts to improve the user experience, productivity and customization of iPad users. This update introduces a range of new features and improvements designed to make your everyday interactions with iPad more efficient, personal and enjoyable. While iPadOS 18 Beta 1 may not include groundbreaking changes for professional use or support for external monitors, it does focus on improving the core elements of the iPad experience. Nick Ackerman’s video below gives us a full look at the new iPadOS 18 beta 1.

Key features and improvements

One of the most noteworthy additions in iPadOS 18 Beta 1 is the introduction of features Apple’s official calculator app. This long-awaited feature provides not only basic calculation functions, but also a history function and math note support, allowing you to easily track and refer to previous calculations. The arrival of the calculator app brings the iPad closer to feature parity with its iPhone counterpart.

Home screen customization has been greatly improved in this update along with the rollout resizable widgets and color tinting options. These improvements give you more flexibility to personalize the iPad interface according to your preferences and needs. You can now adjust the size of widgets to display more or less information, and apply color tones to create a cohesive and visually appealing home screen layout.

Control Center has also been redesigned in iPadOS 18 Beta 1 and includes resizable controls and the ability to add additional pages. This change allows you to customize Control Center to include your most frequently used settings and shortcuts, streamlining access to the features you need.

• The official Apple calculator app with history and math notes
• Resizable widgets and dimming colors to customize your home screen
• Redesigned control center with resizable controls and additional pages

Productivity and safety improvements

iPadOS 18 Beta 1 includes several improvements aimed at increasing productivity and security. The settings layout has been improved to improve readability, making it easier to navigate and locate the options you want. Additionally, Face ID can now be used to lock and hide apps, providing an additional layer of privacy and security for sensitive information.

The Photos app has been redesigned with a new carousel view and advanced search filters. These changes make it easier to browse, organize, and locate specific images in your photo library. Freeform and Apple Notes also benefit from updates, including support for math notes and the ability to generate images, increasing their versatility as productivity tools.

• Improved settings layout for better readability
• Face ID support to lock and hide apps
• Redesigned Photos app with carousel view and search filters
• Math notes and image generation in Freeform and Apple Notes

iMessage and communication updates

iMessage, the primary messaging app on iPad, is getting some noteworthy updates in iPadOS 18 Beta 1. Introduction send function later allows you to schedule message delivery at a specific time, giving you greater control over your communication. New text effects and tapback features add clarity to your conversations.

Moreover, enabling RCS support increases compatibility with Android devices, ensuring a more seamless experience when communicating with users across platforms.

Game and entertainment improvements

For gaming enthusiasts, iPadOS 18 Beta 1 introduces a dedicated Game Mode that optimizes performance and reduces lag for smoother and more responsive gameplay. The update also brings improvements to wireless controller support, expanding the range of compatible gaming peripherals.

On the entertainment front, Fitness Plus is getting an update with a new tab bar and search feature, making it easier to find and access your favorite workouts. Apple TV Plus now offers real-time actor and music information, enhancing your viewing experience by providing contextual details about the content you’re watching.

Accessibility and navigation improvements

Accessibility remains a key topic in iPadOS 18 Beta 1, as it rolls out eye tracking support. This feature allows you to interact with iPad hands-free, making it more accessible to users with disabilities or limited mobility. Eye tracking opens up new possibilities for navigation, text input and application control.

Apple Maps is also getting an update, now including topographic hiking trail navigation with elevation and length details. This upgrade is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts who use iPads for navigation while hiking and exploring.

Compatibility and limitations

iPadOS 18 Beta 1 is compatible with many iPad models, including:

• iPad 7th generation or later
• iPad Mini 5th generation or later
• iPad Air 3rd generation or later
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation or later)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later)

However, please note that some features may require an M1 chip, which limits their availability on newer iPad models.

iPadOS 18 Beta 1 offers many improvements and new features, but has some limitations. The update does not include significant improvements for professional use or extended support for external monitors. Additionally, as with any beta release, users may encounter bugs and stability issues that will be addressed in future iterations.

The release of iPadOS 18 Beta 1 demonstrates Apple’s commitment to refining and improving iPad. With a focus on customization, productivity and accessibility, this update lays the foundation for a more personalized and efficient tablet experience. While iPadOS 18 Beta 1 won’t change professional workflows or introduce extensive support for external monitors, it does offer a solid set of improvements that meet the needs of everyday iPad users. As beta releases continue and the final version approaches, we can expect further improvements and optimizations that will further solidify iPad’s position as a versatile and powerful device for both work and play.

Source and photo: Nick Ackerman

Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPad

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