iPadOS 18 Public Beta in Action (Video)

The iPadOS 18 public beta introduces a number of updates and customization options designed to significantly improve the user experience. This release focuses on key areas like the Home screen, Control Center, Lock screen, and several built-in apps like Calculator, Notes, and Files. These improvements are intended to give users more flexibility, efficiency, and functionality when using their iPadOS devices. The video below by Christopher Lawley gives us a detailed look at some of the new features in the first iPadOS 18 public beta.

Home Screen Personalization: Personalize your device like never before

One of the most noticeable changes in iPadOS 18 is the ability to freely place icons and widgets anywhere on your Home screen. This new level of personalization lets you create a truly personalized layout that suits your preferences and needs. The addition of an edit button makes it easy to add widgets and rearrange your Home screen to suit your tastes. iPadOS 18 also offers a variety of options for how your Home screen looks. You can choose between Light, Dark, and Auto modes to match your style or adjust it to your ambient lighting conditions. The update also introduces tint filter option, which lets you apply a subtle color overlay to your home screen for a unique look. Additionally, large icon mode and a wallpaper dimmer feature provide further personalization options.

Control Center Redesign: Customize and Expand Your Quick Settings

Control Center in iPadOS 18 has been given a major overhaul, now offering full customization and support for multiple pages and third-party controls. You can easily edit Control Center right in the interface, adding toggles, controls, and even support for third-party apps to fit your needs. The updated Control Center lets you resize controls, giving you the flexibility to prioritize the settings and shortcuts that matter most to you. Plus, the ability to add multiple pages lets you organize controls into different categories or frequently used sets, making accessing the settings you want faster and more convenient.

Lock screen updates: customizable buttons and quick access to Control Center

iPadOS 18 introduces a new level of Lock screen personalization by letting you change the buttons at the bottom to suit your preferences. This means you can now quickly access your favorite apps or features right from the Lock screen. Additionally, you can now access Control Center features right from the Lock screen, eliminating the need to unlock your device to perform common tasks. Lock screen personalization options also include different focus modes, letting you customize the buttons and appearance based on the current focus setting.

Calculator app improvements: scientific calculation and math notes integration

The Calculator app in iPadOS 18 has received significant improvements, including the introduction of Scientific calculator option. This extension allows users to perform more advanced calculations directly in the app. Another exciting addition is the new Math Notes feature, which lets you solve written equations using the Calculator app. These Math Notes can sync seamlessly with the Notes app, providing a convenient way to track calculations and related information.

Notes app improvements: improved text manipulation and audio recording

The Notes app in iPadOS 18 introduces several new features that make taking notes more efficient:

• Collapse sections of text notes for better organization and readability
• Highlight typed text to highlight important information
• Create audio recordings with live transcription for easy searching and referencing
• Use Smart Script to refine and improve handwritten text recognition

These improvements are designed to make the Notes app more versatile and powerful, adapting it to different note-taking styles and preferences.

Files app updates: Local pinning and external drive formatting

The Files app in iPadOS 18 introduces the ability to pin files and folders from iCloud, ensuring they’re always available locally on your device. This feature is especially useful for frequently used files or when you need to work offline. Additionally, the Files app now supports formatting external drives with options like APFS and ExFAT. This improvement gives you more flexibility when working with external storage devices, letting you choose the most appropriate file system for your needs. The iPadOS 18 Public Beta introduces a wealth of updates and customization options that together aim to deliver a more personalized, powerful, and feature-rich user experience on iPadOS devices. From a highly customizable Home screen and Control Center to improved Calculator, Notes, and Files apps, this release lets users customize their devices to suit their specific needs and workflows. As you explore the iPadOS 18 Public Beta, you’ll discover a more intuitive and powerful operating system that adapts to your preferences and boosts your productivity.

Source and image credit: Christopher Lawley

Filed under: Apple, Apple iPad, Top News

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