Successful update with one major omission

With the iPadOS 18 beta cycle coming to a close, it’s almost time to update your iPad to the latest version. Unlike in previous years, when Apple chose to focus on Stage Manager, Universal Control, and Sidecar with integrations for both Mac and macOS, the latest version of iPadOS forges a new path by focusing on improving what already makes the iPad shine.

In our iPadOS 18 review, we cover the good, the bad, and the in-between of Apple’s latest iPad software update, including the lack of Apple Intelligence (at least for now).

Initial thoughts

Photo credit: José Adorno for BGR

Before I get into my iPadOS 18 review, I have to say that this is going to be a little different than my iOS 18 review, mostly because these software updates offer many of the same features. (Read our iOS 18 review to learn more about the Home screen redesign, as well as the privacy, Messages, and Photos features.) That said, I think iPadOS deserves its own review, especially after all the hype surrounding the M4 iPad Pro, which I’m using to write this review.

As always, our intuition was right. Even though people were excited about the possibilities iPadOS 18 could unlock for the iPad Pro M4, Apple created this update for for everyone, not just for those who have purchased the most sophisticated equipment available on the market.

However, even though the M4 iPad Pro doesn’t have any of the exclusive iPadOS 18 features, it can still benefit from this new software update. With that in mind, let’s get into our iPadOS 18 review.

Calculator app is now available

Photo credit: José Adorno for BGR

It took Apple 14 years to release the Calculator app for iPad. At first glance, it looks similar to what you would expect from Apple’s Calculator app. However, it brings a completely new Math notes a feature that allows users to type or write mathematical expressions and instantly see their solution using handwriting.

This feature can be used in the Calculator app or with the Notes app and Apple Pencil (though Pencil isn’t actually necessary). Math Notes can assign values ​​to variables when teaching new concepts in class, calculating a budget, and more.

With the new charting feature, users can type or enter an equation and insert a chart with a single tap. They can even add multiple equations to a chart to see how they are related. Math notes are automatically available in the Notes app in the new Math Notes folder.

Smart Script is the main advantage of iPadOS 18

Photo credit: José Adorno for BGR

Smart Script isn’t for everyone. However, if you’re in school or just love to learn or write, this feature takes your iPad experience to the next level. I swapped my notebook for my iPad Pro M4 for my Italian class and I love it.

To be honest, my handwriting isn’t the best, so Smart Script makes it more fluid and easier to read. What makes it so special is that this iPadOS 18 feature is built on the foundation of Scribble, making editing handwritten text as easy as editing typed text.

I love the ability to add spaces, strike through sentences, underline, highlight, paste what I wrote into the text, and even resize and move paragraphs.

For added convenience, users can now organize the content of their notes by collapsing sections under headings or subheadings. For information that needs to stand out, users can now choose from five new highlight colors for text. I highly recommend checking out all the features coming to the Notes app here.

The game mode stands out

Image Source: Jonathan S. Geller

Originally available as a feature in macOS Sonoma, Game Mode is now available for devices running iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. Game Mode minimizes background activity to maintain consistently high frame rates for hours of continuous gameplay, allowing gamers to take advantage of Apple’s most powerful chips.

In addition, in an update coming this fall, Apple will add personalized surround sound for gaming. AirPods Pro 2 will offer 16-bit, 48 kHz audio and support for dynamic head tracking while reducing latency for a more realistic gaming experience. Titles like Need for Speed: Mobile from Tencent Games and EA will support this feature.

I used the game mode with Genshin Influence and the PS5 controller, and the experience is simply wonderful. While I could have cranked up the game settings, I found the M4 chip to provide smooth gameplay without seriously affecting battery life or making the iPad too hot. Honestly, I hope the iPhone 16 Pro has a similar experience, as the iPhone 15 Pro overheats after just 30 minutes of gameplay.

Even more improvements in iPadOS 18

Here are some other notable features coming to iPadOS 18 that are worth keeping an eye on:

• SharePlay gets even better with powerful screen sharing updates. In FaceTime, users can tap and draw on the screen to indicate what to do on the other device;
• WITH Any formUsers can create scenes to organize sections of the board by topic or easily present content by quickly navigating through it.
• Calendar becomes more helpful by showing both events and tasks from Reminders. Users can create, edit, and complete reminders directly from Calendar;
• Reminders get new tools including the ability to view, create, and edit right from the Calendar app, access recently deleted lists, and find subtasks in smart lists for quick access.

Apple Intelligence and Other Missing Features

Photo credit: José Adorno for BGR

As we near the end of this iPadOS 18 review, it’s important to note that Apple Intelligence is still nowhere to be found. Apple says it will be released in beta this fall alongside iPadOS 18.1. That said, I tested this build on my iPad Pro and it was interesting.

Writing Tools is the most important feature so far. I used it to proofread my articles. Apple recently added a summary to notifications and a Clean Up tool for images, but I’m still not convinced that it’s enough to make Apple Intelligence stand out.

While I’m looking forward to Genmoji and Image Playground, I don’t believe they’ll suddenly make Apple Intelligence something amazing.

Finally, I wish Apple would continue to introduce new Stage Manager, Universal Control, and Sidecar features, but it seems like the company is focusing on something else.

Device Compatibility

With iPadOS 17, Apple cut off the iPad 5 and the first-generation iPad Pro for this operating system. With iPadOS 18, Apple has removed even more iPad models. Here are the supported devices:

• iPad Pro (2018 or later)
• iPad Air 3 or later
• iPad mini 5 or later
• iPad 7th generation or newer

iPadOS 18 Review Summary

Photo credit: José Adorno for BGR

Overall, iPadOS 18 is a solid update. It adds some valuable features and improves what the iPad can do with Smart Script, the Notes app, and a host of other changes.

While I still believe Apple will continue to improve the iPad as a laptop replacement, I also appreciate that the company is making its tablets feel more like tablets with iPadOS 18.

Below, you can learn more about the features coming to iPadOS 18 in the coming months.