iPadOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc. for its iPad line of tablet computers. It was given a name distinct from iOS, the operating system used by Apple's iPhones to reflect the diverging features of the two product lines, such as multitasking. It was introduced as iPadOS 13, reflecting its status as the successor to iOS 12 for the iPad, and first released to the public on September 24, 2019.[8]Major versions of iPadOS are released annually; the current stable version, iPadOS 18, was released to the public on September 16, 2024.
The first iPad was introduced on January 10, 2010, and ran iPhone OS 3.2, which added support for the larger device to the operating system, previously only used on the iPhone and its smaller counterpart, the iPod Touch. This shared operating system was rebranded as iOS with the release of iOS 4[9] in June 2010.
The operating system initially had rough feature parity running on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad, with variations in user interface depending on screen size, and minor differences in the selection of apps included.[10] However, over time, the variant of iOS for the iPad incorporated a growing set of differentiating features, such as picture-in-picture, the ability to display multiple running apps simultaneously (both introduced with iOS 9 in 2015), drag and drop, and a dock that more closely resembled the dock from macOS than the one on the iPhone (added in 2017 with iOS 11). Standard iPad apps were increasingly designed to support the optional use of a physical keyboard.
To emphasize the different feature set available on the iPad, and to signal their intention to develop the platforms in divergent directions, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2019, Apple announced that the variant of iOS that runs on the iPad would be rebranded as "iPadOS". The new naming strategy began with iPadOS 13.1, in 2019.[8]
On June 22, 2020, at WWDC 2020, Apple announced iPadOS 14, with compact designs for search, Siri, and calls, improved app designs, handwriting recognition, better AR features, enhanced privacy protections, and app widgets.[11] iPadOS 14 was released to the public on September 16, 2020.
On June 7, 2021, at WWDC 2021, iPadOS 15 was announced with widgets on the Home Screen and App Library, the same features that came to iPhone with iOS 14 in 2020. The update also brought stricter privacy measurements with Safari such as IP Address blocking so other websites cannot see it. iPadOS 15 was released to the public on September 20, 2021.
On June 6, 2022, at WWDC 2022, iPadOS 16 was announced with a Weather app[12] and Stage Manager,[13] along with most of the features included in iOS 16, excluding a customizable lock screen.[14]
On June 5, 2023, at WWDC 2023, Apple announced iPadOS 17 with support for widgets for the lock screen, a feature originally launched with iOS 16, along with the majority of features announced included in iOS 17. In addition, iPadOS 17 now includes the Apple Health app.
On June 10, 2024, at WWDC 2024, Apple announced iPadOS 18.[15]
Features
Many features of iPadOS are also available on iOS; however, iPadOS contains some features that are not available in iOS and lacks some features that are available in iOS.
Beginning with iPadOS 16, the Weather app was added to iPad. The application had previously only been available on the iPhone and iPod Touch. The feature was announced on June 6, 2022, at WWDC 2022.
Stage Manager
iPadOS 16 has another new feature called Stage Manager that automatically sorts windows by app.
The Lock Screen receives a significant makeover in iPadOS 17, allowing users to personalize it with widgets and fonts for a unique look. Interactive widgets can now be placed on both the Lock Screen and Home Screen for quick access to information and functionality.
Health
The introduction of the Health app on iPad provides a central location to view and manage health data, empowering users to take a more proactive approach to their well-being.
Collaboration
Collaboration features in Messages and FaceTime are significantly improved, making it easier for users to connect and work with others on projects or ideas. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for students working on group assignments or professionals brainstorming together.
Accessibility
New accessibility features like Screen Distance and improved Voice Control expand usability options for a wider range of users, ensuring that everyone can maximize their productivity and enjoyment with their iPad.
App Updates
Several core apps receive updates, including Photos, Safari, Notes, and Reminders. These updates bring new functionality and improvements to enhance the overall iPad experience.
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