Hello everyone, I'm AR Technology, and this time we're going to talk about the tons of new features that iOS 18 and iPad OS 18 bring to current and future iPhones and iPads. However, some of these new features won't be available on older devices. Just like I introduced the iOS 18 update earlier, today we're going to take a closer look at the features of each iPad OS 18 and which older devices can't enjoy them.
First, let's take a look at the supported devices of iPad OS 18. You need to have one of the following devices to upgrade to iPad OS 18: iPad Pro M4 (whether 11-inch or 13-inch), iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air M2, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later, or iPad Mini 5th generation and later. If you have one of these devices, you can upgrade to iPad OS 18.
One of the main features that Apple announced this year is Apple Intelligence, but this won't be available on all devices. Apple Intelligence brings AI capabilities to many devices, but only iPad Pro and iPad Air devices with M1 processors or higher. That is, you need an M1, M2, or M4 processor to run Apple Intelligence on your device. It's unclear if the updated Siri will be available on all devices, but it's certain that Apple Intelligence won't be available on some older devices.
In the latest iPad Air and iPad Pro models, if you go to Settings and then find the battery option, you can see the battery health feature. This is already available in iPad OS 17, but not all devices support this feature in iPad OS 18. For example, on the 10th generation iPad, you will find that it does not have this option. Apple seems to have handled it the same way as the iPhone, only the iPhone 15 model supports the battery health management feature, which the old iPad can't enjoy, even in iPad OS 18.
A new feature that Apple has shown is related to Notes and Apple Pencil. If you go to Notes and use the Apple Pencil, you will find a new feature called Smart Script. You can write "Hello, this is Aaron from Solotech" and it will automatically correct your handwriting to make it neater. You can also press and hold the text to adjust or modify it. This feature is only available on select devices, specifically iPad Pro M4, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 5th generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Air M2, iPad Air 4th generation and later, iPad 10th generation, and iPad Mini 6th generation. This feature will not be available on other supported devices. Still, a new feature called Math Notes is available on all iPads. You can write "6 + 12=" in a new note, and it will automatically calculate and give you the result.
Another new feature has to do with accessibility, and that is eye tracking. If you have limited hand movements, this feature can help you control your iPad. In the accessibility settings, you'll find eye-tracking options that allow you to control your device with eye movements. This feature is only available on select iPads, including iPad Pro M4, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 5th generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad 10th generation, iPad Air M2, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, and iPad Mini 6th generation.
There is also a new feature that is real-time audio transcription. The good news is that this feature is available on all iPads. You can tap the attachment button on your iPad, select Recording, and see an icon in the top right corner to transcribe what you said in real-time. However, only English transcriptions are currently supported, including Australian English, Canadian English, Irish English, New Zealand English, South African English, British English, and American English. Maybe more languages will be added in the future, but for now only these are available in English.
Another update is more responsive AirPods and controllers. This feature is also available on all iPads, but you'll need second-generation AirPods Pro or models with Lightning or USB-C ports. When you use it in game mode, you should feel less lag and faster response. This improvement also applies to PS5 or Xbox controllers.
Plus, Apple finally brought a calculator app to the iPad. The calculator app includes conversion, scientific calculations, and math note-taking features and can be used on all iPads.
Safari also has a new feature that allows you to highlight key information when you're reading an article. Currently, this feature is only available in American English, including Australian English, Canadian English, Irish English, New Zealand English, South African English, British English, and American English.
The Maps app has also been updated to now view topographic maps and hiking route information for the United States and Japan. The Home app also has some new features, including support for robot vacuum cleaners later this year, as well as new energy management features, but they are currently only available in select regions of the United States.
Overall, most of the new features in iPad OS 18 are available on all supported devices, with the exception of a few features like Apple Intelligence. So, please tell me what is your favorite iPad OS 18 new feature, which iPad are you using, and will you upgrade to iPad OS 18? I think it's a nice update that, while not particularly huge for the iPad, brings a lot of the features of iOS 18.