The iPad never fails to amaze; it has changed the very definition of what constitutes a computer. Giving the iPad more power is the iPadOS 16 which is presently in public beta mode with the final version coming very soon. Here are some of the features which you can enjoy and if you are planning to install the public beta, make sure you backup your data.
Stage Manager
Dive into the control centre for which there is a new toggle by default. Once you load an app, you will see a number of windows on the left side of the screen. You also have the ability to change the size of the app window open before you. The feature also lets you have groups of multiple applications. There is also the ability to hide the dock at the bottom of the screen, which can be achieved through the Stage Manager toggle. All these features make multitasking easier because it allows you to organise the home screen.
Stage Manager is a new way to multitask and get things done with ease
Apple Pencil
Write something on the screen and then select it. You will be faced with a new option called Straighten. Tap on it and your handwritten note will get straightened. Also, in the menu bar at the bottom, there are a couple of new options. One allows you to add signature and the other allows you to add shapes. Speaking of Pencil, you can add emojis by scribbling the same on the screen. So scribble a smiley and voila.
Files application
Scan through the list of files you have and you will also be able to see their extensions (and change them). You can also sort files by grouping, like group by date or size or ‘shared by’. Another new feature that you will see on the menu is Quick Actions, which allows users to mark-up, rotate, create PDF, convert image or remove background easily.
Virtual Memory Swap
This is available for M1 iPads. It allows you to use extra storage as RAM to handle heavy workloads. If you have a 256GB iPad (or higher) with M1, you get 16GB of RAM instead of 12GB.
DriverKit
Drivers are important software files for the hardware; it makes hardware function in a certain way. DriverKit provides developers with a modern, secure way to build support for audio, USB and PCI hardware devices connected to the iPad
Weather application
The app looks amazing and all the information is spread out across the large screen. Everything you look for in a weather app, it’s all there.
Focus filters
When you enable a Focus on iPadOS or iOS, it is going to enable/disable certain features in apps. For example, dark mode, low-power mode. So if you enable Work Focus, you want dark mode. Now you can set boundaries within Apple apps like Calendar, Mail, Messages and Safari; to draw boundaries for each Focus you enable. For example, choose a set of Tab Groups to show up in Safari while in the Work Focus, or hide your work calendar when you’re using Personal Focus.
Messages
Like with iOS 16, the big updates are available on iPadOS 16. You can edit a message for up to 15 minutes after sending it. Or, unsend any message for up to 15 minutes after sending it.
Collaboration
Send an invitation to collaborate on a project in Messages, and everyone on the thread will automatically be added to the document, spreadsheet or project. Compatible with Files, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, Notes, Reminders and Safari, as well as third?party apps. When someone makes an edit, you’ll see activity updates at the top of the Messages thread. Tap the updates to get back to the shared project. Later this year, Apple will introduce a new app called Freeform. Freeform’s canvas is perfect for diagramming new projects, aggregating important assets or just brainstorming on a board limited only by your imagination.
Live Text in videos
Text is completely interactive in paused video frames, so you can use functions like copy and paste, lookup and translate. Live Text works in Photos, Quick Look, Safari and more.
External display support
Full external display support comes to iPad Pro with the M1 chip, with resolutions up to 6K. Now you can work with different apps on your iPad and external display.
