COMPARED TO THE wow factor of macOS Big Sur, you may think your iPad doesn’t look much different after installing this latest major update. That’s partly because it’s the desktop OS, this time, that’s borrowed ideas — and, via Apple’s Mac Catalyst, quite a lot of code — to catch up with the tablet rather than the other way around. But you’ll soon find plenty that’s new.
Freed from the iPhone, iPadOS is finding its way towards the power and flexibility of an all–purpose computer without losing the simplicity and immediacy of multitouch. User interface tweaks make your content more accessible and options more discoverable throughout. And while the spring saw users who wanted something more like a laptop generously served by the Magic Keyboard and trackpad, the latest update brings to the fore the accessory that Macs can’t match: the Pencil. Now that every current model supports either the first– or second–generation accessory, pen input (while still optional) can take its place at the center of the iPad experience.
Yes, you can forget the Newton MessagePad, because — helped along by a few billion more transistors and 21st century machine learning — Apple’s new handwriting recognition actually works. Spreading your scribbles into almost every app, it’s the icing on iPadOS’ second birthday cake.
Works with:
iPad Pro (all versions)
iPad (5th generation and later)
iPad mini 4 and later
iPad Air 2 and later
The same, but different
This story is from the January 2021 edition of Mac Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2021 edition of Mac Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Summerhouse
Calming construction
Soundcore Motion X500
A speaker with spacious, not but spatial”, sound
Rainbow Weather: AI Forecast
Minute-by-minute forecasts in a neatly designed app
TP-Link AX3000 Archer Air R5 router and AX3000 Archer Air E5 extender
A modern networking system for today’s home
Clear 2
The new to-do list champion
IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic USB
Hassle-free voice and instrument recording
Creative Aurvana Ace 2
Quality earbuds with brand-new audio tech
Keep your old Mac running
Get that Mac out of the attic and fire it up, or you'll never know what it's capable of!
Create your dream smart home
How to equip your house with the best smart home tech and upgrade your security, entertainment, and comfort
FAST FIXES FOR YOUR MAC
Is your Mac giving you trouble? These problem-solving procedures might just get it up and running again