During the Keynote on Monday, Apple announced updates to iOS, watchOS, and macOS. But the most surprising announcement was…the iPad gets its own operating system called  zigzag iPadOS.

The iPadOS gets all the improvements of iOS 13, but also includes a bunch of new iPad-only features. Enough new features for Apple to give it its own name and graphic.

Now keep in mind, in iOS 13, Apple introduced system-wide performance enhancements and major updates. But for this issue, I’ll just focus on the new iPadOS. Stay tuned to future editions as I cover iOS 13 in general. (Some big changes coming!)

What’s new with iPadOS?

Homescreen

The homescreen is now denser with more icons per page, and you can Pin your favorite Today View widgets on the left of the screen.

Multiple Slideover Apps

iPadOS now allows you to have multiple apps in Slide Over view, and you can scroll through your Slide Over apps in a carousel-like interface. This keeps all of your favorite apps at the ready in Slide Over view.

Apps in Multiple Spaces

I love this feature, and it is long overdue. You can now have two single app page views side-by-side, rather than having two different apps side-by-side. This is helpful when you need to write a note or email message and have to refer to some note or email message.

New Text Edit Gestures

Lakeland Copy Text
Copy text with a three-finger pinch.

Paste Text
Paste by dropping the text down with three fingers.

Undo Edit
Undo with a three-finger swipe left.

Also, you can pick up the cursor and drag it to precisely where you want it to go. Select a block of text quickly by just dragging your finger over it. A double tap selects a word, a triple tap selects a sentence, and a whole paragraph can be selected with four taps.

Keyboard

Floating Keyboard
Pinch to shrink the keyboard and move it wherever you want for easy one-handed typing. And more room for your apps.

QuickPath Typing
You can now swipe, with one hand, to type if you prefer that to tapping. Type by swiping from one letter to the next.

Safari Updates
Safari will now natively support “desktop” browsing. Meaning, you’ll be able to use web apps like Google Docs, WordPress, and more. It will be no different than using Safari on your Mac.

There will also be a Download Manager in Safari. You can download multimedia, documents, PDF files, and pretty much anything off of the web in Safari. All of your downloads will be available in the new Downloads folder in the Files app.

Fonts
That’s right…I said fonts! You can now install and manage fonts on your iPad. Yep, fonts can be downloaded and purchased from the App Store.

These are some of the key features and enhancements waiting for you in the new iPadOS (available this September). To learn more about the new iPadOS, check out the following links:

• iPadOS Overview – Apple
• iPadOS New Features – Apple

Final iPadOS Notes:

• Public Release September
• Price – Free
• Supported iPads
  • 2.9-inch iPad Pro
  • 11-inch iPad Pro
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
  • iPad (6th generation)
  • iPad (5th generation)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPad Air (3rd generation)
  • iPad Air 2

Ready to Start Working with Dave?

Did you know you can work directly with Dave? Yes, get personal training and/or Apple equipment wellness support…

I am now offering in-person or remote, up-to 90 minute, instruction/learning and/or Apple equipment wellness sessions.

• Learn iPad, iPhone, Mac basics
• Learn how to use your iPhone or iPad as your personal assistant
• Get help with specific iOS features or Apps
• Transfer information to a new device
• Untangle your family Apple ID mess – very popular
• Get help setting up Family Share to share apps, music, movies, photos, calendar, reminder lists, and more with family members!
• Need help getting all your devices syncing your information?
• Bring order to your Photo Chaos (on all your devices)
• Troubleshoot issues with Apple devices
• Home or Office wireless setup or troubleshooting
• Don’t see your need? Customize your session!