On Monday, Apple announced its iPadOS 17 operating system during the WWDC keynote, and highlighted the following new features and changes:
Lock Screen: Like iOS 17, the new Lock Screen will offer a way to personalize the area. Users can choose an image, or multiple images, to appear on the Lock Screen. This image could be a Live Photo and Apple will synthesize additional frames to create a slow-mo effect when the iPad wakes. Fonts and colors can also be customized within the feature.
Stage Manager: iPadOS will see significant improvements to its Stage Manager feature so that the size of windows can be more easily adjusted and users get more control over the workspace. The feature will support built-in cameras on an external display.
Live Activities: Users will be able to see notifications for events such as sports scores, travel details, or a food delivery order, in real-time on the Lock Screen.
Widgets: Widgets will be able to appear on the Lock Screen and perform actions such as turning on the lights or playing a song. Interactive widgets can also be placed on the Home Screen, which they blend in with, according to Apple, thanks to “adaptive tinting”.
New PDF tools: Users will be able to have greater PDF functionality with the ability to use AutoFill with PDF documents. The iPad will use machine learning to identify and fill in the fields in forms intelligently. Other new features include being able to add notes and edit PDFs collaboratively in real-time with other users.
Messages: Similar to the iOS feature, users will be able to lift subjects out of their photos and add Live Stickers and special effects. Live stickers are available wherever you can access emoji. The Messages app will also receive a new expandable menu where users can see frequently used iMessage apps. Users will also be able to jump to the last message you missed in a group chat. Other new features include an improved search engine for Messages, the ability to display your location live for the duration of your Messages conversation, and the ability to see a transcription of incoming audio messages.
FaceTime: FaceTime will be undergoing changes, and users will be able to leave audio and video messages as well as use Reactions such as animations like fireworks and balloons that appear in the background. These Reactions can be triggered with a simple gesture, like a thumbs up. These animations will be available in other video-calling apps.
Safari: Apple’s web browser will be gaining a Profiles feature that can be used to separate work-related browsing from private browsing. Profiles can be tied to Tab Groups and Favorites.
Health app: The Health app will finally be surfacing on the iPad, and HealthKit will be available for developers to take advantage of the iPad screen.
Finally, where compatibility is concerned, the following iPads will be able to install and run iPadOS 17:
- iPad Pro 12.9 (5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd gen)
- iPad Pro 11 (3rd, 2nd and 1st gen)
- iPad Pro 10.5
- iPad (10th, 9th, 8th, 7th and 6th gen)
- iPad mini (5th and 6th gen)
- iPad Air (5th, 4th and 3rd gen)
The following iPads will not be able to support the new operating system:
- 2016 iPad Pro 9.7-inch (A9X chip)
- 2015 iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation) (A9X chip)
- 2017 iPad (5th generation) which runs on an even slower A9 processor.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via Macworld