iPadOS 14 compatibility: It will be available for iPad Air 2 and Later, all iPad Pro models, iPad 5th Generation and later and iPad mini 4 and later.
1- Experience
To take full advantage of the large canvas iPad offers, core elements of the iPadOS experience have been redesigned and streamlined. So you can get more done, more easily than ever.
Redesigned widgets
Today View widgets have been redesigned to show you more information right from the Home Screen. You can choose among different sizes or add a Smart Stack of widgets, which uses on-device intelligence to show the right widget at the right time in your day.
App design
Search
A more compact search design lets you stay focused on your main task and open apps or search the web with just a tap. And a new as-you-type experience delivers faster, more relevant results.
Compact calls
Calls from your iPhone, FaceTime and third-party apps display in an all‑new compact design that doesn’t take up the full screen.
2- Scribble
With Scribble, you don’t have to put Apple Pencil away to do other things. Now you can write by hand in any text field across iPadOS, and your words automatically convert to text.
Automatic conversion
Convert handwriting to typed text automatically in any text field.
Write in any text field
Use Apple Pencil to write a quick message or search for something in Safari. Your handwriting will automatically transform to typed text, so you can get back to what you were doing without interrupting your flow. Scribble supports English and Simplified or Traditional Chinese.
Scratch to delete
Circle to select
Circle a word to select it so you can easily copy or move it.
3- Notes
Handwriting is a natural and fluent way to capture thoughts and ideas on the fly. With Apple Pencil and Notes, your handwritten notes are now as powerful as typed text.
Smart Selection
Powered by advanced machine learning that distinguishes writing from drawing, Smart Selection lets you select handwritten text using the same gestures you’ve always used for typed text.
Paste handwriting as text
Shape recognition
Draw geometrically perfect lines, arcs and shapes as easily as you draw freehand ones. Just pause at the end of your drawing, and it snaps to its ideal form.
Data detectors
Built-in intelligence recognises addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and other data in handwritten text. Just tap to take action on them.
4- Augmented reality
AR is the perfect way to visualise experiences that would be impossible or impractical to see otherwise. With ARKit 4 and the LiDAR Scanner on the new iPad Pro, the world’s best AR platform gets even better.
ARKit 4
Using Location Anchors, AR experiences can be placed at specific geographic coordinates so you can view them in some of your favourite places around the world — throughout cities, alongside famous landmarks and even in your neighbourhood.
5- Messages
Keeping in touch has never been more essential. So iPadOS gives you new ways to stay connected to the conversations that matter most, keep track of group conversations and express yourself however you like.
Pinned conversations
Pin up to nine of your most important conversations to the top of your conversation list, so you can easily get to them.
Group photos
Give your group conversation a visual identity by adding a photo or Memoji, or choose an emoji.
Inline replies
Now you can reply directly to a specific message in a group conversation. You can view replies in the full conversation or as their own thread for a more focused view.
Mentions
Type a name to direct a message to someone. When you are mentioned, your name is highlighted. You can even customise an active group so you only receive notifications when you are mentioned.
New Memoji styles and stickers
Along with new age options and face coverings, choose from over 20 new hair and headwear styles to reflect your hobby, profession and personality.
6- Maps
Maps is the best way to navigate and explore the world, all while protecting your privacy. With Maps in iPadOS, it’s easier than ever to discover new places to go and environmentally friendly ways to get there.
Cycling directions
You can now use Maps to get cycling directions using cycle lanes, paths and roads.You can also see elevation, busy streets, stairs and steep passages when planning your trip.
Electric vehicle routing
Plan your trip with charging stations along the way.
Guides
Apple Maps editors have worked with trusted brands and partners to offer Guides for great places around the world to eat, shop and explore. You can save Guides, and they automatically update when new places are added, so you always have the latest recommendations.
7- Home
The Home app helps you manage your smart home more intelligently — and most important, more securely. And now it’s even easier to take advantage of the broad selection of HomeKit accessories.
Suggested automations
When you add a new HomeKit accessory, the Home app suggests useful automations so you can put it right to work.
Home status
A new visual status in the Home app prioritises the accessories that most need your attention and allows you to easily control them.
Adaptive Lighting
Set your lights to change colour temperature throughout the day.
Activity Zones
Define Activity Zones that focus on the most important areas of what your camera sees, so you can be alerted only when there’s motion in the zone you set.
Face Recognition
8- Safari
Browsing the web should feel fast, powerful and private. So with iPadOS, Safari is more responsive and capable than ever, while giving you new ways to help protect your privacy.
Translation
Safari can now translate websites in seven different languages. When you come to a website that Safari can translate, an icon appears. Just tap and read.
Privacy Report
Now you can tap the Privacy Report button to better understand how websites treat your privacy.
Password monitoring
Safari warns you if a password you’re using is not secure.
9- AirPods
AirPods deliver a magical listening experience. With iPadOS, that magic has a few new tricks, whether you’re listening to music, catching up on a podcast or taking in a movie.
Spatial audio
Bring surround sound wherever you go.
Battery notifications
New battery notifications conveniently let you know when you need to charge your AirPods.
Automatic switching
Seamlessly move between devices without manually switching your AirPods. If you finish a phone call on your iPhone and pick up your iPad to watch a movie, AirPods automatically switch over.
Headphone Accommodations
Adjust your AirPods audio to account for hearing differences. Headphone Accommodations amplifies soft sounds and can tune for your individual hearing, to help music, phone calls and more sound crisp and clear.
Audio Sharing for Apple TV
Connect two sets of AirPods to your Apple TV 4K so you can enjoy movies and shows with someone else without disturbing others.
10- Siri
Siri is a vital way to get information and get things done. And thanks to a new compact design, you can take advantage of everything Siri can do without losing your context.
Compact design
Siri has a completely new look that lets you quickly get information or get things done while still focusing on what you’re doing.
Greater knowledge
Siri has over 20x more facts than just 3 years ago.
Web answers
Siri can now help you find answers to a broader set of questions by using information from across the web.
Send audio messages
When you want to be more expressive in your messages, you can now easily send audio messages with Siri.
11- Privacy
Privacy is a fundamental human right and at the core of everything we do. That’s why with iPadOS, we’re giving you more control over the data you share and more transparency into how it’s used.
Privacy information on the App Store
You can now get information on the App Store to help you understand the privacy practices of every app before you download it.
Recording indicator
An indicator appears at the top of your screen whenever an app is using your microphone or camera. And in Control Centre, you can see if an app has used them recently.
Upgrade to Sign in with Apple
Easily switch to Sign in with Apple when logging in to participating apps. You’ll keep the account you already use, but have one less password to keep track of.
Approximate location
Share only your approximate location rather than your exact location — perfect for apps like local news or weather.
A complete list of all features can be found here.
