iPadOS 17
The iPad had a rough software cycle before 2022, but iPadOS 17 is now here with improvements, more customization options, and almost all of iOS 17’s features layered on top.
Apple’s brief mention of Stage Manager during WWDC worried some power users, but iPadOS 17 showed a significant turnaround regarding this controversial feature. In addition to these improvements, Apple has made several updates and added a Health app to the platform.
As is the case with Apple software releases, iOS 17 received the lion’s share of new features, and iPadOS 17 gets some of them. There have also been a few platform-exclusive updates, but this is a point in the iPad’s software update cycle, meaning fewer new features overall.
The StandBy feature was introduced for the iPhone, but not for the iPad, as there is no iPad with an always-on display. Additionally, it appears that the Journal app may only be available for iPhone, although this has not yet been confirmed.
Reference to stage manager
Apple didn’t want to spend a lot of time discussing Stage Manager during the iPadOS 17 presentation. It was briefly mentioned that layouts are more flexible and stability has been improved, but that’s about it.
After several months of beta testing, it is clear that Stage Manager is now a fully functional feature. While it’s still not perfect, it should be what it should have been with the launch of iPadOS 16.
External display support is still limited to M-series processors, and developers still don’t have much of an idea about window sizes. But professional iPad users will be pleased with this version.
Custom lock screens
Lock screen customization was introduced in iOS 16 and came to iPad with iPadOS 17. Since iPads are used in two orientations, users can customize both layouts using different widgets.
Set your own lock screens for work or personal focus mode
This feature is a little more limited on current iPad models compared to the iPhone, as there is no always-on display. The information is available immediately on the lock screen, but only after the device wakes up.
Support external webcam and capture card
Apple has added support for an external webcam to the iPad. This means that webcams connected via USB or built into monitors will work with iPadOS.
Users can also connect capture devices to the iPad as a side effect of this feature. Capture cards are typically used for streaming video games over the Internet, but they have other uses as well.
Connect the capture card to your iPad via a USB-C adapter, and you can display any HDMI device on your iPad. This means the iPad can be turned into a portable smart display for things like the Nintendo Switch.
Health app
Apple has finally released the Health app on iPad. It was designed to take advantage of a large display with a sidebar and columns of data.
All the expected features are present in the iPad Health app. Enter data, view trends, and share them with your family.
Apple Health on iPad
It’s unclear whether third-party iPad apps will be created to record health data, but it seems possible.
The most obvious health-related feature of the iPad will be the recently announced magazine. However, it is unclear whether this will be available for iPad at launch.
The Journal app won’t appear on iOS 17 until the next update.
iOS 17 Features
As usual, Apple has provided several ecosystem-wide updates that debuted in iOS 17 but are available across all platforms.
AutoCorrect gets the transformer language model. Contact Posters, NameDrop, Live Voicemail, and FaceTime Video Messages are brand new communication tools. Time codes sent through the Mail app appear as tooltips (similar to Messages). You can create and use live photo stickers and animated stickers. System-wide PDFs can now be edited in Notes or directly system-wide. A Settings app switch allows you to automatically delete messages with time codes in Mail and Messages after using the code. “Reminders” now has a product sorting function and new sorting methods. They cope better with photographs. recognizing people, now allows users to tag their pets. Customize Safari profiles to create more separation between work and personal browsing. Share passwords and access keys with friends or family
Some features are enhanced by using an iPad. For example, system-wide PDF editing is improved with Apple Pencil, and the Reminders app’s columns look great on the iPad’s big screen.
Interactive widgets are also available on iPad.
How to Install iPadOS 17 and Compatibility
Install iPadOS 17 by going to the iPad Settings app, selecting General, then selecting Software Update. Make sure beta updates are disabled and the final version should appear if it is not already installed.