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Apple introduces new iPadOS
Posted June 12, 2019
By Emily Macios
In a previous article, I wrote "Can the iPad Replace your desktop computer?" Given the limitations of Apple's mobile iOS, the conclusion was no, the iPad is not a complete replacement for a desktop. However, with the latest announcement from Apple about the iPad getting its own OS, IpadOS, perhaps we are inching closer than ever.
Multitasking
Multitasking allows you to view two apps side by side at once. And it doesn't have to be two different apps...multiple instances of the same app can be viewed at once. If you'd like to compare two web pages at the same time, you can have two instances of Safari open side by side. Users will also be able to detach windows, move them around the iPad screen, and reattach similar to moving windows around a standard desktop.
A new widget view can also be pinned to the home screen.
USB-C File Transfer
The new iPadOS will support external storage devices such as flash drives, etc. With the ability to plug it directly into your iPad and open it on the Files app, this makes it much more convenient for transferring files onto your iPad. You can also plug your camera via USB-C cable and directly import photos to the Files app, or the Adobe Lightroom photo editing app.
File management
While it still isn't nearly as robust as a Windows or Mac file management systems, Apple has made improvements to the iPad's file management system. With an updated Files app, it makes it easier to view, sort, organize, and transfer files. It is definitely a step in the right direction.
Safari web browsing
Previously, the Safari browser rendered all sites as mobile. While many websites implement a responsive web design for mobile users, there are still many sites that aren't mobile friendly. Now you will be able to view true desktop sized versions of websites with Safari's new desktop-class web browsing. Safari will also come with a download manager as well.
Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil will also get an upgrade, with latency dropping from 20ms down to 9ms. This is a substanstial speed increase and will be very noticeable for drawing, etc.
These are just a few of the exciting new features coming with the new iPadOS. Set to be released this fall, iPadOS is a step in the right direction towards replacing your desktop computer.
