The iPhone and iPad have traditionally both run the same operating system - iOS - but that's all about to change. As part of its Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple today announced iPadOS, a new tablet-specific operating system that creates a clear distinction between the iPhone and the iPad.
While the iPadOS and iOS are still quite similar - iPadOS will get all of iOS 13's new features - the new operating system is pitched as a distinct experience designed for larger displays and multitasking.
To start with, the home screen has a tighter grid icon, and can have the same widgets you'd find in the Notification Centre pinned to it. There's new multitasking gestures that let you slide between multiple apps, and drag and drop apps side-by-side. In addition, you can now run multiple instances of the same app side-by-side, and even drag and drop out individual components such as the compose window in Mail. There's also a Mac-like Expose view that lets you view every instance of an individual app you've got running.
Importantly, iPadOS lets you plug in USB drives and SD cards to directly access documents.
In addition, Apple is adding in a bunch of iPad-specific gestures. Dragging with your finger can be used to select text, a three-finger pinch can be used to copy, and a three-finger spread to paste. A three-finger swipe is the new gesture for undo. You'll also be able to shrink the keyboard to iPhone size and float it around the display for quicker one-handed typing.
If you've got a Mac, you'll be able to use your iPad as a secondary display.
History suggests iPadOS will be available in September, with a public beta coming in July. iPadOS will be compatible with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the 11-inch iPad Pro, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, the 5th and 6th generation iPad, the 5th generation iPad mini, iPad mini 4, the third generation iPad Air, and the iPad Air 2.
Alex Choros
