# 5 iPadOS 18 Features You Must Experience Now That the Update is Here
The highly anticipated **iPadOS 18** has officially launched, offering a range of exciting features and enhancements that are set to elevate the iPad usage for all users. Regardless of whether you’re a casual user or an expert, this update caters to everyone’s needs. Below, we showcase five essential features that position iPadOS 18 as a revolutionary update.
## 1. **All-New Calculator Application**
One of the most sought-after additions for iPad users is finally available: a **dedicated Calculator application**. Though it may appear to be a simple addition, Apple has taken the standard calculator functionality to the next level by incorporating an innovative **Math Notes** feature. This capability enables users to either type or handwrite mathematical formulas, which are solved instantly in real-time. It’s an excellent asset for students, professionals, or anyone who regularly works with numbers.
The **Math Notes** feature integrates smoothly with the **Apple Pencil**, allowing for easy writing of intricate equations and immediate solutions without needing to switch apps. This represents a significant improvement for users reliant on their iPads for educational or professional activities.
## 2. **Smart Script for Handwritten Notes**
For those who prefer jotting down notes by hand, **Smart Script** transforms the experience. This feature improves the readability and smoothness of handwritten text, making it easier to comprehend and modify. Smart Script refines your handwriting in real-time, ensuring that your notes appear neat and professional.
Moreover, with **Apple Pencil**, you can conveniently edit your handwritten text similarly to how you would alter typed text. You can insert spaces, erase phrases, or even incorporate typed text into your handwritten notes. The text will automatically reflow to fit the adjustments, rendering note-taking more efficient than ever.
## 3. **Enhanced Customization Features**
iPadOS 18 introduces fresh opportunities to tailor your iPad experience. You can now **arrange apps** in any manner you prefer, positioning them anywhere on the display. This flexibility allows for a setup that aligns with your workflow or visual preferences.
Furthermore, you have the option to apply a **dark or tinted effect** to app icons and widgets, creating a more unified and stylish home screen. If larger icons are your preference, iPadOS 18 also permits you to **enlarge apps**, making them easier to tap and engage with, particularly beneficial for those with accessibility requirements.
## 4. **Lock and Conceal Apps for Enhanced Privacy**
With privacy on the rise as a concern, Apple has implemented features in iPadOS 18 to tackle this issue. The latest update allows users to **lock and conceal apps**, safeguarding sensitive content. When an app is locked, its information—like messages or emails—will be concealed from search results, notifications, and other system elements.
You can unlock these applications using **Face ID** or **Touch ID**, providing an additional layer of protection. This feature is ideal for users wishing to keep specific apps confidential, whether for personal or professional purposes. For guidance on utilizing this feature, **BGR** provides instructions on [hiding apps](https://bgr.com/tech/how-to-hide-iphone-apps-in-ios-18/) and [locking apps with Face ID](https://bgr.com/tech/how-to-lock-iphone-apps-with-face-id-in-ios-18/).
## 5. **Refined Multitasking and Widgets**
iPadOS 18 continues to enhance the multitasking capabilities, making it easier to engage with multiple applications simultaneously. The **Stage Manager** feature has seen improvements, facilitating smoother app transitions and superior window management. You can now resize windows with greater freedom, making it easier to customize your workspace according to your requirements.
Additionally, **widgets** have evolved to become more engaging and customizable. You can now position widgets anywhere on the home screen, and many widgets provide real-time updates, such as weather warnings or stock values, without needing to access the app.
—
## Devices Compatible with iPadOS 18
Not every iPad is equipped to run iPadOS 18, as Apple has discontinued support for some older models. Here’s a list of devices compatible with the update:
– **iPad Pro** (2018 or newer)
– **iPad Air 3** or newer
– **iPad mini 5** or newer
– **iPad 7th generation** or newer
If you possess one of these models, you can download iPadOS 18 and begin exploring all the new features immediately.
—
### Final Thoughts
iPadOS 18 delivers an abundance of new features enhancing both productivity and customization. Whether you’re enthusiastic about the new **Calculator application**, the upgraded **Smart Script** for handwritten notes, or the capability to **lock and conceal apps**, this
