WWDC 2024: Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) has kicked off with a traditional keynote event that saw the introduction of the next versions of iOS (iOS 18) and iPadOS (iPadOS 18), bringing a redesigned Photos app and control centre, as well as new customisation tools for the Home Screen.
With iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, you get a more customisable home screen that offers more flexibility and tools than earlier, allowing you to place apps anywhere on the screen without having to follow the standard grid rules. You can also tint all of your app icons using a new feature called Dark Mode. Meanwhile, the Control Centre has gotten more advanced with the users now being able to swipe between multiple pages of controls and get quick access to the controls they use most. Moreover, it enables third-party controls for the first time.
Also Read: Apple WWDC 2024: iOS 18 Gets Revamped Control Centre, New Customisation Options, and More Updates
Another highlight is a new floating tab bar that can be morphed into a sidebar menu when you need more options. Also, this tab bar is customisable to keep your favourite apps within easy reach, in turn improving multitasking and making it easier to switch between different functions within an application. Apart from this, there is a new document browser in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.
Apple's Calculator app has made its way to iPadOS, finally. The app offers new features such as history and unit conversions. Math Notes is the biggest talking point of this app, allowing you to write mathematical expressions using the Apple Pencil and see them instantly solved in your own handwriting. Speaking of which, the Apple Pencil gets the Smart Script feature, making your handwritten notes fluid, flexible, and legible to read while retaining your writing style.
Also Read: Apple WWDC 2024: macOS Sequoia with iPhone Mirroring, Passwords App and More Updates Announced
The updates to iPadOS also include refined animations across the UI. The developer beta of iPadOS 18 is available through the Apple Developer Program starting today, with a public beta following in July.
