iPadOS 18: Everything we’re expecting

Last fall, iPadOS 17 launched on the latest iPad models. It introduced features like an overhauled, customizable lock screen, dedicated Health app, communication upgrades, and much more. Despite all of this, this operating system is still relatively lacking in terms of power user features, especially since Apple has marketed this device as a laptop replacement. That’s why we hope that iPadOS 18 introduces new features that cater to Pro workflows. While we don’t officially know what’s to come with iPadOS 18 just yet, the first beta is expected in June with a stable release set to follow next Fall. Rumors are already flowing about what’s to come, plus we have a wishlist of our own.

iPadOS 18 rumors

There are plenty of rumors already about what might be included with the iOS 18 update.

AI integration: iPad could get smarter

Source: Apple

Not surprising since many mobile device manufacturers are integrating AI features into their latest devices, is that Apple is heavily rumored to be including AI features in the latest iPadOS. What these are specifically remains to be seen. Tim Cook did allude to this during the February 2024 earnings call where he confirmed that Apple was investing in AI and will be sharing “details of our ongoing work in that space later this year.” Beyond holistic AI integration within the iPad, rumors suggest Apple might even be adding AI features to its popular apps, including iMessage and Apple Music, which would carry over to the iPad (not to mention the iPhone as well).

Siri upgrades: The AI assistant could focus on LLMs

Source: Apple

Most notable when it comes to AI is likely an upgrade to Siri, which now finds itself competing with far superior AI assistants, including chatbots like ChatGPT. The most likely upgrade will include improvements to the natural language processing with Large Language Models so Siri will become moren conversational. The AI assistant may also see improvements in the way and depth with which it answers queries.

Journal app: Log your special moments

The popular new Journal app has yet to come to iPad came to iOS last year via iOS17 but it strangely didn’t make its way to iPad. The prediction is that the Journal app may finally launch on the tablet device as part of this new OS update. Ideal for logging things like memorable moments and feelings, the Journal app would work beautifully on the larger screen of the iPad.

Ended support for older models: Older models may not be powerful enough

The expectation is that with the potential for powerful new AI features in the latest iPadOS, this may result in older model iPads not being able to support the latest OS upgrade. The rumors suggest this could impact iPads that have the A10X Fusion chip and anything prior to that, including the standard A10 Fusion chip. This could mean that iPad Pros made in 2017 and prior, standard iPads from 2019 and earlier, and even iPad Air and Mini models from 2018, could be exempt from getting the update. We’re expecting a similar end to support for older Apple Watch models as well with the upcoming watchOS 11 update as well.

The iPad needs to find itself

While Apple has been doing a decent job so far, iPadOS 18 needs to focus on power user features that make the iPad a valid computer alternative. Even if Apple limits some of these features to M1 and M2 iPads, it would still be infinitely better than not having them at all.

The iPad right now is in a weird spot where it aspires to be a serious productivity device, yet it remains restricted by iPadOS. Either way, iPadOS 18 beta 1 is still months away, and we’re not expecting it to land before WWDC24 in June. But if the rumors are true, with it could come some serious upgrades.