Apple on Monday unveiled iPadOS 16, which will function as a hefty update to the current iPadOS operating system and offer new collaboration and multitasking features as well as a dedicated Weather app.
Collaboration will work as a new set of features in both iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 and allow users to work together on projects within Apple’s suite of apps.
New features in Messages allow users to start collaborating and manage shared content across Files, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, Notes, Reminders, and Safari, as well as third-party apps.
For example, users can send invitations to collaborate on a project via Messages, which will add everyone to the shared document, spreadsheet, or projects. If a team member makes a change to the shared file, the other users can see updates at the top of the Messages thread. When a user is working on a collaborative project, they can jump into the associated Messages conversation or tap to start a FaceTime call with their collaborators.
Apple will also be introducing a Freeform app to iPadOS 16. The app functions as a digital whiteboard and will offer users the ability to see, share, and collaborate in one place, complete with full support for the Apple Pencil. Users van view contributions and changes in real time and see updates in the messages thread.
Apple Mail under iPadOS 16 will include the ability to cancel the delivery of a message and schedule emails. A new Remind Later feature re-surfaces messages at a specified time, and users can get notified if they forget to include an important part of the message, like an attachment or recipient. Apple has said the app will include an improve search feature, which delivers more complete and accurate results by correcting typos and using synonyms for search terms, and allows users to see a richer view of contacts, shared content, and more.
An updated iCloud Shared Photo Library to iPad will allow up to six family members to collaborate and share photos in Memories, Featured Photos, and the Photos Widget. Users will be able to share all their past photos, or use setup tools to contribute specific photos based on a start date or people in the photos. Photos can also be manually added to the collection, or through Bluetooth proximity or sharing suggestions in the For You library. When anyone in the Shared Library adds, edits, or deletes photos, the library is updated for everyone.
Safari will be gaining new customization and collaboration options. A new Shared Tab Groups feature will allow users to shares sets of tabs with friends and see updates instantly when they work together. The operating system also offers a passkey sharing feature, which Apple says is an easier and safer sign-in method designed to replace passwords on the web and in apps. Passkeys are kept on iPad to prevent hackers from leaking them or tricking users into sharing them. They are specific to the sites users create them for, and users can sign in to websites or apps on Apple and non-Apple devices with their saved passkey by scanning the QR code with iPad, and using Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate.
The new Stage Manager app functions as a multitasking feature that automatically organizes apps and windows to make it quicker and easier to switch between tasks. For the first time on iPad, users will be able to create overlapping windows of different sizes in a single view, drag and drop windows from the side, or open apps from the Dock to create groups of apps. The window of the app users are working on is displayed prominently in the center, and other open apps and windows are arranged on the left-hand side in order of recency.
iPad Pro and iPad Air units equipped with the M1 chip will be able to have Stage Manager use a full external display with resolutions up to 6K, allowing users to work with up to four apps on the iPad and four apps on the external display.
Other new features include Live Text coming to video, which will make text completely interactive in paused video frames. The Display Zoom feature allows users to increase the pixel density of the display to view more in their apps while a new Reference Mode enables the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Liquid Retina XDR display to match the color requirements in workflows, and Virtual Memory Swap lets iPad storage be used to expand the available memory for all apps.
Finally, Apple will be bringing a dedicated Weather app to the iPad. The app will offer the most important weather information, or explore maps to check precipitation, air quality, and temperature. Users can also be notified when a severe weather alert is issued in their area, or check the air quality using a color-coded scale. WeatherKit is also coming for developers to tap into the Weather app’s features.
Apple began offering access to a developer preview of iOS 16 to Apple Developer program members on Monday, and a public beta will be available to iPadOS users next month.
If you’ve had a chance to try the preview, please let us know about your experience in the comments.
Via MacRumors