The future of the iPad: A look at iPadOS 17

Apple recently unveiled a first preview of iPadOS 17 which offers a wealth of new features and improvements to make the iPad experience even more personal and powerful. With a redesigned lock screen, interactive widgets, smart new features in PDFs and Notes, updates to Messages, FaceTime and Safari, and the all-new Health app, iPadOS 17 takes the iPad experience to a new level.

A personalized lock screen experience

With iPadOS 17, the iPad lock screen becomes even more personalized and useful. Users can now display their favorite images on the lock screen and personalize them in new ways. They can select a photo from their personal library or a dynamic series of photos that will be displayed in random order throughout the day. In addition, they can set a live photo for a seamless slow-motion effect when the iPad wakes up.

Interactive Widgets

Widgets become interactive in iPadOS 17, which means users can perform tasks directly from a widget. For example, they can turn on the light, play a song, or mark a reminder as done. Interactive widgets are available on both the homescreen and lock screen, and blend seamlessly with the background image through adaptive coloring for optimal readability.

Improved work with PDFs

iPadOS 17 makes working with PDFs easier than ever before. Using machine learning, the operating system recognizes fields in PDFs so users can quickly add details like names, addresses, and email addresses from their contacts.

Updates for Messages and FaceTime

iPadOS 17 also brings comprehensive updates to Messages and FaceTime. New stickers and the ability to leave FaceTime video and audio messages are just a few of the new features that improve the communication experience on iPad.

The new Health App

The Health App comes to iPad with interactive charts and allows developers to use HealthKit to create innovative experiences specifically for the iPad display.

Conclusion

With iPadOS 17, Apple brings a wealth of new features and improvements that make the iPad experience more personal and powerful. From a personalized lock screen experience and interactive widgets to improved features for working with PDFs and updates to Messages and FaceTime, iPadOS 17 offers a host of new ways to make the iPad even more versatile. The beta version of iPadOS 17 is available now for developers and will be available as a free software update in the fall.