Have you held off on updating to iPad OS 18? Now’s the time! Don’t miss out on a great suite of features designed to enhance productivity and streamline workflows on your iPad. Here are the top three tips to maximize your efficiency:
1. Master the New Focus Mode Enhancements
iPadOS 18 takes Focus Mode to the next level by offering more granular control over notifications and app access. You can now create multiple Focus Profiles with distinct settings for different activities, such as work, study, or relaxation. The AI-powered scheduling feature suggests Focus Modes based on your daily usage patterns, ensuring minimal distractions during peak productivity hours.
Example: Need to get some work done? You can set up a “Work Focus” that silences social media notifications, limits access to entertainment apps, and only allows messages from colleagues and work-related applications.
2. Utilize Enhanced Handwriting Tools in Notes
The Notes app receives significant upgrades in iPadOS 18, especially for Apple Pencil users. The new Smart Script feature smooths and straightens your handwriting in real-time, improving legibility without losing your personal writing style. Editing handwritten text becomes the same as typed text —you can add space, delete content, or paste typed text into your handwriting, with paragraphs automatically adjusting to fit new content. Additionally, you can now organize notes by collapsing sections under headings or subheadings and highlight important information with five new text highlight colors.
Example: During a staff meeting, you can jot down notes with your Apple Pencil, easily rearrange sections, and highlight key points for emphasis. Later, you can collapse sections to streamline your review process.
3. Customize Your Home Screen and Control Center
iPadOS 18 offers more personalization options, allowing you to arrange app icons and widgets in any position on the Home Screen. You can customize their appearance to be light, dark, or tinted, and even enlarge them while removing labels for a streamlined look. The redesigned Control Center provides quicker access to frequently used controls like media playback and connectivity. You can add controls from supported third-party apps, enhancing your ability to perform tasks efficiently.
Example: Set up a Home Screen with enlarged icons for design apps and widgets displaying project timelines. The Control Center can be customized to include controls for design tools, allowing for quick adjustments during creative sessions.
By embracing these features, you can transform your iPad into a more powerful and personalized productivity tool, tailored to your unique workflow.