"meh"
This three letter word sums up Apple's iPadOS 17 release: a mostly boring software update with a couple cool features borrowed from the iPhone and a non-existent calculator app.
Here's a semi-in-depth look at the features Apple mentioned during WWDC:
The Lock Screen
Apple basically took the iPhone lock screen and copy-and-pasted it onto the iPad.
Here's what the new iPad lock screen looks like:
Like your iPhone, your iPad is going to get lock screen widgets, text customization, endless wallpaper options, and cool astronomy animations.
In iPadOS 17, you'll also get the Live Activities feature (coming to your iPhone as well), which allows you to track information like timers, flight tickets, or Uber Eats order from your lock screen.
Interactive Widgets
Ok, this is actually a pretty cool feature.
In any version of iPadOS so far, you were never able to use widgets without opening their respective apps.
For example, I can't scroll through a Weather widget from my Home Screen. I have to click on the Weather widget (which opens the Weather app) and view the information through the app.
That changes with iPadOS 17.
Like Apple showed in their keynote (which you can view here), you'll be able to interact with widgets without having to open up the app.
Here's an example: if you want to run a Shortcut, you can do it directly from the Shortcuts widget on your Home Screen. You don't need to open the app at all—everything can be accessed from the Home Screen.
In reality, this feature probably won't change your life. That being said, it's a nice touch.
The Health App
As someone who just got an Apple Watch, the addition of the Health app is pretty neat.
From what I've seen and heard, the iPad's Health app offers a ton of data for anyone who's interested. For instance, you can view walking speed, active energy, stand minutes, physical effort, and so much more.
Though you can view these on your iPhone, the iPad's larger screen makes it easier to look at more data at once.
Freeform
The Freeform app got a few updates, making it a tiny bit better.
Two new tools were added to the Freeform palette: the watercolor tool (mimics watercolor painting) and another pen tool.
In addition, Freeform also got the perfect shape conversion tool from the Notes app: draw a rough sketch of a shape, hold your Apple pencil in place, and a "perfect" version of your shape will appear.
PDFs
The Notes app also got a small update.
In iPadOS 17, the Notes app will be getting a new PDF editor tool. This new tool makes it easy to "flip through pages, make a quick annotation, or sketch directly in the document with Apple Pencil."
In addition, the Files app also got a PDF update: using machine learning, the Files app can now identify fillable fields in a PDF.
Safari
There were two key updates to Safari: profiles and private browsing.
Profiles are essentially next-level Tab Groups—with profiles, you can separate search history, cookies, Tab Groups, and Favorites.
Private browsing also got a new security update. Now, you can lock your window with Face ID or Touch ID, depending on which iPad you have.
Stage Manager
Last year, Stage Manager had a ton of problems.
One common issue was that the window sizing wasn't flexible. That's fixed with iPadOS 17—you get way more window options.
In the words of 9to5Mac's Fernando Silva, "it's more window-like versus iPad-like."
FaceTime
FaceTime got a few communications updates.
For instance, you can now leave an audio/video message if your call isn't picked up (think voicemail but for FaceTime). You also have access to gestures that activate Reactions, like balloons, fireworks, etc.
With iPadOS 17, you'll also have access to external camera support.
Messages
iPadOS 17 will also receive the iOS 17 updates to iMessage.
This includes emoji stickers, Live Stickers, search filters, the jump-to-the-last-read-message arrow, swipe-to-reply, and location sharing.
Smaller Updates
Here are a few more updates you'll be getting soon:
• You can say just "Siri" instead of "Hey Siri"
• Spotlight gets a re-design
• AirPlay will start working with TVs in some hotels
• Reminders gets a new "Groceries" feature
• Maps will let you download maps offline
Eligibility
Most iPads that were compatible with iPadOS 16 are also compatible with iPadOS 17.
There are three exceptions:
1. The 2015 12.9" iPad Pro (1st generation)
2. The 2016 9.7" iPad Pro (1st generation)
3. The 2017 iPad (5th generation)
Final Thoughts
"At least it's better than nothing"—an anonymous friend and fellow iPad user
Thanks for reading!
Adi