iPadOS has undergone a massive transformation since it first arrived, as an offshoot of iOS, in January 2010. While it began life as a content consumption device, it’s now a capable mobile computer capable of replacing a laptop for many people. And iPadOS 17 continues that becoming a viable computer for the masses.
New features and enhancements coming in iPadOS 17
Health: I have to admit that this is perhaps the biggest new feature for me. iPadOS 17 brings the Health app to iPad. There’s an optimised design for the iPad display with Trends, Highlights, and detailed interactive charts. iPad lets you track and manage their medications, use Cycle Tracking, log their momentary emotions and daily moods, view their available health records from multiple institutions, and more — all in one central, secure, and private place. Health and fitness developers can now use HealthKit on iPad, opening up the ability to create new apps and experiences backed by rigorous privacy and data security protocols from the Health app.
Lock Screen: My iPad spends a lot of time on my desk, on a stand. The iPadOS enhanced Lock Screen gets Live Activities as well as a bunch of visual enhancements. That means I’ll spend less time looking at a blank screen to my side. And new interactive widgets can get one-tap access to lots of tasks like turning on lights and playing a song.
Notes and PDFs: The iPad has become a great mobile computer. The Notes app can now work directly with PDFs, enabling them to be edited and annotated without needing a third-party app. And some nifty machine learning enables iPadOS to recognise fields so toy can fill in forms without having to print them.
Communicating wth FaceTime and Messages: FaceTime gets the ability to leave short video or audio messages if a call isn’t answered. And Messages gets bunch of visual enhancements, improved search and the ability to use Hand Off to get FaceTime calls on your TV via Apple TV.
When can you get iPadOS 17?
The developer beta of iPadOS 17 is available to Apple Developer Program members at developer.apple.com starting today.
A public beta will be available to iPadOS users next month at beta.apple.com.
The public release will come this spring as a free software update for the following iPads:
- iPad (6th generation and later
- iPad mini (5th generation and later
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation and later)
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro
- 11-inch iPad Pro (1st generation and later)
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.