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What is iPadOS 18?

Luca26 AUGUST 2025
Four iPads displaying various applications: creative design tools, home screen with widgets, mathematical calculations, and photo gallery.

iPadOS 18 is the most recent version of Apple’s operating system for iPads, released on 16 September 2024. This update introduces powerful new features, enhanced Apple Pencil support, and greater customisation. It's designed to make your iPad more flexible and intuitive whether you use it for work, study, or creative tasks.

What’s new in iPadOS 18?

Someone is writing on a tablet with a digital pen at a wooden table, next to a plate of pastries, creating a calm and cosy atmosphere.

iPadOS 18 brings a wide range of updates that enhance productivity and usability. Here are the highlights:

What is iPadOS?
): iPhone, MacBook and iPad displaying video calls and apps. Seamless integration across Apple devices for work and communication purposes.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is an AI system that helps with daily tasks like summarising messages, searching photos by description, and generating images using Image Playground. Siri also receives an upgrade, offering more natural and context-aware responses. (Note: Apple Intelligence is not yet available in Dutch.)

iPad displays mathematical calculations about caffeine breakdown. Graph and formulae illustrate physiological process lasting 10+ hours.

Math Notes and Calculator

iPad now includes a dedicated calculator app. Math Notes allows you to write with your Apple Pencil or type equations, which are then solved automatically. It’s ideal for students and professionals needing graphing or variable control.

iPad home screen featuring lad eating watermelon. Widgets and applications organised on colourful desktop with personal touches.

Customisable home screen

You can freely arrange apps and widgets, adjust their size, apply colour schemes, and even lock or hide certain apps.

Fitness application showcasing HIIT workout with Kim. Strength exercises and workout options for various trainers and intensity levels.

New floating tab bar

A redesigned tab bar makes multitasking smoother. You can drag items from a sidebar to the tab bar for quicker access in apps.

Photos application displaying extensive gallery with recent days. Organised collections of people, pets and pinned albums for easy browsing.

Enhanced Photos app

The Photos app has a refreshed layout with improved sorting and smarter filters for easier editing and navigation.

iPad displays handwritten notes about Indian frozen treats. Colourful drawings of Falooda and Kulfi with star ratings and reviews.

Smart Script in Notes

This tool converts your handwriting into editable digital text while keeping your writing style. It also lets you adjust spacing or insert typed content with Apple Pencil.

Password manager application showing secure list of login credentials. Various services organised with strong password strength indicators.

Passwords app

All your logins, passkeys and verification codes are now stored securely in the dedicated Passwords app, which syncs across all your Apple devices.

iPad Control Centre featuring shortcuts for wifi, music, focus and translation. Blue background with convenient accessibility options.

Redesigned control panel

With more layout options, you can now customise quick access to settings like brightness, Wi-Fi, or audio output.

How to install iPadOS 18 on your iPad?

You can install iPadOS 18 in 2 ways: directly or via your computer.

iPad Settings displaying Danny Rico's iCloud+ account. Storage, family sharing and backup options with various application synchronisation.

Option 1: directly via your iPad

  1. Back up your device using iCloud or Finder.
  2. Check available space: go to Settings -> General -> iPad Storage (ensure 15–20 GB free).
  3. Open Settings -> General -> Software Update.
  4. Tap Update Now, agree to terms, and follow the on-screen steps.
  5. After the update, your iPad will restart. Complete the setup and log in with your Apple ID.

Mac System Preferences Software Update screen shows available updates, automatic updates enabled, beta updates off.

Option 2: install via Mac or PC

  1. Connect your iPad to a Mac (using Finder) or Windows PC (using iTunes).
  2. Select your iPad in the sidebar.
  3. Click Check for Update, then follow the instructions to install iPadOS 18.

Which iPads support iPadOS 18?

ModelSupported until
iPad (7th generation, 2019)September 2025
iPad Mini (5th generation, 2019)September 2025
iPad Air (3rd generation, 2019)September 2025
iPad Pro (3rd generation, 2018)September 2025
iPad (8th generation, 2020)September 2026
iPad Air (4th generation, 2020)September 2026
iPad Pro (4th generation, 2020)September 2026
iPad (9th generation, 2021)September 2027
iPad Air (5th generation, 2022)September 2027
iPad Pro (5th generation, 2021)September 2027
iPad (10th generation, 2022)September 2028
iPad Mini (6th generation, 2021)September 2028
iPad Pro (6th generation, 2022)September 2028
iPad Air (6th generation, 2024)September 2030
iPad Pro (7th generation, 2024)September 2030

When can iPadOS 18 be downloaded?

iPadOS 18 was released on 16 September 2024, alongside iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia.

Two iPads displaying creative applications: woman in yellow dress with design tools and handwritten notes about Indian frozen treats.

How long does the update take?

  • Download: 10 minutes to over an hour, depending on connection and server load.
  • Installation: usually 10-30 minutes. Ensure your device is charged and stays plugged in during the update.

iPad Storage settings showing 253.8 GB of 256 GB used. Apps, photos, system and media organised with storage recommendations displayed.

Why can’t I download iPadOS 18?

You may run into issues if:

  1. Your iPad isn’t compatible (e.g. iPad 6th gen and earlier).
  2. Your internet connection is poor.
  3. You don’t have enough free storage space (free up at least 15 GB).

What iPad do you have?

When is iPadOS 19 expected?

Woman in purple jumper holding green iPad in natural outdoor environment. Relaxed atmosphere amongst green plants and foliage setting.

Although Apple hasn’t confirmed a release date, iPadOS 19 is expected around September 2025. Apple typically unveils new versions during WWDC in June, followed by a public release in early autumn.

Read more about iPadOS 16

Our advice on Apple's iPadOS 18

Three iPads displaying different home screens with widgets and apps. Colourful wallpapers featuring pink, blue and yellow themes with weather.

iPadOS 18 significantly upgrades the iPad experience. From AI assistance to deeper customisation and enhanced productivity tools, it’s a smart move for most users. If your iPad supports the update, we recommend installing it. Using an older device? It might be time to upgrade to keep pace with features and security.

Take a screenshot with your iPad

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