In the framework of WWDC 2020, Apple has presented iPadOS 14 , the new iteration of its operating system for tablets, which benefits from many of the novelties of iOS 14, such as the new compact design for FaceTime and calls and interactions with Siri. In addition, there are new features for the Apple Pencil and improved integration with ARKit 14 that will allow developers to create augmented reality applications more powerful than ever. 

IPadOS  14: Improved application experience with new compact design :Apple Introduces iPadOS 14: What’s New and Compatible Devices

Many of the improvements in iOS 14 are also present in  iPadOS  14, such as the new compact design for Siri , the improved maps with routes for cyclists and guides with places of  interest , as well as the adjustments to the messages and the new functionality of the Widgets, which have been redesigned to provide timely application information  based on factors such as time, location, and activity.

The same can also be said about accessibility features, where VoiceOver and GroupFaceTime feature  prominently .   

All these functionalities are present in both operating systems and you can read more about them in our coverage of  iOS 14 . 

However, where  iPadOS  14 begins to differentiate itself from its iPhone counterpart, is in universal search , which has been built from scratch for the new version of iPadOS. In this sense, thanks to the new compact design, users can start a search from anywhere, without having to leave the application in which they are. For its part, web searches are even more powerful and refined, delivering more relevant suggestions as users type. 

They have also been redesigned bars  side  in many applications, including photos, Apple Music, Notes and more. This makes navigation more intuitive while keeping the main content front and center. 

Better  use  of Apple  Pencil  

iPadOS  14 seeks to make the most of the new Apple  Pencil  and for this it brings  Scribble  to the iPad , which allows users to write in any text field with the  digital pencil and see how it is automatically converted to text, which definitely facilitates many actions .  

Also, by implementing Machine Learning, smart selection can distinguish between writing and drawing. As if the above mentioned were not enough, data detectors also support handwriting, that is, the device will be able to recognize things such as addresses, dates and phone numbers  to perform relevant actions, such  as,  for  example,  call that phone number  . 

Unfortunately, Scribble  will initially  only be available in English and Chinese. 

Augmented reality more realistic than ever 

Although it is still a promise for the future, the new ARKit API   seeks to  give  developers the necessary tools to create augmented reality experiences more realistic than ever, which will be able to take advantage of the new  LiDAR scanner  of the iPad Pro to do things never seen before on a tablet, such as taking body measurements for more accurate virtualization. 

Compatible Devices 

Compatibility with  iPadOS  14 will be excellent, as the operating system supports many devices that are already quite old on the market. The full list of devices can be found below: 

When will iPadOS  14 be available  ? : Apple Introduces iPadOS 14: What’s New and Compatible Devices

Well, according to the official statement, it is now available to members  of Apple’s developer program . For its  part , the public beta begins next month, as is the case with iOS 14. To participate in this beta you can visit  the following link , but remember that it will not be available until July.