Obsolete, unsupported for newer iPads. Receiving security updates for iPads that are not supported by iPadOS 26 or later. Widespread third-party app support.
iPadOS 18 features many of the new home screen customization features introduced in iOS 18 such as icon tinting, dark themed icons, and the ability to move icons anywhere.
iPadOS 18’s Calculator introduces Math Notes, a new feature that allows users to perform and track calculations on separate sheets, solve mathematical equations, and plot functions on graphs. With integrated handwriting recognition, Math Notes automatically evaluates user input and displays the results in their own handwriting. The redesigned Calculator app, now shared between iOS and iPadOS, marks the first time an official calculator has been available for iPad.
iPadOS's Notes app includes Smart Script which uses machine learning to model and straighten a user's handwriting. It can also generate additional handwritten text in the user's style.
The newly introduced Math Notes feature can be performed inside the Notes app and Smart Script can be used to write the answer of the calculation in the user's handwriting style.
Locking and hiding applications
In iPadOS 18, applications that are visible to the user can be locked, or hidden. Locked apps require passcode or biometric authentication to run. Hidden apps are moved to a designated "Hidden" folder in the App Library; accessing that folder requires passcode or biometric authentication.
Issues
iPad Pro (M4) bricking issues
Many users trying to upgrade iPad Pro models with M4 chips to iPadOS 18.0 reported that the device powered off during the update process, causing the iPad to become bricked. Apple pulled the update and blocked installation and restoration to iPadOS 18.0 on M4 iPad Pros. On October 3, 2024, Apple released iPadOS 18.0.1, which allowed iPad Pro with M4 chips to update to iPadOS 18 without potential bricking issues.
In-app purchasing blockage
During the iPadOS 18.2 update on December 11, 2024, many users were unable to make in-app purchases, gaining much of its notoriety. This issue was fixed after the release of iPadOS 18.3 in late January 2025.
Supported devices
iPadOS 18 drops support for the sixth-generation iPad and the second-generation iPad Pro, which feature an A10 SoC and an A10X SoC, respectively. However, iPadOS 18 continues to support the seventh-generation iPad, which also features an A10 SoC. This marks the first time Apple has dropped support for an iPad while retaining support for another model featuring the same or a less powerful system on a chip. The version also drops support for all iPads that use the original 9.7-inch display size.
The new Apple Intelligence functions require iPads with an A17 Pro SoC, or an M1 SoC or later, which are only available on the iPad Mini (seventh generation or later), iPad Air (fifth generation or later), and iPad Pro (fifth generation or later).
Reception of iPadOS 18 was mixed, with critics praising the new Math Notes feature in the Calculator app, the addition of Smart Script, and even more customization, but criticizing for its launch issues, support inconsistency, the anti-climax multitasking, and the gradual rollout of AI features.
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