iPadOS 18: Supported iPads and expected release date

Apple introduced iPadOS 18 during WWDC 2024, highlighting new features like Apple Intelligence, which will also be available in iOS 18 and macOS 15. This update promises enhanced personalization, with customizable app icons and more options for Home Screen and Control Center customization.

iPadOS 18 brings exciting new features

The latest iPad software update introduces text effects in Messages, a redesigned Photos app, a ‘Smart Script’ feature in Notes that mimics your handwriting, and a Calculator app with ‘Math Notes’ to solve handwritten math problems and create graphs. But when can we expect iPadOS 18 to be available, and which iPads will support it?

iOS 18 supported devices: Here’s a list of all compatible iPhones

Get ready for the next generation of iPhone OS. Discover which iPhone models are compatible with iOS 18 and how to download it.

Expected release date for iPadOS 18

Apple hasn’t officially announced the release date for iPadOS 18, but based on previous years, we have a reasonable estimate. Historically, most iPadOS updates have been released in September, alongside iOS updates for iPhones.

iPadOS 13: September 24, 2019
iPadOS 14: September 16, 2020
iPadOS 15: September 20, 2021
iPadOS 16: October 24, 2022
iPadOS 17: September 18, 2023

Given this pattern, iPadOS 18 will likely be released in September, possibly on September 9, 16, or 23, 2024. Before the official release, iPadOS 18 will be available for testing through developer and public betas on supported iPads.

Betas available for developers and public

As of June 10, 2024, the iPadOS 18 developer beta is live for members of the Apple Developer program, which costs $100 annually. The public beta, typically released a month after the developer beta, will be free for anyone in Apple’s Beta Software Program, expected to launch in July.

Supported iPads for iPadOS 18

While we await the official release date, Apple has confirmed which iPads will support iPadOS 18. The supported models include:

iPad (6th generation and later)
iPad mini (5th generation and later)
iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
iPad Pro (all models)

Many of these iPads feature a Neural Engine, enhancing on-device AI processing for better security and privacy. For instance, older models with A12 Bionic or A12X Bionic chips can perform up to 5 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) and will likely rely more on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute for Apple Intelligence features. In contrast, the new iPad Pro M4, with a Neural Engine capable of 38 TOPS, is ideal for primarily on-device AI processing.

Enhanced security and privacy with on-device processing

Apple has long emphasized on-device processing as crucial for user data security and privacy. According to a recent blog post from Apple’s Security Research team, their Private Cloud Compute design meets stringent security requirements, ensuring that Apple’s commitment to user privacy remains robust.

Key features of iPadOS 18

iPadOS 18 is set to bring several exciting features that will enhance the user experience:

Customizable App Icons: Personalize your Home Screen with customizable app icons.
Control Center Customization: More options to tailor the Control Center to your preferences.
Text Effects in Messages: New ways to enhance your messages with text effects.
Redesigned Photos App: Improved design and functionality in the Photos app.
Smart Script in Notes: A feature that replicates your handwriting in Notes.
Math Notes in Calculator: Solve handwritten math problems and create graphs directly in the Calculator app.

These features, combined with the robust hardware capabilities of the supported iPads, promise a richer, more personalized experience for users.

Preparing for the iPadOS 18 update

As we approach the anticipated release date, iPad users should prepare by ensuring their devices are compatible and joining the Apple Beta Software Program if they want early access. Keeping your device updated will ensure you can enjoy all the new features and enhancements as soon as they become available.

In conclusion, iPadOS 18 promises to bring a host of new features and improvements that will make the iPad experience more personalized and efficient. With the expected release in September, users can look forward to an exciting upgrade that leverages advanced AI processing for enhanced functionality and privacy.