iPadOS 18 Compatibility Explained: Everything You Need to Know

By ANAS KHAN 11 Min Read

iPadOS 18 compatibility Many iPad owners have been waiting to see if they may use the most recent update on their devices since iPadOS 18 was released. Understanding iPadOS 18 compatibility is essential to ensuring you can benefit from the newest features, improvements, and security updates that come with the new operating system. In this comprehensive guide, we will go over everything you need to know about compatibility with iPadOS 18. Which iPad models are compatible with it, how to check whether your iPad is, and what to do if it isn’t will all be covered. Stay current and make sure your iPad is ready for the fascinating new features that iPadOS 18 will bring! 

IPADOS 18: COMPATIBLE DEVICES

iPadOS 18 compatibility

iPad Pro variants (3rd Gen) that were introduced after 2018

Models of the iPad Air (3rd Gen) announced after 2019

2019 and later fifth-generation iPad mini devices

iPads (eighth generation) released after 2020

The iPadOS 18 compatibility list indicates that Apple will no longer support the three iPad devices that were compatible with iPadOS 17. The iPad (6th gen), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd gen).

iPadOS 18 Feature Support

While Apple makes it clear that some iPad devices can only utilize three features—Apple Intelligence, Handwriting with Smart Script, and Eye Tracking—all of the above iPad models are compatible with iPadOS 18.

The only iPad models that support all of the new features are the iPad Air 5 (M1), iPad Air M2, iPad Pro 11″ 3rd Gen (M1), iPad Pro 12.9″ 5th Gen (M1), iPad Pro 11″ 4th Gen (M2), iPad Pro 12.9″ 6th Gen (M2), and iPad Pro M4.

However, none of these functionalities is supported by the iPad Pro11″, iPad Pro12.9″ (3rd Gen), iPad Pro11″ (2nd Gen), iPad Pro12.9″ (4th Gen), iPad mini (5th Gen), iPad (7th Gen), iPad (8th Gen), and iPad 9th Gen.  

IOS 18 COMPATIBILITY

According to Apple, iOS 18 will work with all iPhone models starting with the iPhone XS and up—that is, any iPhone with the A12 Bionic chipset or higher. It so happens that if you meet the same requirements as iOS 17, you can download iOS 18 if you’re already using the most recent version of Apple software.

Here is a complete list of iPhones that are compatible with iOS 18: 

  1. iPhone 15
  2. iPhone 15 Plus
  3. iPhone 15 Pro
  4. iPhone 15 Pro Max
  5. iPhone 14
  6. iPhone 14 Plus
  7. iPhone 14 Pro
  8. iPhone 14 Pro Max
  9. iPhone 13
  10. iPhone 13 mini
  11. iPhone 13 Pro
  12. iPhone 13 Pro Max
  13. iPhone 12
  14. iPhone 12 mini
  15. iPhone 12 Pro
  16. iPhone 12 Pro Max
  17. iPhone 11
  18. iPhone 11 Pro
  19. iPhone 11 Pro Max
  20. iPhone XS
  21. iPhone XS Max
  22. iPhone XR
  23. iPhone SE (2020)
  24. iPhone SE (2022)

FEATURE COMPATIBILITY

Not every device running iPadOS 18 and iOS 18 will be able to take advantage of every feature offered by both operating systems. More specifically, phones with Apple’s A17 Pro or M-series chipsets will be able to use Apple Intelligence features, but only iPhone models 14 and up will be able to use satellite-based texting.

The following is a list of the limited features of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, along with the matching device requirements. Even using the Apple Intelligence features, all we could find was information specific to iPhone compatibility. We will update the list as soon as we obtain proof that the iPad is compatible. 

  1. Features of Apple Intelligence include the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac versions (or newer) equipped with M1.
  2. Satellite messaging on an iPhone 14 or later 
  3. Audio transcription in Notes – iPhone 12 or newer
  4. Eye tracking –  iPhone 12 or newer
  5. Music Haptics – iPhone 12 or newer
  6. Opening a wireless smart lock with an iPhone 11 or later
  7. Improve Apple TV’s dialogue feature if you have an iPhone 11 or later.

IPADOS 18: CALCULATOR APP AND MATH NOTES

After years of development, the new Calculator app for iPad looks to be the same as the one that comes pre-installed on your iPhone. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll find that this is the ideal of math lovers—or people who hate arithmetic and would like not to have to perform it themselves.

One of the program’s newest features is “Math Notes,” which has several amazing features.

It is purported to be a calculator that you use by using your Apple Pencil to sketch the sums you want to be calculated on the screen. Happy days, math students! It seems that God has heard your prayers. Perhaps not, as your instructor might immediately start taking everyone’s electronics away to stop students from cheating on arithmetic tests.

Variables can then be added to the equation to create graphs with different results and more complex mathematical solutions. If you can distinguish your acute angle from your hypotenuse, you can also change those variables in real time to change the graph, which is very amazing.

IPADOS 18: SMART SCRIPT AND THE NOTES APP

When you take notes by hand, do you realize how horrible your handwriting looks? Indeed, I concur. Thankfully, Smart Script can be used to make things better. Your handwriting will appear good thanks to machine learning, which will also clean it up to make it readable while maintaining its natural appearance. Since everything is done in real time, you can watch as the iPad Phantom changes your handwriting as you type. frightful.

BUT WAIT! Additionally, you can copy and paste text to other regions of the iPad and highlight unwanted content with Smart Script. Notes will give the impression that you wrote the text, even if you copy it into your work. Delectable. Additionally, typed notes have been enhanced with the ability to organize them using drop-down menus and highlight individual notes with different colours.

IPADOS 18: PHOTOS

iPadOS 18, a further update from iOS 18, has a new pictures app. This refers to all of the ongoing layout improvements, including the larger photo grid that occupies most of the app and the new collections area at the bottom of the screen. Because such collections have personalization choices, you can choose which collections you want to appear first, before all the others.

Additionally, the photographs app creates them automatically, saving you the bother of gathering different photos of people, places, and other objects. Even though the software will handle it for you, you can still create your collections. Furthermore, new autoplay features allow you to build amusing slideshows of your experiences when you swipe off the main photos page. On iPadOS 18, you may get this view—known as the carousel view—by sliding left on the Photos app.

Conclusion

iPadOS 18 compatibility It’s important to understand iPadOS 18 compatibility to make sure your iPad can benefit from the latest updates and features. To enjoy improved security, new features, and speed during a smooth update to iPadOS 18, be sure your iPad model is compatible. You may make sure your device is prepared for the upgrade by backing up your data and, if appropriate, clearing up storage space. Should your iPad not be compatible, you may want to look into other possibilities or purchase a newer model. Maintaining compatibility is essential if you want to make the most of iPadOS 18 and your iPad. 

FAQ

Q1: Which iPad models are compatible with iPadOS 18 first?

A1: iPadOS 18 compatibility with a range of iPad devices. To find out if your iPad is compatible with iPadOS 18, check Apple’s official list of compatibilities.

Q2: How can I find out if my iPad can run the iPadOS 18 update?

A2: To check if your iPad is eligible for the update, select Settings > General > Software upgrade. If iPadOS 18 is available, your device will have the opportunity to download and install it.

Q3: What should I do if my iPad isn’t compatible with iPadOS 18?

A3: If your iPad isn’t compatible with iPadOS 18, you can continue using it with your current version, but you won’t receive any updates or new features. A more modern iPad model that is compatible with iPadOS 18 is an additional choice.

Q4: If I update to iPadOS 18, would my data be lost?

A4: Updating to iPadOS 18 shouldn’t cause you to lose any data. It is normally recommended to create a backup of your iPad before making any substantial updates to prevent data loss.

Q5: How much space on your computer is needed to install iPadOS 18?

A5: The amount of free space required to install iPadOS 18 may vary, but generally speaking, it’s recommended to have at least 5–10 GB accessible.

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