For the iPad iPadOS 16

Naturally, the iPad also benefits from most of the updates in the iPhone's iOS 16, but there's also a few new features exclusive to Apple's tablet. But what are they, and can your own iPad successfully run them? Let's take a look at iPad OS 16.

Weather Report

Why has it taken so long for Apple to bring the Weather app to the iPad?

It's long been popular on the iPhone, but for some reason, it's never made it across to Apple's tablet device. We've no idea why, but with iPadOS 16, it arrives at last.

Like the revamped iOS 16 Weather app, the iPad version features animated illustrations of current weather conditions, such as slow-moving clouds, heavy snowfall, driving rain, rays of sunshine and more. Taking advantage of the larger screen offered by the iPad, information is divided into individual modules displayed on the main screen. Tap one of these modules for more details. With just a tap, you can see the most important weather information, or explore maps to check precipitation, air quality and temperature. You can also be notified when a severe weather alert is issued in their area, or check the air quality using a colour-coded scale.

For developers, the new WeatherKit programming tools allow information gleaned from the Weather app to be incorporated into their own apps too.

Collaborative Creativity

The iPad's collaboration features are getting a boost.

Open a document and click on the Share icon and you can opt to start a collaboration instead of sending a copy. You can send the request using Messenger, AirDrop, Mail, using a link and more, and when your collaborators have joined, they can make edits that are shared with the whole group. This works for documents created in a wide range of apps (and is available for third-party developers to include in their own apps), and is coming to iOS 16 and macOS Ventura too.

The Forthcoming Freeform App

Coming later this year, the Freeform app gives access to a freeform board which you can all view, share and collaborate on.