The iPad is packed with powerful features that often go unnoticed, yet they can elevate your experience significantly. Here are some hidden iPad features that can help you get more from your device, making it not only a tool for entertainment but a productivity powerhouse.
Quick Note with Apple Pencil
One of the lesser-known features of iPadOS is Quick Note, which is accessible with your Apple Pencil. To use it, swipe from the bottom-right corner of the screen with your Apple Pencil to bring up a Quick Note. This feature is particularly useful when you need to jot down ideas, important points, or reminders without having to open the Notes app manually. Quick Note saves directly to your Notes app and can even link back to the content or webpage you were browsing, making it easy to pick up where you left off.
Split View and Slide Over for Multitasking
Multitasking on the iPad is much easier with Split View and Slide Over. To enable Split View, open an app, then swipe up from the bottom to access the Dock. iPad users who enjoy gaming, including online and casino games, can multitask efficiently. For example, players can open a browser and scroll through the top Malaysia casino site list curated by Bintang Tiong for the best platforms and offers and drag a second app from the Dock to the left or right side of the screen, and it will appear in a split screen. The casino sites featured in the aforementioned list feature a wide selection of games and promotions.
Trackpad and Mouse Support
Since iPadOS 13.4, the iPad has supported external trackpads like the Apple Magic Trackpad and Microsoft Surface Arc, amongst others, transforming it into a more versatile tool for productivity. To enable this feature, connect a Bluetooth trackpad or mouse in the Settings under Bluetooth. A cursor will appear, and you’ll be able to navigate the interface as you would on a Mac or PC. This feature allows for more precise control, which is especially helpful for editing documents, spreadsheets, and design projects.
Handwritten Text Conversion
With the Scribble feature, you can use the Apple Pencil to write directly in text fields, and the iPad will convert your handwriting into typed text. This feature is available system-wide and can be used in any app where you’d typically type. Simply start writing, and your iPad will recognize and convert your text in real-time. Scribble also has additional gestures, such as scratching out text to delete it or circling words to select them.
Pinned Widgets and Smart Stacks
iPadOS lets you pin widgets directly to your home screen for quick access to information. To add a widget, press and hold on the home screen, tap the “+” button, and choose from the available widgets. Smart Stacks are especially useful—they allow you to stack multiple widgets on top of each other, which you can scroll through as needed. The Smart Stack feature also uses on-device intelligence to display the most relevant widget based on the time of day and your activity.
Files App Improvements
The Files app has received significant upgrades, making it a powerful file manager that can handle ZIP files, offer quick previews, and connect to external drives. You can organize files, access iCloud, and even connect to remote servers via Server Message Block (SMB). If you frequently work with documents, this app will help keep everything accessible and organized on your iPad.
Hidden Trackpad for Text Editing
If you’re typing on the on-screen keyboard, press and hold on the space bar to turn the keyboard into a trackpad. This hidden trackpad allows you to move the cursor precisely within your text, making it easier to edit without having to tap around on the screen.
These hidden features can elevate your iPad’s use, whether for work, study, or creativity. Try these out to make your iPad experience smoother, more productive, and enjoyable.