iPad owners have an exciting evening ahead with Apple set to roll-out its new iPadOS operating system.
This feature-packed new upgrade was initially scheduled for September 30 but has been brought forward – as well as the all-important bug-fixing iOS 13.1 for iPhone users – to today.
iPadOS is an entirely new mobile operating system and marks the first time Apple has created a dedicated OS for its tablet range. Until now, iPads were powered by the same iOS software that runs on Apple’s iPhone series, albeit with a few extra features for the larger display here and there.
Once iPadOS is installed, iPad users will be treated to a brand-new home screen, easier ways to switch between apps, and improved text editing. There’s so much new stuff bundled into iPadOS, we’ve listed our five best iPadOS features here for you to peruse.
It also boasts the ability to edit files direct from a USB thumb-drive, which will likely prove very popular with owners of the USB-C-toting iPad Pro.
Performance should also see a boost, with faster app loads and smaller downloads for app updates across the board. you’ll find plenty of nice extras, including a new Photos app and the same hugely-popular Dark Mode setting that launched with iOS 13.
We’re expecting iPadOS to be released at around 6pm tonight and here’s what you need to do to make sure your tablet is ready.
CHECK YOUR iPAD IS COMPATIBLE
All of the very latest iPads will be compatible with iPadOS but there will be some older devices that won’t be able to access this upgrade.
To check if your tablet will be getting all the new features you can find the list of compatible gadgets below.
Here’s a full list of every iPad that will be able to download this update later today.
Apple iPad 12.9-inch iPad Pro • 11-inch iPad Pro • 10.5-inch iPad Pro • 9.7-inch iPad Pro • iPad (7th generation) • iPad (6th generation) • iPad (5th generation) • iPad mini (5th generation) • iPad mini 4 • iPad Air (3rd generation) • iPad Air 2
CLEAR OUT YOUR iPAD
Before you do anything it’s worth checking how much space is free on your iPad.
You can do this by going to Setting > General > iPad Storage.
If it’s looking a little low, it’s worth deleting some unwanted files to avoid any disappointment when Apple releases the upgrade.
iPadOS could be a pretty big file size so you’re likely to need a fairly large amount of storage free on your device before you even think about downloading it.
BACK THINGS UP
Apple’s updates are usually pretty bug-free, but there’s always a chance things can go wrong.
With this in mind, it’s worth making sure your iPad is fully backed up to iCloud, or your Mac or Windows PC via iTunes before updating to iPadOS.
Then, if the worst does happen you’ll be able to retrieve all your setting, files and precious photos.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE CONNECTED TO WI-FI
With this iPadOS update likely to be a large file size you won’t be able to download it via a mobile network.
This means you’ll need to be at near some fast broadband if you want to get all the new features installed on your phone.
It’s also worth remembering that everyone will be trying to download this upgrade tonight so it can take longer once initially released.
If you are happy to wait, you may find it easier to hold off for a few days before taking the plunge.