Do you think there are differences in terms of features on the iPhone and iPad? Of course there are, they share a good base as an OS but the iPad has some exclusive features
While it is true that iOS and iPadOS have a base that they share in terms of features and operation, there are several features that stand out for being exclusive to the iPad. These differences are also marked due to the size of the screen, the different models that exist and other elements directly related to the operating system. Let’s see what are the 20 most interesting features present on the iPad and not on the iPhone.
- The Eternal Dilemma of Why the iPad Can’t Be Like a Mac
The Eternal Dilemma of Why the iPad Can’t Be Like a Mac
Before we move on to the cool features of the iPadwell important to remember that the iPad and more particularly iPadOS is users have complained that it doesn’t look a bit more like macOS. The users who demand it the most are those who own an iPad Pro or iPad Air based on the M1 chip. Those in Cupertino were surprised by this fact when they announced that their Apple Silicon processorsat the time dedicated to Macs, would reach the iPad but the reality is that a differentiating factor has not been seen so far.
The iPad is limited by simply having iPadOS. As we already mentioned at the beginning of this article, it shares a base with iOS and This means that it cannot exploit better performance despite the most powerful chips.. The iPad Pro M4 is the best tablet in the world for its chip but not so much for its operating system.
Apple has been clear on this issue and specifies that the iPad will be the best complement to a Mac but that it will not replace it. This is also seen in one of the features that we will see below.
Photo booth
Yes, there is something that the Mac and iPad share and it’s just an app. Do you remember using Photo Booth on your new Mac? I am sure you have taken several photos using its different effects more than once. iPadOS includes the same app just like we see on an Apple computer.
The application library present in the Dock
New features in iPadOS 15
Here begin the biggest differentiators between iOS and iPadOS. The app library allows us to browse app by app and not clutter the home screen of our devices. This quirk is important because to access the App Library on the iPhone, you have to swipe up to the last available home screen. On the iPad, it is positioned as a button at the end of the Dock.
Another related factor is that the iPhone only allows 4 apps to be placed in the Dock, although it could allow more if Cupertino wanted by dragging different apps 4 at a time.
The Smart Case or Folio locks the iPad, which is not the case with a similar iPhone case
Have you ever purchased a Smart Case or Folio for your iPad? At a time when smart keyboards didn’t exist, this was the most elegant way to protect your iPad. The best thing is that you could Lock your iPad with an action as simple as closing the case and covering the iPad screen.
The iPhoneeven if a similar case matches, does not crash when covering the screen. There may be some logic in this since if you cover the screen, it does not mean that it must always be blocked since it is a mobile phone, even if Apple was already able to design covers similar to those of the iPad.
Two forms of widgets on the lock screen
Arrange widgets to your liking on the Lock screen in iPadOS 17
If you are familiar with widgets which are available on iOS and iPadOS on the lock screenyou will realize that only on iPad it is possible to have two different sets. When you have the iPad in a vertical position, it’s different from having it horizontally.
Using a mouse
Connecting a mouse to the iPad is ideal since iPadOS has it built in and detects both one of these devices and a trackpad. On iPhone it is possible but you have to use an accessibility trick.
Rotate the iPad screen and use it the way you want
If you are one of the users who repeatedly change the horizontal or vertical position of their iPad one day you will have understood that you can turn everything around. This is perfect since you decide in which position to use the iPad at 180 degrees. On iPhone, this is not possible.
Apple Pencil support
The Apple Pencil is a fantastic tool for the iPad
At the time, Steve Jobs claimed that the iPhone didn’t need a stylus. In this case, The iPad was not spared from this statement and the Apple Pencil was launched exclusively for use on iPadOS. and on some iPad models. It also differentiates itself from other competitors like Samsung with its Galaxy Ultra and Fold which integrate the smart pencil.
Access websites as if you were on a desktop computer
It is possible to view full pages in Safari for iPadOS
Using Safari and any other browser on iPhone, you can request a website to display its desktop. This compatibility does not work on all websites. What happens with iPadOS is different, in Safari it shows you the desktop version by default. It is therefore possible to access websites specially designed for computers on the iPad, which is not possible on the iPhone.
FaceTime and centered framing
Facetime between iPhone and iPad
This is a shared feature between iPad and Mac when you have FaceTime video calls. Benefits from machine learning to focus on yourself and others in a centered setting while you move
Your iPad works as a second display for your Mac
Wirelessly with Sidecar or via cable, the iPad can be a second screen for your Mac. It is not possible to do this natively on iPhone.
Split Screen (Split View) and Slide Over
Split screen is something Apple has been begging to implement on the iPhone because it feels so natural on Android and even more so on the iPad. In iPadOS, it’s possible to summon a floating window of an app to view and interact with it briefly.
Up to three apps at once on iPad
Open multiple windows of a single application
Multiple Notes windows on iPadOS
As it might happen on a computer, you can open multiple windows of a single app on your iPad. To do this, first open Notes (for example), then in the Dock, hold down the application icon and select the Show all windows option. The New window button will appear at the top. On iPhone, this is not possible to do.
Slide from a corner diagonally
From the bottom corners of the iPad, you can swipe diagonally across the screen to take a screenshot or create a quick note. This is not possible on iPhone, although it is only possible thanks to Accessibility.
Use your Mac keyboard, trackpad, or mouse on iPad
Universal control between MacBook and iPad
This feature is really great if you work with a Mac and an iPad on a daily basis. Universal Control lets you use your Mac’s trackpad, mouse, and keyboard wirelessly on your iPad. You just need to move the point to the edge of your Mac screen towards the iPad. It’s like magic but real.
Large icons without losing the name tag
Finally, in iOS 18, it will be possible to enlarge the size of apps on iPhone. If you do this, the app names will be lost. On iPad, thanks to the screen size, it is possible to use larger icons but without losing the names of the applications.
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