Apple introduced iPadOS 18, which is the next major release of its tablet operating system for the iPad that brings several new features and refinements. So which iPad models support those new features? According to footnotes in iPadOS 18’s webpage, Apple lists two features that will work with certain iPad models.
First, Handwriting with Smart Script in Notes, which will enable users to paste text in their handwriting, will be available on iPad models with an A14 chip/M1 chip and later. Specifically, the following models will be supported:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Air (M2)
- iPad Air 10.9-inch (4th generation and later)
- iPad (10th generation)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
Second, the accessibility feature Eye Tracking, which will allow users to control their iPad using their eyes, will also be available on iPad models with an A14 chip/M1 chip and later.
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Air (M2)
- iPad Air 10.9-inch (4th generation and later)*
- iPad (10th generation)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
Finally, the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence, which is Apple’s upcoming suite of AI features, will be available in beta later this fall on iPad models with an M1 chip and later.
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Air (M2)
- iPad Air 10.9-inch (5th generation and later)
So these are a few new features that existing iPad users can take note of when wanting to try these new features. iPadOS 18 is available for developers as a beta, followed by a public beta sometime next month and an official public release in the fall.
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*Apple also lists the iPad Air (3rd generation) in the footnotes [10] as part of the list of iPad models that will support the accessibility feature, but that model features an older A12 chip. Since Apple doesn’t include the iPad mini (5th generation) in the list, which is also based on the A12 chip, it may be a misprint. We’ll update this article once Apple has confirmed that’s the case.
