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The public beta for iPadOS 14 is now available, but proceed with caution. Be sure to back up your iPad before installing it, just in case you want to revert to iPadOS 13 if you’re not satisfied with the update.
One of the first things I noticed after installing iPadOS 14 was the new widgets. As expected in a beta version, some widgets aren’t functioning properly. However, the different widget sizes do add a fun, customizable element, allowing you to personalize your device’s appearance.
The Smart Stack feature groups multiple apps under one widget. When Smart Rotate is enabled, the widget automatically switches to display the most relevant app based on your location, time, and activity.
Scribble, an OCR technology, lets you handwrite directly into text fields. It converts your handwriting into text on your device, which is great for privacy and works even when you’re offline. Handwriting recognition has long been essential in note-taking apps, but Apple has now integrated this technology across iPadOS. Scribble allows you to search your iPad and take notes in apps like WriteMapper, Agenda, Bear, Scrivener, and Things 3. This feature is a game-changer for those who prefer handwriting but still want digital text versions of their notes.
However, Scribble doesn’t yet work with most apps that support Apple Pencil inking, such as Notability, GoodNotes, Pages, and Word. These apps haven’t fully integrated Scribble into their text tools, possibly to avoid confusion between their pen tools and Scribble. That said, Scribble does function in text-based areas of these apps, like search tools and document renaming.
Interestingly, ZoomNotes and Noteshelf have no issues distinguishing between Scribble and their pen tools, which is impressive, especially for ZoomNotes.
The new sidebar in the Photos app improves organization, making it easier to manage your photos.
Universal Search simplifies workflows on the iPad. It’s now easier to launch apps, search the web, and find notes in Apple Notes. We’re looking forward to using this feature across all our note-taking apps, as it promises to save time and reduce the need for meticulous digital note organization.
Overall, iPadOS 14 doesn’t introduce many groundbreaking upgrades, but it’s encouraging to see Apple focusing on enhancing the Apple Pencil experience, giving us more ways to use it effectively.
