Apple has released iPadOS 13.1 which is the version of iOS that runs on the company’s tablet line-up, iOS 13.1 for the iPhone and iPod touch, and tvOS 13 for the Apple TV set-top box.
To download iPadOS, go to System Preferences > General >Software Update. It builds on the same foundation as iOS, adding new capabilities and features specific to the large display and versatility of the tablet.
It introduces new ways to work with apps in multiple windows, more information at a glance on a redesigned Home screen, and more natural ways to use an Apple Pencil. The Home screen has been redesigned with a new layout to show more apps on each page. Today View can now be added to the Home screen, allowing quick access to widgets for at-a-glance information, including headlines, weather, calendar, events, tips, and more.
iPad users can now work with multiple files and documents from the same app simultaneously with updates to Split View, or can quickly view and switch between multiple apps in Slide Over. For example, customers can compose an email while viewing another email side by side or access multiple apps like Messages or Calendar with just a swipe. App Exposé provides a quick view of just the open windows for any one app with a simple tap.
With iPadOS, the Apple Pencil is even more integrated into the iPad experience. Customers can now mark up and send entire webpages, documents or emails on iPad by swiping Apple Pencil from the corner of the screen. A redesigned tool palette gives access to tools, color palettes, shapes, object eraser, a new pixel eraser for removing any part of a stroke and a ruler for drawing straight lines.
The Files app serves as a central place to access and manage documents. With iPadOS, it will offer iCloud Drive support for folder sharing. Anyone with access to a shared folder will see it in iCloud Drive and will always have the ability to access the latest version.
iPadOS also supports external drives, allowing users to plug in USB drives, SD cards or log into an SMB file server, all from within the Files app. A new Column View with high-resolution previews helps users navigate directories.
iPadOS automatically presents the desktop version of a website. It’s scaled for the iPad display, and optimizes it for touch, so web apps like Google Docs, Squarespace and WordPress work better in Safari on the iPad. Safari also supports new features such as a download manager, 30 new keyboard shortcuts and enhancements to tab management. Additional iPadOS features include:
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Dark Mode, which offers a dark color scheme designed to be easier on the eyes in low-light environments;
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Custom Fonts can be installed for use across the system;
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A new floating keyboard saves space and includes support for QuickPath;
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New photo editing tools;
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Sign In with Apple offers a new way to sign in to apps and websites using Apple ID;
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Maps features a new basemap, built from the ground up.
To download tvOS 13 on your Apple TV (if it doesn’t update automatically), launch the System menu via the set-top box and choose Software Update. The latest version gains: an immersive new Home screen; multi-user support for customers to access their own TV shows, movies, music and recommendations; support for Apple Arcade; expanded game controller support; and new 4K HDR screen savers filmed under the sea.
tvOS 13 also features the all-new Apple TV app, which brings together different ways to find and watch TV shows and movies into one app. The Apple TV app offers Apple TV channels, personalized recommendations and over 100,000 iTunes movies and TV shows, including the largest collection of 4K HDR titles to browse, buy or rent. As of Nov. l, Apple TV+, Apple’s original video subscription service, will be available in the Apple TV app.
To download iOS 13.1 on your iPhone or iPod touch, go to System Preferences > General > Software Update. It includes all the features of iOS 13 (see my review here), plus brings back Shortcut Automations and Share ETA, which lets users share their estimated time of arrival to a location
