Years of waiting for a simple iPad calculator
Years of waiting for a simple calculator. While even the cheapest tablets come with one, iPad users had to make do with third-party apps or their iPhone. Apple's drive for perfection? An excuse for oversight? But here's what no one tells you: Apple had the calculator ready a long time ago . The company just had a uniquely Apple design problem—how to turn a simple calculator into something that truly takes advantage of the larger screen? The solution in iOS 18 reveals why the wait might not have been so crazy. Because what we get now isn't just a bloated iPhone app, but a completely redesigned experience with features that suddenly make calculating accessories or comparing AirPods prices a lot more practical.
Useful links
- iPad accessories for optimal calculations
- AirPods collection for hands-free calculations
- iPad models with iOS 18 support
The long road to a simple function
It sounds almost ridiculous: the iPad has been around since 2010, but it won't finally get a built-in calculator until 2024. While even the most basic Android tablets come with a calculator by default, iPad owners have had to resort to third-party apps or their iPhones for years. This seemingly simple omission has become a running gag in the tech world and a source of frustration for millions of users.
The reasons behind this delay are typical Apple. The company didn't want to simply blow up the iPhone calculator to iPad size. Internal sources suggest that several prototypes have been rejected in recent years because they didn't meet Apple's strict design standards. The company felt the larger screen needed to be used meaningfully, not simply filled with larger buttons.
More than a bloated iPhone app
The calculator we now get with iOS 18 partly justifies the wait. In portrait mode, you see a familiar basic calculator, but turn the device to landscape and suddenly a complete scientific calculator unfolds. This transformation is seamless and utilizes every inch of screen space.
The app supports multitasking in ways that make sense for the iPad's format. You can use the calculator in Split View alongside, for example, Numbers or a notes app. In Slide Over, the calculator floats elegantly over other apps, perfect for quick calculations while working on documents. This integration feels natural and demonstrates why Apple took the time to implement it.
Smart features for everyday use
The history function is particularly useful. All calculations are automatically saved and easy to retrieve. This is handy when comparing prices for accessories or calculating totals for multiple products. Simply swipe up to view previous calculations and select what you want to reuse.
The memory functions (M+, M-, MR, MC) are prominently displayed and intuitive. These features are indispensable for those who regularly work with numbers, for example, when tracking expenses for various Apple products. The system remembers your saved values even when you close the app.
Integration with the Apple ecosystem
Siri integration enables hands-free calculations. Simply ask, "Hey Siri, what's 15 percent of 899?" and the answer appears instantly. This also works when wearing AirPods, allowing you to quickly calculate discounts while shopping without having to touch your iPad.
The widget functionality deserves special attention. You can add a calculator widget to your home screen or Today View for instant access. The widget displays your latest calculation, and with a single tap, you can open the full app. This saves precious seconds for frequent users.
Universal Control and Continuity
With Universal Control, you can perform calculations on your iPad while using the results directly on your Mac. Copy a calculation on your tablet and paste the result seamlessly into an Excel sheet on your computer. This cross-device functionality makes the calculator more than just a standalone tool.
Handoff also works with the calculator app. Start a complex calculation on your iPhone and continue it on your iPad when you need the larger screen for scientific functions. Syncing happens automatically via iCloud.
Practical applications
For students, the scientific mode is a godsend. Trigonometric functions, logarithms, and power calculations are all available. The large buttons on the iPad screen make entering complex formulas more enjoyable than on a physical calculator.
Business users appreciate the quick access during meetings. With the iPad flat on the table, you can discreetly perform calculations without having to open your laptop. Silent mode ensures that keystrokes don't make a sound.
What is still missing?
Despite all the new features, some options that competing apps offer are missing. A graphing mode for plotting functions would be welcome, especially given the large screen. Programmable functions for repetitive calculations are also still missing.
The app doesn't support handwriting recognition with the Apple Pencil, which seems like a missed opportunity. Entering formulas by handwriting would feel more natural than tapping virtual buttons.
Tips for optimal use
Enable haptic feedback for a better typing experience. This provides subtle vibrations with each keystroke, mimicking the feel of physical buttons. You can find this option in the calculator app's settings.
Use the copy function wisely. Tap and hold the result to copy it, but tap twice quickly to select the full calculation, including the formula. This is useful for documentation or sharing calculations.
The backspace function works by swiping left across the display. This deletes the last digit entered without resetting the entire calculation. A small but useful feature that not everyone immediately discovers.
Finally a full-fledged iPad calculator
After a fourteen-year wait, the iPad finally has its calculator. Apple's drive for perfection has resulted in an app that truly takes advantage of the large screen, with seamless transitions between basic and scientific modes. The integration with the Apple ecosystem and multitasking capabilities make this more than just a calculator. However, the lack of graphing features and Apple Pencil support feels like missed opportunities . For those considering a new iPad with iOS 18: the calculator isn't a game-changer, but it is a welcome addition that makes the device more complete.
