Discover the hidden power of your iPad
Your iPad is probably only using 20% of its capacity . Most users know the basics. They scroll, type, watch video. Done. But here’s the kicker: iPadOS is packed with features that will surprise even the most die-hard Apple fans. Split View for three apps at once? Handwritten notes that convert instantly to text? A desktop browser on your tablet? It’s all here. In fact, with the right accessories like a keyboard or Apple Pencil, your iPad almost becomes a full-fledged laptop. Combine that with AirPods for seamless audio switching between devices, and you have a productivity monster on your hands. In this article, we’re sharing the hidden gems of iPadOS that will instantly improve your work and personal life.
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The hidden multitasking capabilities
You're probably familiar with Split View: two apps side by side. But did you know that since iPadOS 15, you can even use three apps simultaneously? Here's how it works: open two apps in Split View, then drag a third app from the dock to the center of your screen. It then appears as a Slide Over window on top of your Split View.
Even more convenient: with Stage Manager (from iPadOS 16 onwards), you can group apps into sets that you can switch between with a single tap. Perfect when switching between research, writing, and communication, for example. Activate this feature in Control Center and watch your iPad transform into a true workstation.
Quick Note is another underrated feature. Swipe in from the bottom right corner with your Apple Pencil or finger to instantly create a note. These notes stay linked to the app or website where you created them. If you open the same page later, a small icon will automatically appear, taking you to your previous note.
Apple Pencil features that will change your life
Scribble instantly transforms your handwriting into typed text in any text field. Simply write with your Apple Pencil in a search field, email, or document—the system recognizes your handwriting and converts it. Cross out to delete, circle to select—it's intuitive.
The Notes app offers even more powerful tools. Draw a straight line that automatically straightens perfectly. Sketch a circle that instantly corrects itself to a perfect shape. Handwriting recognition even works when searching notes—type a word and find it right in your handwritten notes.
For those who draw or write a lot: double-click the Apple Pencil to instantly switch between tools. No menus to navigate, just keep working. In apps like Procreate or GoodNotes, you can configure this shortcut to your liking.
Using Safari as a desktop browser
Websites that send you to a mobile version? That's a thing of the past. Safari on iPadOS loads the desktop version of websites by default. But it goes even further: download files directly to specific folders, use extensions like ad blockers, and open multiple tabs in groups.
The download manager in Safari works just like it does on a computer. Click the download icon in the top right corner to view, pause, or resume your downloads. Files automatically go to the Downloads folder in the Files app, but you can choose a different location for each download.
Sync tab groups across all your Apple devices. Create a group for work, personal, or a specific project. Open your MacBook later? The same tab groups are ready and waiting.
Connecting external devices
Your iPad supports more external devices than you might think. Connect a USB-C hub and use an external monitor, mouse, keyboard, and even an Ethernet cable simultaneously. With the right adapter, you can work on a 4K screen while your tablet serves as a second display.
A Bluetooth mouse works immediately after pairing. The cursor automatically adjusts: it changes shape around buttons, text fields, and links. Right-clicking? That works just fine too, with context menus just like you're used to.
External storage is no longer a problem. USB drives, hard drives, and SD cards appear directly in the Files app. Copy, move, or edit files as if you were working on a laptop. Photographers especially appreciate the direct import of RAW files from their camera.
Focus modes for productivity
Focus modes filter notifications based on your activity. Set a work mode that only lets important colleagues through. Or a sleep mode that blocks everything except emergency calls. These settings sync automatically with your iPhone and Mac.
The smart thing: link Focus modes to locations, times, or apps. Arriving at the office? Your work mode automatically activates. Opening a reading app? Your reading focus activates without distraction.
Use widgets smartly
Home screen widgets display live information without opening apps. But the real power lies in Smart Stacks: stacks of widgets that automatically switch based on context. In the morning you see the weather, your calendar during the day, and your activity rings in the evening.
Press and hold a widget to adjust the stack. Add, remove, or rearrange widgets. The iPad learns from your usage and automatically displays the most relevant widget at the top over time.
Automation with Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app automates repetitive tasks. Create a shortcut that starts your favorite playlist with a single tap, dims your smart lights, and sets a timer for focus time. Or a shortcut that resizes photos and sends them directly to colleagues.
Shortcuts also work with Siri. "Hey Siri, workday" can open your email, display your calendar, and launch your favorite news app. The possibilities are endless, and you can build them without any programming knowledge.
Conclusion: your iPad can do much more
Your iPad is capable of so much more than you thought. From running three apps simultaneously to handwriting that instantly becomes text—it's all built into your tablet. Combine these features with the right accessories , and you have a serious workhorse. The best part is: all these capabilities are built into iPadOS. All you have to do is discover and use them. Start with one new feature today and gradually expand. Before you know it, you'll be using your iPad in a completely new way.
