The iPad is a powerful device, but many of its best features are often hidden away in the settings or tucked beneath simple gestures. In this article, we’ll uncover 10 iPad features that can transform the way you use your device—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
1. Back Tap Gesture
What it does: The iPad’s “Back Tap” feature allows you to perform specific actions just by tapping the back of your device. It can be used for things like taking a screenshot, opening the Control Center, or triggering other shortcuts.
How to enable:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
- Choose between Double Tap or Triple Tap to set your desired actions.
2. Apple Pencil Hover (iPad Pro)
What it does: On iPad Pro models with Apple Pencil (2nd gen), you can hover the Pencil above the screen to preview actions or see tool tips before touching the screen. This feature makes drawing and note-taking smoother and more intuitive.
How to enable: This feature is available by default for compatible iPad models with iPadOS 16 or later.
3. Picture-in-Picture Mode
What it does: Picture-in-Picture allows you to continue watching a video or FaceTime call while multitasking. The video floats on your screen, and you can move it around to interact with other apps.
How to use it:
- Play a video or start a FaceTime call.
- Swipe up from the bottom or press the home button to exit full screen—your video will shrink and float in a small window.
- You can drag it to any corner of your screen or resize it.
4. Split View Multitasking
What it does: Split View lets you open two apps side by side, allowing you to multitask more effectively on your iPad.
How to use it:
- Open the first app.
- Swipe up to bring up the Dock, then drag a second app to the side of the screen.
- Adjust the divider to resize the windows.
5. Focus Mode
What it does: Focus Mode helps you stay focused by limiting notifications and customizing what’s allowed to interrupt you. You can set up different Focus modes for work, personal time, sleep, etc.
How to enable:
- Go to Settings > Focus and choose or create a Focus mode.
- Customize app notifications, and set schedules or location-based triggers.
6. QuickNote
What it does: The QuickNote feature allows you to quickly jot down notes or highlight content anywhere on your iPad. It works seamlessly with websites, PDFs, and other apps.
How to use it:
- Swipe from the bottom right corner of the screen (or use a shortcut).
- Add text, highlights, or even drawings to your note.
- The note is automatically saved to the Notes app for easy reference.
7. Hidden Trackpad Mode (For iPad Keyboard Users)
What it does: If you’re using a keyboard with your iPad, you can turn the keyboard into a trackpad by simply holding down the space bar.
How to use it:
- Hold the space bar on the keyboard, and the cursor will become a trackpad.
- Move your finger across the space bar to move the cursor around the screen, making text selection and editing much easier.
8. Custom Shortcuts with the Shortcuts App
What it does: The Shortcuts app lets you create custom automations for everyday tasks on your iPad, like sending a message at a certain time, opening a group of apps, or adjusting settings with a single tap.
How to create a shortcut:
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap the “+” icon to create a new shortcut and select actions you want to automate (like launching apps or changing system settings).
9. AirDrop Between iPad and Mac
What it does: AirDrop allows you to wirelessly share files, photos, or documents between your iPad and other Apple devices (like your Mac).
How to use it:
- Select the file you want to share.
- Tap the Share icon and choose AirDrop.
- Select the device you want to send the file to.
10. Safari’s Tab Groups
What it does: Safari’s Tab Groups help you organize multiple tabs into categories, so you can easily switch between related websites or projects.
How to use it:
- Tap the Tabs button in Safari.
- Click the Tab Groups option to create a new group and add your open tabs to it.
- You can access Tab Groups from the Safari homepage, making it easier to manage browsing sessions.
Conclusion
Your iPad is packed with hidden gems that can significantly enhance your productivity and creativity. Whether it’s multitasking, organizing your apps, or personalizing your device, these 10 hidden features will help you get the most out of your iPad. Try them out today and see how they can transform the way you use your device!