At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) held on Monday, Apple showcased its upcoming iPad software, iPadOS 17, which brings a host of new features to make the iPad experience more akin to that of an iPhone. With interactive widgets, lock screen customization options, and the inclusion of the Health app, Apple is bridging the gap between its tablet and smartphone platforms.

Taking cues from iOS 16’s release last year, Apple is introducing interactive widgets and lock screen customization options to iPadOS 17. These features, previously exclusive to iPhones, will now allow iPad users to personalize their device and have quick access to relevant information right from the home screen.

In a move to enhance health and wellness tracking, Apple is extending the Health app to iPads. The Health app, originally introduced on iPhones in 2014, has undergone continuous improvements over the years, providing users with valuable insights into their health data. With iPadOS 17, iPad owners will be able to access the full capabilities of the Health app, including features like tracking personal health metrics and monitoring family members’ health.

The Notes app on iPad is also getting an upgrade in iPadOS 17. Users will now have the ability to autofill PDFs within the app, making it easier to complete forms and documents. Furthermore, collaboration on PDFs will be possible within the Notes app, enabling real-time collaboration with others.

For those enrolled in Apple’s Developer Beta program, iPadOS 17 is available for download starting today. Public beta testers will have access to iPadOS 17 in July, while the general public can expect the official release in the fall.

In addition to iPadOS 17, Apple unveiled its highly anticipated AR/VR headset, called Vision Pro, at the event. The company also introduced iOS 17, the next iteration of its mobile operating system, and a new 15-inch MacBook Air.

Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, highlighted the personalization and intuitive enhancements brought by iOS 17, stating, “With iOS 17, we’ve made iPhone more personal and intuitive by deeply considering the features we all rely on every day. This release is packed with updates we think our users are going to love, from improved communication features like Phone, FaceTime, and Messages to reimagined AirDrop, enhanced autocorrect, and exciting new experiences with Journal and StandBy.”

Apple enthusiasts and iPad users can look forward to a more cohesive and feature-rich experience with the launch of iPadOS 17, bringing the best of both the iPad and iPhone ecosystems to their fingertips.

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