You’ve all probably tested iOS 11 by now through the Apple Public Beta Program, but as of today, the final public version is available for everyone to download.
iOS 11 is big deal for both iPhones and iPads, and paves the way for many enhancements with future versions. In this review, we’ll be diving deep into iOS 11 on the latest iPad Pro 10.5-inch specifically, where you will see some major changes compared to the iPhone.
To begin with, after using iOS 11 for the last few months in beta, I can safely say that this is by far the best update the iPad has gotten in a long time. So what has changed? Let’s get right into it!
New, customizable Control Center
One of the big changes in iOS 11 is the Control Center. In addition to the usual options to toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera, calculator, flashlight and brightness, the new redesigned interface brings in new options, like adding new toggles to the menu such as quick access to Notes, Apple TV Remote, Stopwatch, and others. In the Control Center’s settings, you can move the toggles around and position them however you like. If you force touch the Bluetooth/WiFi toggles for example, you’ll now see options for AirDrop and personal hotspots and others.
Media controls also have a new dedicated space in Control Center with a 3D Touch options to move through tracks and jump between devices.
The Dock, Multitasking
The app dock which has been around since the first iPhone has received one of the most important updates in iOS 11. The dock has much more functionality now and is accessible from different locations and supports drag-and-drop. On the iPad, the Dock is also accessible by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and allows you to drag apps for quick multitasking. By dragging an icon to either sides of the screen, a Split View preview activates allowing you to multitask when letting go of the dragged app. If you swipe your finger even further upwards, a macOS-like Exposé view activates allowing you to switch apps and access Control Center. Of course, swiping an app upwards, closes it completely.
You can open a third app as well in the “slide over” view which positions itself over the other apps, and can be closed or brought back from the side of the screen. The entire multitasking experience, specially on the 110.5-inch iPad Pro which now has smaller bezels and more screen.
The dock is also split with the left side housing your choice of apps, and the right side containing a more dynamic selection of recently used apps or apps being used on other devices through Handoff. The dock can hold up to 15 apps.
Drag & Drop
Drag and drop on the iPad is now a breeze, accessible from virtually anywhere. You tap and hold your finger on an item or text and then drag it anywhere, and use other hand to open the app you want to drop into. The multi-finger gesture is a little complicated to execute at first, but it’ll feel very simple with a little bit of time.
Drag and Drop works with more than one file at a time as well. To move multiple files, grab a file with a drag gesture, keep your finger on the file and tap additional files with your other hand.
Apple Pencil, Notes and Keyboard
Other changes in iOS 11 which enhance functionality include the capability to get Notes to open automatically when you tap the lock screen with an Apple Pencil. Also available on the the 9.7-inch and 10.5-inch iPads, the new QuickType keyboard which lets you type a second number by flicking down on the selected key.
Other enhancements and updates
The Files app is another important addition to iOS 11. With Files, you’ll now have the capability to browse local stored files, iCloud documents and third-party storage services like Google Drive, Box and Dropbox.
Notifications in iOS 11 have been merged with the lock screen. By pulling down from the top of the screen, all the notifications will appear on the interface. From there you can swipe left to access the Camera and right to see your widgets. You can now also swipe away notifications or clear them all by long-pressing on the “x” button.
Screenshots have significantly changed. When taking a screenshot, a little thumbnail pops up on lefthand corner of the screen with options to crop, annotate and edit. Once done, you can save it, delete it, or share it.
Screen Recording has been added in iOS 11, which is nifty not only for developers but also for anyone who had to explain to their parents how to use an app. Now you can simply record it all and share!
Bottom line
If you’re a power iPad user, iOS 11 will be a huge update that brings more productivity and functionality to your every day workflow. Combine that with the powerful iPad Pro, and you’ll get yourself as close of an experience as you’ll ever get to a laptop.
