Apple Unveils Calculator App for iPad With Math Notes, Apple Pencil Support

[MacRumors]

Apple at WWDC today announced a new Calculator app as part of iPadOS 18 that features special Apple Pencil support and a new Math Notes feature.

Apple says the Math Notes calculator allows users to type or write out mathematical expressions and see them instantly solved in their own handwriting. It's also possible to assign values to variables when learning new concepts in class, calculating a budget, and more.

With a new graphing feature, users can write or type an equation and insert a graph with just one tap, and can even add multiple equations on the same graph to see how they relate, according to Apple. Math Notes are also automatically accessible in the Notes app in a new Math Notes folder.

Basic and scientific calculators are included in the iPad app that are designed to make it easy to view complete expressions before completing them. Meanwhile, a History feature helps users keep track of previous calculations, and unit conversions let users quickly convert length, weight, currencies, and more.

The first developer beta of iPadOS 18 is available starting today, with a public beta following in July, and official release to the public in the fall.

Article Link: Apple Unveils Calculator App for iPad With Math Notes, Apple Pencil Support

 

[Poltras]

"yay!"

 

[Aoligei]

Wow. Calculator alone grant a new iPad Pro for over $1000. /s

Seriously, why not just put MacOS on iPad rather kneecapping iPad with iPadOS?

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Calculator app developers just got Sherlocked!

 

[Swift Sketcher]

It’s asinine it took a decade and a half for such a basic app to be included natively. Almost a cartoonishly new record of stubbornness for such a simple ask. I would be embarrassed to even announce this after so long.

 

[Dulcimer]

 

[BootLoxes]

I was told it couldn't be done. Holy cow

 

[DrPangloss1759]

It's 2024...we are now at the "arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic" phase of Apple "Innovation"

 

[sw1tcher]

Can't innovate anymore, my ass!

Let's see how long your post stays up. I posted the same thing elsewhere and after my post got deleted I got this warning:

This is a reminder from the MacRumors moderator team to avoid making posts that consist only of a single word, a slang abbreviation, an emoticon, a trite or overused phrase or meme, or are in other ways frivolous. Your post may have been removed for this reason. Please make posts that contribute to a thread rather than clutter it. Examples of frivolous posts: +1. Word. LOL Feels snappier. Cool story, bro. A post that only contains only an image.

View attachment 2386875

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Apparently, these are a no-no as they're just "A post that only contains only an image"

 

[oofio2461]

Seems like the M4 was finally powerful enough for the calculator app /s

 

[madrich]

Ok Apple, now contact Meta and do WhatsApp for the iPad for them.

 

[NufSaid]

This isn't impressive (although it is). Embarrassing that they are just now providing this feature.

 

[jonnyb098]

Legit curious what those who keep clamoring for a more powerful iPadOS think….being disappointed for the last 10 years.….and all the YouTubers blabbering

 

[Tailpike1153]

What is this calculator witchcraft? I live in the US. We fear numbers unless they be part of a sportsline.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Witchcraft was indeed the first word that came to mind when seeing the capabilities of Math Notes.

WOW WOW

 

[Tripps9000]

Wow really🤨. 😂 don’t mater to me personally I have no use for it been getting by just fine with 3rd party Calculator apps on my iPad!

 

[BeatCrazy]

Wow really🤨. 😂 don’t mater to me personally I have no use for it been getting by just fine with 3rd party Calculator apps on my iPad!

Did you actually watch the segment for Math Notes?

 

[Tailpike1153]

This isn't impressive (although it is). Embarrassing that they are just now providing this feature.

Not really. The calculator hasn't been a sexy application for the kids.

I have been told technology isn't for people older than 30. Funny thing, I'm 47. I have been using computers for longer than many people have been alive.

I bet Tim was trying to figure when he should sell his options and started freaking out when he realized there was no calculator in iPadOS. He probably put some heat on the inhouse app team.

 

[Ansath]

About time! Love the maths notes (yes, mathS, not math as I'm from Northern Ireland).

 

[CyberGene]

In 1998, as a software engineer trainee, my very first education assignment was to implement a Calculator application in Borland Delphi. Took me a whole day back then.

 

[DominikHoffmann]

But can it do RPN?

Reverse Polish notation - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[msackey]

Was a reason provided by [corrected: why] a calculator, even if very simple one, was not included in earlier versions of iPadOS? It is mind boggling that it wasn't included and I really want to know why that business decision was made.

 

[AlexESP]

Maths notes is very impressive. A much better example of AI usage than almost anything else they showed. The wait was worth it.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Maths notes is very impressive. A much better example of AI usage than almost anything else they showed. The wait was worth it.

I think that's the reason it took so long. I think I remember an interview with Craig(?) a few years ago and he was asked why there's no iPad calculator app. His response (paraphrasing) was 'when we can make a better, more functional app, than what is already available, we'll do so'.

And those AI calculations... just wow.