Well, folks, it finally happened. After 14 long years of waiting, the iPad has finally joined the 21st century with its very own built-in calculator app. Yes, you read that right. The device that’s been hailed as a laptop replacement, a creative powerhouse, and a productivity machine, just got the feature that’s been on your grandma’s flip phone since the 90s.
But wait, there’s a twist! Apple’s software chief, Craig Federighi, in an interview with MKBHD, stated that if Apple were to create a calculator for the iPad, it would have to be distinctly great and different from others. It seems they’ve lived up to that promise.
Math Notes
The true star of the show isn’t the basic calculator app itself (though we’re happy it exists). It’s the new “Math Notes” feature that truly sets it apart. This is where the iPad’s Apple Pencil support comes into play, allowing you to scribble down equations and have them magically solved right before your eyes.
It’s almost as if Craig knew this was coming, as Math Notes perfectly embodies his vision for a calculator that’s uniquely iPad. The feature even works within the regular Notes app, making it a versatile tool for students, professionals, and anyone who occasionally needs to do some math on the fly.
The Price of Greatness?
Now, if you don’t own an Apple Pencil, you might be wondering if you’ll need to shell out the big bucks for this fancy stylus just to use Math Notes. While Apple primarily presented the feature as an Apple Pencil experience, it’s unclear whether or not you’ll be able to use your finger or other styluses for the same functionality.
WWDC 2024: A Story for Another Day
Speaking of in-depth reviews, we’ll also be diving deep into everything else announced at WWDC 2024, including the ability to finally move apps around your iPhone home screen, and as team Android we’ll stay quiet about this one😹. But that, my friends, is a story for another day. We’ll have to wait for an in-depth review (coming soon!) to find out more.
For now, let’s just revel in the fact that the iPad finally has a calculator…