iPadOS 17 already feels a 12 months previous, and it’s not even right here but

Apple previewed iPadOS 17 throughout the WWDC 2023 keynote earlier this week. Whereas the brand new working system received’t be prepared till later this fall, builders can already strive it out by putting in the beta on their tablets.

However after watching the keynote, I’ve been utilizing iPadOS 17 for the previous few days, and the system already feels a 12 months previous. Right here’s why.

With iOS 16, Apple revamped the iPhone’s Lock Display screen with customized fonts, widgets, filters, and integration with Focus Mode. iOS 16.1 then added Reside Actions, which seem on the Lock Display screen or Dynamic Island with flight data, Uber or meals supply updates, and extra.

Whereas all of those options had been celebrated when iOS 16 launched final fall, iPadOS 16 didn’t embody any of them. A 12 months later, Apple is lastly updating iPadOS with the identical revamped Lock Display screen and assist for Reside Actions that iPhone customers have been having fun with for months.

It’s not the primary time Apple has performed this. With iOS 14, the corporate revamped the Dwelling Display screen and added the App Library, whereas these adjustments didn’t hit the iPad till iPadOS 15.

Though all new options are welcome, Apple makes iPadOS 17 really feel like a small replace, primarily as a result of it hasn’t launched any iPad-Mac cross-platform options because it did with Mission Catalyst, Common Management, or Stage Supervisor, whereas it nonetheless costs premium costs for tablets with M1 and M2 chips. That stated, there are a number of upgrades price noting.

iPadOS 17 doesn’t unlock the M2 iPad Professional’s potential, but it surely does make it simpler to make use of

Two options that do have me excited for iPadOS 17 – however ought to have been made obtainable way back – are third-party webcam assist and the flexibility to make use of a USB-C microphone.

These two adjustments alone can enhance vlog and podcast recording, as customers can rely much less on a Mac and benefit from the practicality of iPadOS. As at all times, the {hardware} is already there, however Apple lacked the correct software program to combine these options.

Sooner or later, I don’t want Apple to place macOS on the iPad, however I hope it provides extra individuals a purpose to pay for this premium {hardware}.