Apple enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting a significant update that could change the way they use their iPads. After 14 long years, the tech giant is rumored to finally introduce a native Calculator app for the iPad at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Since the inception of the iPad, users have been puzzled by the absence of a built-in Calculator app on the device. However, speculations are now rife that Apple might be addressing this long-standing issue by including the Calculator app in the upcoming iPadOS 18.
Apple recently launched new iPad models in May, and the tech community is buzzing with excitement about the potential announcement of new updates for iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS at the WWDC event scheduled for June 10. Reports from MacRumors and Bloomberg suggest that the keynote presentation at WWDC could reveal the addition of a native Calculator app for all iPad models compatible with iPadOS 18.
The revamped Calculator app is expected to mirror the design of the iPhone version, featuring round buttons for a more cohesive user experience across Apple devices. Additionally, this new interface is likely to extend to the Mac’s calculator, which currently sports square buttons.
While the official reasons for the absence of a Calculator app on the iPad remain undisclosed, industry speculations point to factors such as market strategy, promotion of third-party app development, and design considerations. An anecdote shared by a purported former Apple employee on Reddit years ago suggested that Steve Jobs himself intervened to halt the release of a subpar design for the Calculator app, emphasizing the importance of aesthetics in Apple’s products.
Given that iPadOS shares similarities with iOS, the lack of a dedicated Calculator app on the iPad could be attributed to design preferences and the challenge of optimizing the app for a larger screen. If the rumors hold true, the inclusion of the Calculator app in iPadOS 18 could mark a significant milestone for iPad users who have long awaited this essential utility on their devices.
