After 14 years of inexplicably omitting a built-in Calculator App on iPad while including it on every iPhone and Mac, Apple may finally be addressing this oversight in iPadOS 18. 

According to reports, the upcoming software update could introduce a dedicated Calculator app for iPad, one of the last remaining first-party iPhone apps to make the jump to Apple’s tablet. 

While third-party calculator apps have filled the gap, Apple has never provided a clear reason for leaving out its own Calculator app on the iPad since its introduction in 2010.

The Long-Awaited Calculator App for iPad

History of the Calculator-less iPadOS

When Apple first introduced the iPad in 2010, it came with various apps, but a calculator was not one of them. Unlike its smaller counterpart, the iPhone, which featured a calculator from its start, the iPad has never had this simple utility. Users have wondered why their large-screen device lacks this function, relying instead on third-party apps to fill this gap.

User Demands and Requests for a Calculator App

Over the years, the absence of a calculator app on the iPad has been a common complaint among users. Many have taken to forums, social media, and feedback to Apple, asking for a built-in calculator. This tool is often viewed as essential, and its absence is particularly noticeable in a device celebrated for its productivity capabilities.

Apple’s Plan for iPadOS 18

Rumors of a Built-in Calculator App

Recent leaks and insider reports suggest that Apple is finally set to introduce a calculator app in iPadOS 18. This rumor has sparked interest and speculation in the tech community, with users and experts alike eager to see how Apple will integrate this feature into the iPad’s interface.

Potential Features and Improvements

While details are still under wraps, expectations for the calculator app include advanced functions suitable for the iPad’s multitasking capabilities and larger screen. Features like a scientific calculator mode, programmable functions, and perhaps even graphing capabilities could be offered, making the app more useful for students and professionals.

Why It Took So Long

The Development and Evolution of iPadOS

The journey of iPadOS has been distinct from iOS, focusing on features that leverage the iPad’s larger display and stronger hardware. This specialization might have contributed to the delay, as Apple worked on optimizing other functionalities like Split View and Apple Pencil integration first.

Possible Reasons for the Delay in a Calculator App

Several theories have been suggested for why a calculator app wasn’t prioritized. One possibility is that Apple wanted to encourage the development of third-party apps, giving users more choices. Another theory is that Apple aimed to perfect a calculator that was more than just a simple utility, integrating it deeply with other iPad features for a richer user experience.

As iPadOS 18 approaches, users who have long awaited this basic feature may soon find their iPads equipped with a tool that’s been oddly missing. The addition of a calculator could enhance the iPad’s appeal as a versatile device for both everyday tasks and complex projects.

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