Since the launch of the iPad, users have been puzzled by the absence of a native calculator app, a staple on nearly every other Apple device. This glaring omission has led to a plethora of third-party solutions, but none that seamlessly integrate with the iOS experience as an Apple-developed app would.
The origin of this gap in the iPad’s app suite dates back to the device’s inception. The initial plan was to include a calculator app, which was essentially a larger version of the iPhone’s calculator. However, Apple’s late co-founder, Steve Jobs, was dissatisfied with this simplistic scaling up and demanded a version that was either distinctively innovative or none at all. The developers, constrained by tight deadlines, opted to omit the calculator entirely rather than rush a subpar version (SlashGear) (Ubergizmo).
In the years since, Apple’s philosophy has not shifted much. Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, has emphasized the company’s desire to introduce only those apps that offer a unique and superior user experience. According to Federighi, the company has not yet found a compelling way to reinvent the calculator app specifically for the iPad’s interface and capabilities, which justifies its continued absence (SlashGear) (Ubergizmo).
Interestingly, despite recent advancements and the introduction of new features and devices, the latest updates and Apple events have not hinted at any forthcoming native calculator app for the iPad. This suggests that the calculator app is not a priority for Apple’s development team and likely won’t be until they can create something that stands out in utility and design (SlashGear) (Ubergizmo).
For those needing to crunch numbers on their iPads in the meantime, Apple has embedded basic calculator functionality into the Spotlight search feature, allowing for simple calculations. More complex needs can be met by a variety of third-party apps available in the App Store, though these often come with the trade-offs of ads or purchase costs (Gadget Hacks) (SlashGear).
While the absence of a native calculator app may seem like a minor inconvenience, it speaks volumes about Apple’s design ethos and its commitment to quality over quantity. As users continue to express their needs, it remains to be seen how or if Apple will eventually address this quirky gap in the iPad’s app ecosystem.
Apple Event on May 7, 2024
Recent rumors suggest that Apple is finally planning to introduce a Calculator app for the iPad, a feature that has been conspicuously absent since the device’s launch over a decade ago. This anticipated update is expected to be unveiled with the upcoming release of iPadOS 18, as multiple sources have indicated that Apple will incorporate a more powerful Calculator app, alongside enhanced math features within Apple Notes. The new Calculator is likely to share some functionalities and design elements with the revamped Mac Calculator app, which is also rumored to include a history tape and updated unit conversion features.
Despite the excitement around these reports, Apple did not mention this new Calculator app during its latest event, at May 7, 2024, leaving many to speculate about the timing of the announcement. The general expectation now is that Apple will officially announce and detail this feature at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) scheduled for June 10, 2024.
Free Calculator App for iPad: CalculatorRed
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