iPadOS: Apple reveals whole new operating system for the iPad

Apple has revealed an entirely new version of its operating system devoted to the iPad.

The software, known as iPadOS, is a special version of the OS originally made for the iPhone.

Until now, the two Apple devices have shared the same operating system, in different versions. But Apple said it had split the two apart to give the iPad new features to take advantage of its larger screen.

They include the option to have two versions of the same app on the screen at the same time. That means users will be able to have two documents up to share between them, for instance.

It also has special features designed for the Apple Pencil, which only works with Apple's tablet. There will be new ways of marking up documents with the pencil, and new gestures to navigate around.

It also has an entirely different version of the home screen, which features widgets that are accessible without having to swipe.

The operating system will still feature all of the updates in iOS 13, and much of the same underlying technology. But splitting them apart will allow them to be optimised for their screens and use cases, Apple suggested.

You can read more about that software, as well as its new look, here.