iPadOS 27 adds two new iPad features I’ve been loving

iPadOS 27, scheduled for release next month, brings two noteworthy new features for iPads. Firstly, users can now keep the menu bar constantly visible throughout their device's operation. Previously, revealing the menu bar required swiping down from the top of the screen or moving the trackpad cursor to the top, a feature unique to the iPad and different from the persistent menu bar found on Macs.

In iPadOS 27, this can be achieved through the Settings app, under the Multitasking & Gestures section, where a toggle labeled 'Automatically Show and Hide Menu Bar' allows the menu bar to remain visible at all times.

Secondly, the name of the currently active app is always displayed in the status bar located in the top-left corner of the screen. This update, borrowing from the Mac, ensures that the app name remains visible even if the menu bar is hidden. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who frequently utilize keyboard shortcuts, as it remains visible regardless of the menu bar's state.

This is especially advantageous for those who use a Magic Keyboard with their iPad Pro, as the CMD + Space shortcut becomes more valuable. With iPadOS 27, Spotlight is not only an improved search tool but also incorporates Siri's AI capabilities. This means that, for users with a keyboard attached, utilizing CMD + Space to access Spotlight is now quicker and more convenient.

The system adeptly determines whether a query should be directed to Siri or Spotlight, allowing users to simply type without needing to make any distinctions.