iPad does it better now: Apple delivers

The upcoming iPadOS update will make the iPad even better. Apple is finally delivering and fulfilling the wishes of many German users. GIGA knows what the Apple tablet can actually do.

So far, entering text using handwriting recognition (called “scribbling”) in iPadOS 14 has been associated with difficulties for German users. Apple itself points this out in one Support document and writes: “The ‘scribble’ function is available for US English and traditional and simplified Chinese.” With the iPadOS 14.5, which is now under development, this will change and correct for the iPads, because then Apple will finally give the function for German handwriting entries free.

iPad with iPadOS 14.5: Handwriting recognition finally also in German

This goes to a current one Report from colleagues at ifun who have probably already tried out the feature. The feature can be activated in the settings in the “Apple Pencil” area. Of course, it is necessary to be able to “scribble” at all. Under the menu item there is also the note for the support of the German language.

Now, with the next update, German users can finally use the Pencil features of iPadOS 14 correctly:

With the support of a German dictionary, umlauts and the “ß” are no longer a problem for handwriting recognition. But where can the feature be used at all? “Scribbling” can be used system-wide, for example when entering the URL in the address field of Safari, as well as in the search and also handwritten sentences – for example in the Notes app – can be copied as text. The system translates the entries into machine text.

When can we expect the update to be released?

This week, Apple distributed a number of new system versions to the developers – iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, tvOS 14.5, and watchOS 7.4. Apple plans to implement some new functions. One of the highlights is the unlocking of the iPhone using an Apple Watch. Mac users have known the feature for years, and now it is finally being implemented for Apple’s smartphones. Especially useful when you can’t use Face ID because you’re wearing a mask. The new system versions should be released in a few weeks, probably in March at the earliest.