The iPadOS platform gained substantial updates in recent times yet selected core Apple applications have not received adaptation for this platform. Apple introduced Health and Weather and Calculator applications to the market yet specific essential apps continue missing from iPad compatibility leading users to question why Apple would not adapt these apps for larger screen sizes.
5 Apple Apps Still Missing from the iPad
Apple released the exclusive Apple Invites app for iPhone devices only and decided it would not become available on iPad devices. Apple continues developing exclusive apps for the iPhone while promoting the iPad as an advanced computing tool despite having no plans for supporting those same apps on the platform.
Members of the iPad community feel deprived of two first-party applications: Apple Support functions only on iPhones while the separate Activity app would serve users who wish to view fitness data on their larger display screen. Apple’s current iPadOS software direction remains uncertain because crucial apps lack support on the tablet platform.
Apple continues to enhance the iPad software experience yet avoids providing some first-party apps because the company still wants to maintain distinct iPad features compared to iPhone features. It is uncertain if the missing applications will eventually appear on iPad devices.
1. Apple Invites: A Useful App Missing on iPad
Invites from Apple provides users a smooth event invitation management system using templates that generate AI images and combine with Apple Maps and Weather services. The application delivers tremendous value to users whether they organize events in their personal lives or for their professional activities. The app is only accessible for iPhone users even though Apple provides several great features through the application.
The full utilization of Invites is restricted because Apple did not develop a specific iPad application even though iPad users must rely on web-based iCloud access or emulate the iPhone experience. Customers remain uncertain about Apple's software decisions regarding iPad support since the tablet was absent from the product launch. This absence prompts questions regarding future iPad-specific software plans.
2. Apple Wallet: A Missing Convenience on iPad
The iPhone version of Apple Wallet originated as Passbook in 2012 bringing a single storage location for payment methods and digital tickets and transit passes since its initial release. The iPad management system could benefit from transaction tracking and e-ticket management functions because their large screen size enhances usability even without the absence of Apple Pay NFC features for store transactions.
The audience that uses an iPad mini would benefit from an integrated Wallet app which functions to simplify their access to digital passes without their iPhone in their possession. The iPad may struggle to fulfill its digital organizing capabilities because users cannot access all Apple Card statement information through Settings only.
3. Apple Sports: A Missed Opportunity on iPad
With the introduction of iOS 17.2 Apple released the Sports app that provides ongoing sports scores and league standings along with live updates from worldwide major leagues. It appears inevitable to utilize the iPad for this task because of its additional screen area along with split-screen options. Users cannot access the Apple Sports app on the iPad because Apple has not released a version for the tablet platform.
The absence of a Phone app on iPad causes great frustration to sport enthusiasts who want to use their iPads for live game viewing through Apple TV+. Working or browsing on an iPad requires users to either shift between different apps or use third-party solutions because the match score feature does not have its dedicated application.
4. The Missing Phone App on iPad
The iPhone call continuity support on iPad remains but the absence of the Phone app from iPad software restricts its full communication potential. Users who receive iPhone calls through call continuity can respond to these incoming calls but must use FaceTime along with third-party applications to access all calling functions including placing calls and managing voicemail and favorites and review their dialing history.
Users who need iPad to perform secondary communications would benefit greatly from the addition of a smartphone app feature on the tablet. Until Apple provides better calling capabilities on the iPad users must find alternative ways to function as a communication tool.
5. Apple’s Journal App Still Absent on iPad
The 17.2 update of iOS introduced Apple’s Journal app which enables users to create daily records through text elements while incorporating images and geographic positioning data and audio clips. The system recommends suitable suggestions based on AI technology that helps users maintain better personal insights and maintain their memories. Users who prefer writing on the iPad are limited in their ability to use the app's features since it was designed for iPhones only.
It remains a mystery why Journal does not exist for the iPad since other journal software such as Day One excels best on Apple Pencil-compatible tablets. Users who want a native iPad version of Journal will need to wait because current third-party alternatives provide the best journaling experience for iPad users.
