Got a tip for us?

The Complete Guide to Every iOS 27 Feature

How to use accessibility features during iPad setup

by Stacey Butler

iPad has accessibility features that you can turn on the first time you turn on your iPad, to make it easier to set up and personalize other iPad features. VoiceOver, a gesture-based screen reader, tells you what’s happening onscreen, and you can zoom in on part of the screen or turn on other features during setup.

Hear what’s onscreen with VoiceOver

VoiceOver—a gesture-based screen reader—tells you what’s happening onscreen.

  1. After iPad is turned on, triple-click the top button (on an iPad with Face ID) or triple-click the Home button (on other iPad models) to turn on VoiceOver.
  2. Do any of the following and more:
    • Speak the entire screen: Swipe up with two fingers.
    • Find out what you’re touching: Touch the screen or drag your finger over it. VoiceOver speaks the name of the item your finger is on, including icons and text. Swipe right to select the next item. Tap with four fingers near the top to select the first item on the screen.
    • Select an item: Tap to select a button or link, and activate it by double-tapping.
    • Scroll to another page: Swipe with three fingers.
    • Open the onscreen rotor: Turn two fingers on the screen, as if rotating a dial. See Control VoiceOver using the rotor.

Note: Basic gestures don’t work as usual when VoiceOver is on, so see our article, Use VoiceOver gestures, and our guide, Operate iPad when VoiceOver is on.

In VoiceOver settings, you can change the language, voice, speaking rate, audio options, how much detail VoiceOver provides, and more.

Zoom in on part of the screen

  1. Double-tap the screen with three fingers and then use the slider to set a magnification level.
  2. Use three fingers to scroll around the zoomed-in screen.

To magnify the screen, see our guide, Zoom in on the iPad screen.

Turn on other features during setup

You can turn on additional accessibility features from the Quick Start screen.

Tap the Accessibility Options button to turn on or adjust settings for any of the following:

If you’ve set up accessibility features on an iPhone or iPad that’s nearby, you can transfer your settings to your new iPad with Quick Start—just follow the onscreen instructions. See Turn on and set up iPad. (See Move from an Android device to iPad if your previous device wasn’t made by Apple.)

See also

Tag: accessibility
Show Full Article

How to use buttons on the Apple TV 4K Remote on iPad

by Emily Long

On the Apple TV 4K Remote on iPad, you can use buttons instead of swipe gestures. With Directional Buttons on, the Apple TV Remote on iPad works with buttons, so you don’t need to swipe. It’s one of the accessibility features for mobility on iPad.

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Apple TV Remote, then turn on Directional Buttons.

See also

Tag: Apple TV
Show Full Article

How to control iPad with the movement of your head

by Chris Smith

With Head Tracking, you can control iPad using just your head. An onscreen pointer follows the movement of your head, and when you hold your head steady on an item—or dwell—you perform an action, such as a tap.

It uses the built-in, front-facing camera, so the camera needs a clear view of your face. You can also set options for Head Tracking.

Here’s how to control iPad with the movement of your head.

Note: Head Tracking is available on iPadOS 26 and later.

Before you begin

Head Tracking relies on the built-in, front-facing camera on iPad. Results are best when your face is adequately lit and the camera has a clear view of it, with iPad on a stable surface roughly 18 inches from your face.

Turn on Head Tracking

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Accessibility, tap Head Tracking, and turn on Head Tracking.

Use Head Tracking

With Head Tracking on, an onscreen pointer follows the movement of your head. Point your head toward an item on the screen, and an outline appears around it. Wherever you’re facing, the pointer always moves with your head, and it moves faster when you do.

When you hold your head steady at a location on the screen, the dwell pointer appears where you’re looking and the dwell timer begins (the dwell pointer circle starts to fill). When the dwell timer finishes, an action—tap, by default—is performed.

For additional onscreen gestures or physical button presses, open the AssistiveTouch menu. See our article, Use AssistiveTouch.

Set options for Head Tracking

You can customize actions like a Single-Tap or Double Tap to different facial movements, like smiling, blinking, or scrunching your nose. You can also set options for how the Head Tracking pointer responds to your head’s movement.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Do any of the following:

    • Actions: Select a facial expression (like Raise Eyebrows or Open Mouth). Then choose an action from the list (like Open Menu or Single-Tap).

      Sensitivity: Choose the amount of expressiveness needed to perform the expression.

    • Pointer: Select an option to have the pointer move with face movements, when facing screen edges, or based on head position.
    • Pointer Speed: Select the Increment button or Decrement button to adjust how quickly the pointer moves with head movement.
    • Snap to Item: Have the pointer automatically move to the item on the screen that’s closest to where your head is pointing.
    • Dwell Control: Turn Dwell Control on or off. To adjust settings for Dwell Control, such as the default dwell action and the duration of the dwell timer, see Set up Dwell Control.

To change the size or color of the Head Tracking pointer, go to Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control. See Make the pointer easier to see.

See also

Tag: accessibility
Show Full Article

How to use Image Wand with Apple Intelligence on iPad

by Emily Long

With Apple Intelligence, you can use Image Wand in the Notes app to create images based on rough sketches you create. You can also select empty space to create an image based on words and images from the surrounding area.

You can add, modify, or remove elements and choose a style like Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. And because all the elements used to create an image are saved, you can go back and change it later, whether that’s the sketch, the description, or the surrounding content.

The Image Wand window showing a created image of a train.

Note: Apple Intelligence on iPadOS 27 or later is available on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 or later. Apple Intelligence is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.*

Create an image from a rough sketch

  1. Start the Notes app on your iPad.
  2. Open an existing note or tap the New Note button to start a new note.
  3. Tap the Handwriting Tools button, then create a sketch using your finger or Apple Pencil.
  4. Tap the Image Wand button, circle your sketch. Then do any of the following:

    • Add a new element: Enter a description and then tap the Send button.
    • Modify an element: Tap a description, edit it and tap the Send button.
    • Remove an element: Tap the Delete button.
    • Change the style: Tap Style to choose a different style—Any Style, Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.

      Note: If you choose Any Style, you can describe the style you want as part of your image description.

  5. When you’re finished, tap the Done button.

Create an image from surrounding content

Apple Intelligence can create images based on the words and images around it.

  1. Start the Notes app on your iPad.
  2. Open a note, scroll to the bottom, tap the Handwriting Tools button, and then tap the Image Wand.
  3. Circle an area below the content you want to illustrate.

Refine an existing image

Creating an image with Image Wand saves all the elements used to create it, including sketches, descriptions, and surrounding content. You can then modify, add, or remove elements in an existing image.

  1. Tap a created image.
  2. Tap the Image Playground button.

    The image shows the elements used to create it.

  3. Tap an element to change it, or enter a new description to transform the background, change the style, or add something entirely new.
  4. When you’re finished, tap the Done button.

You can block access to image creation features, like Image Wand, in Screen Time settings. See Block or allow Siri and Apple Intelligence features. The recommended age for realistic images is 18+.

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

See also

Tag: Apple Intelligence
Show Full Article

How to create original images with Image Playground on iPad

by Tyler Stephen

In the Image Playground app, you can use Apple Intelligence to create original images within seconds, starting with simple text descriptions, photos, and people from your Photos library.

You can also use Image Playground to create images in Messages, Lock Screen wallpapers, contact posters, and more. You can choose a style, like Any Style or Illustration, and add up to three people from your library. A Genmoji you create can even be saved with your stickers.

Note: Apple Intelligence on iPadOS 27 or later is available on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 or later. Apple Intelligence is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.*

The Image Playground app window showing a created image of a person dressed as a superhero.

Create or edit an image

  1. Open the Image Playground app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the New Image button.
  3. Do any of the following to customize your image:

    • Describe it: Enter a description.
    • Choose a style: Tap the Style button and then choose an Apple Intelligence style (like Any Style or Illustration) or tap ChatGPT** to describe the style you want.

      Note: If you choose Any Style, you can describe the style you want as part of your image description. If you choose Genmoji, you can save it with your stickers.

    • Add a person from your Photos library: Tap the Add Person button and select a person. You can add up to three people.

      Note: If you provide a text description that doesn’t match the person you selected, your image is personalized based on the photo you selected rather than the text description.

    • A photo of something else, like a pet, nature, or food: Tap the Add Photo button and choose an option.
    • Choose the aspect ratio: Tap the Aspect Ratio button and then choose an option.
  4. Tap the Submit button to create your image.

    All changes are automatically saved to your gallery. If you created a Genmoji, tap Add Emoji to add it with your stickers. To view the images in your gallery, tap the Back button. All the versions you create for a single idea are grouped together.

Besides the Image Playground app, you can create original images with Image Playground features in apps like Freeform and Messages. See our guide, Create and send original images using Image Playground in Messages, and our article, Create new, original images in Freeform. You’ll also find Image Playground in Keynote, Pages, Apple Invites, supported third-party apps, and more.

Edit an existing image

  1. Open the Image Playground app on your iPad.
  2. Tap an image in the gallery.
  3. Do any of the following to refine your image:

    • Describe a change: Enter a description to transform the background, change the style, or add something entirely new.
    • Make targeted edits: Tap the Edit button and then tap, brush, or circle a specific object. You can move it, resize it, or swap it out with another image. Use the buttons at the bottom of the screen to add elements, or to change or remove the object you selected. Tap Apply Change when you’re ready to save your edits.

      Note: Swipe up or down to move between versions of your image. You can move to a different version at any time and keep refining from there.

  4. When you’re finished, tap the Done button.

Share, copy, or delete an image

  1. Open the Image Playground app on your iPad.
  2. Touch and hold an image. Then do any of the following:

    • Share your image: Tap the Share button and choose a share option.
    • Copy your image: Tap the More button, then tap Copy or Duplicate.
    • Delete your image: Tap the Delete button and tap Delete.

      Note: If you delete an image from Image Playground, it’s deleted on all your devices where you’re signed in to the same Apple Account.

You can block access to image creation features, like Image Playground, in Screen Time settings. See Block or allow Siri and Apple Intelligence features. The recommended age for realistic images is 18+.

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

**ChatGPT uses generative models and outputs may vary. Check important information for accuracy. When using the ChatGPT extension, you choose what content to send to ChatGPT. Your request and attachments, as well as limited data associated with the request, such as current time zone, country, device type, language, and feature being used when making the request, are sent to ChatGPT to answer your request and enable ChatGPT to provide you accurate and relevant results.

See also

Tag: Apple Intelligence
Show Full Article

How to draw and create images in Messages on iPad

by Abigail Shilets

You can send messages with drawings, doodles, or Digital Touch gestures and effects, and you can use Image Playground to create and send images.

To draw on a black background, you use Digital Touch, which also sends gestures and animations. With Apple Intelligence, you can even create images with Image Playground directly in the Messages app, without switching to another app.

Here’s how to draw and create images in Messages on iPad.

Send a drawing or doodle

  1. Go to the Messages app on your iPad.
  2. In a conversation, tap the Add button.
  3. Swipe up, then tap Drawing.
  4. Draw using the tools, tap the Done button and tap the Send button to send your image.

    The canvas for drawing in Messages.

To draw on a black background, use Digital Touch, described below.

Create and send original images

With Apple Intelligence, Image Playground can create images directly in the Messages app.

Note: Apple Intelligence on iPadOS 27 or later is available on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 or later. Apple Intelligence is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.*

  1. Open the Messages app on your iPad.
  2. Start a new message or open a conversation.
  3. Tap the Apps button and then tap Image Playground.
  4. Do one of the following:
    • Create a new image: Tap Create at the top, follow instructions to create an image. Tap the Done button.
    • Select an image you previously created: Tap Gallery at the top and select your image. Tap the Done button.
  5. When you’re ready to send your image, tap the Send button.

You can use Screen Time settings to block access to image creation features, like Image Playground. To learn how, read our guide, Turn off and restrict access to Apple Intelligence features.

Send a Digital Touch gesture, animation, or effect

With Digital Touch, you can send animated sketches, taps, kisses, heartbeats, and more, on their own or as an effect on a photo or video.

You need iMessage to use Digital Touch.

  1. Open the Messages app on your iPad.
  2. In a conversation, tap the Add button.
  3. Swipe up, tap Digital Touch, and then do one of the following:

    • Send an animated gesture: Tap or touch and hold with one or two fingers. Your gesture is sent automatically when you finish it.

      Touch and hold the color dot to choose a color for the one-finger taps.

      Note: If you have Apple Watch or another sensor that records heartbeat data, Messages may use the recorded data when you touch and hold with two fingers to send a heartbeat.

    • Send an animated drawing: Draw with one finger.

      You can change the color, then start drawing again.

    • Add an effect to a new image: Tap the Camera button. Then tap the Take Picture button to take a photo or the Record Video button to record a video.

      To take a new photo or video, or to erase anything you draw on your preview, tap the Back to Preview button.

  4. Tap the Send button to send your drawing or image, or tap the Close button to delete it.

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

See also

Tag: Messages
Show Full Article

How to control iPad with an external keyboard

by Emily Long

If you use a physical keyboard with iPad, you can use Full Keyboard Access to control your device with keyboard shortcuts instead of the touchscreen. Full Keyboard Access highlights the item on the screen that has focus.

You can see the available commands, move forward or backward, activate the selected item, and go to the Home Screen or open Control Center, all from the keyboard. You can also customize Full Keyboard Access.

Here’s how to control iPad with an external keyboard.

Control iPad using Full Keyboard Access

  1. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, tap Keyboards & Typing and tap Full Keyboard Access. Then turn on Full Keyboard Access.
  2. Navigate iPad using the following default commands.

    Action Shortcut
    View available Full Keyboard Access commands Tab-H
    Move forward Tab
    Move backward Shift-Tab
    Activate the selected item Space bar
    Go to the Home Screen Fn-H
    Open the App Switcher Fn-Up Arrow
    Open Control Center Fn-C
    Open Notification Center Fn-N

Customize Full Keyboard Access

To customize Full Keyboard Access, you can change the keyboard shortcuts associated with its commands and adjust its appearance, like the color, contrast, and size of the highlight.

  1. Open Settings, tap Accessibility and tap Keyboards & Typing. Then tap Full Keyboard Access.
  2. Do any of the following:
    • View a complete list of Full Keyboard Access commands and customize them: Tap Commands.
    • Change the look of Full Keyboard Access: Tap an option below Appearance.

See also

Tag: Keyboard
Show Full Article

How to adjust the onscreen and external keyboard settings for accessibility on iPad

by Dave Johnson

You can set the onscreen keyboard on iPad to show only uppercase letters. If you use a physical keyboard, you can adjust key sensitivity and make it easier to press key combinations. You can also set typing options, like auto-correction, and add keyboards for other languages or alternative layouts.

With Sticky Keys, you can press keys one at a time instead of together, and Key Repeat and Slow Keys change how the keys respond on an external keyboard. And in landscape orientation, you get a larger keyboard for typing in many apps.

Set the onscreen keyboard to display only uppercase letters

If it’s easier to read uppercase letters, you can set an option so the onscreen keyboard doesn’t display lowercase letters.

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboards & Typing, then turn off Show Lowercase Keys.

Quick tip: In many apps, including Mail, Messages, Notes, and Safari, you get a larger keyboard for typing when you rotate iPad to landscape orientation; see our article, Change or lock the screen orientation.

Change how the keys respond on an external keyboard

If you use a physical keyboard with iPad, you can adjust the sensitivity of keys and make it easier to press combinations of keys.

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboards & Typing, then tap any of the following:

  • Key Repeat: You can set how long you must press and hold a key before it starts repeating and how fast it repeats once it starts. You can also prevent the key from repeating at all.
  • Sticky Keys: When you need to press multiple keys at the same time, you can press each key separately instead. For example, enter the keyboard shortcut Command-Z by pressing Command, then pressing Z.
  • Slow Keys: Adjust the time between when you press a key and when it’s activated.

See also

Tag: Keyboard
Show Full Article

iPad mobility accessibility features: Eye Tracking, Voice Control, and more

by Abigail Shilets

With built-in accessibility features for mobility, you can navigate and interact with iPad using just your eyes, spoken commands, assistive devices, an external keyboard, and more. You can also set options so it’s easier to use gestures and press iPad buttons.

These features let you navigate your iPad hands-free, let iPad type for you, connect other inputs, and control other devices. You can even customize gestures and adjust the sensitivity of your input.

To explore accessibility features for mobility, go to Settings > Accessibility, then scroll down to the Physical and Motor section.

Action Related features and settings
Navigate your iPad hands-free Eye Tracking
Head Tracking
Voice Control
Siri
Shortcuts
Call audio routing
Use simple sounds to perform gestures
Let iPad type for you Dictation
Predictive text
Scribble
Connect other inputs Switch Control
Keyboards
Bluetooth accessories
Head tracking
Eye-tracking device
iPad Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard
Control other devices Platform Switching
Apple TV 4K Remote
Customize gestures AssistiveTouch
AirPods
Pointer scrolling speed
Home or top button
Face ID and attention
Adjust the sensitivity of your input Slow Keys and Sticky Keys
Siri Pause Time
Touch accommodations

Quick tip: You can control your go-to accessibility features and settings from Control Center or with the click of a button. Read our article, Quickly open features with Accessibility Shortcut.

See also

Tag: accessibility
Show Full Article

How to change Face ID and attention settings on iPad

by Abigail Shilets

On an iPad with Face ID, you can adjust Face ID and attention settings if you have physical or vision limitations. If you can’t move your head in a full circle during setup, you can use Accessibility Options. Face ID is attention-aware, too, and you can turn that check off.

Set up Face ID with Accessibility Options

To show all the angles of your face, setting up Face ID usually means gently moving your head in a circle. Can’t manage the full range of head motion? There’s still a way to set up Face ID without moving your head.

  1. Open Settings and then tap Face ID & Passcode.
  2. Tap Set Up Face ID and then tap Get Started.
  3. Position your face within the frame and tap Accessibility Options.

Face ID is still secure but requires more consistency when you unlock iPad.

Change attention settings

For additional security, Face ID is attention-aware, so iPad unlocks only when your eyes are open and looking at the screen. Attention awareness also lets iPad keep the screen lit while you’re reading, lower the volume of alerts, or reveal notifications and messages.

If you don’t want iPad to check for your attention, do the following:

  1. Open Settings and then tap Face ID & Passcode.
  2. Turn on or off any of the following:

    • Require Attention for Face ID: Provide an additional level of security by unlocking iPad only when you’re looking at it.
    • Attention Aware Features: iPad checks for attention before dimming the display, expanding a notification when locked, or lowering the volume of some alerts.

    These settings are turned off by default if you turn on VoiceOver when you first set up iPad.

Note: Requiring attention makes Face ID more secure.

See also

Tag: face id
Show Full Article