If you own an iPad you might want to check the settings and download the very latest update from Apple. The US technology giant has just confirmed the release of iPadOS 18 which comes packed with a swathe of changes and new features including a Calculator app. Yes, after years and years of waiting, your iPad can finally work out sums without you having to install third-party software.

It's worth noting that this isn't just any old calculator either, this is a very smart upgrade that actually lets you hand write figures, equations and algebra with the answer or graphs then popping up on the screen.

"Designed for the unique capabilities of iPad, Calculator delivers an entirely new way to use Apple Pencil to solve expressions, as well as basic and scientific calculators with a new history function and unit conversions," Apple explained.

It's unclear why it's taken Apple so long to release a calculator but when you use this new app you'll see why it was worth the wait.

Along with that upgrade, there's plenty more packed inside iPadOS 18 including a new way to customise your home screen. You can now move apps to any position on the display - rather than them being locked to the traditional grid system - and apply unique coloured tints to these applications depending on your taste.

The popular Control Centre has also been redesigned to provide you with easier access to things you need every day. You can even customise it to suit your needs and add third-party services to this panel for the very first time.

Notes scribbled using the Apple pencil can also be cleaned up and edited automatically making things look a little more professional.

There's also a new Photos app that helps you find images faster and improved ways to message thanks to all-new animated text effects and redesigned Tapbacks.

“Our most versatile device is becoming even more powerful and intelligent than ever with iPadOS 18,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.

“With fun new ways to personalise the Home Screen, a redesigned Photos experience, major updates to the Notes app, the addition of Calculator with Math Notes, and the groundbreaking introduction of Apple Intelligence, iPadOS 18 brings incredible new features designed for the unique capabilities of iPad, making it even easier for users to get tasks done.”

What iPads are compatible with iPadOS 18?

iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (M2), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later).