We explain how the new iPadOS 18 floating menu bar works
The arrival of iPadOS 18 came loaded with Exciting new features with many UI elements redesigned from the ground up. One of the iPadOS 18 design features that caught our attention the most was the introduction of floating iPad app menus. We are talking about the Tap Bar, a great novelty that is the best thing that has happened to the iPad in many years, at least in terms of software.
The Tap Bar completely transforms traditional side menus of Apple applications on the iPad turning them into a floating menu which is located in the lower area and which not only improves the overall appearance of your user interface, but also offers a broader display of content and revitalizes your user experience.
In this guide we will tell you everything you need to know about the Tap Bar, how to customize this new iPadOS 18 floating menu and other curiosities that are worth taking into account.
What is the iPadOS 18 Tap Bar
Apple has named Tap Bar a new floating menu bar located in the upper area of some of the native iPadOS 18 apps, either with the iPad in vertical or horizontal position.
At the iPad’s Tap Bar incorporates the most prominent categories from the side menu and it is completely customizable. That is, iPad users can customize the contents of the Tap Bar to have available the menu sections that interest you the most, which are added to the right of the floating bar.
It takes up much less space than the traditional iPadOS sidebar but offers the ability to become the sidebar again with a single touch, according to the needs of each user.
Applications compatible with the iPad Tap Bar
Unfortunately, not all Apple apps are compatible with the iPadOS 18 Tap Bar. These are the apps that have support for the floating menu bar.
- Casa
- Files
- App Store
- Clock
- Apple Music
- Keynote
- Numbers
- Pages
- GarageBand
Let’s hope that as time goes by, Apple’s software engineers – as well as third-party application developers – will add more applications to the list such as Photos, Apple TV or Notes, because the Tap Bar really enriches the dynamics of use of the applications a lot. iPadOS 18 apps.
On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that certain applications such as the App Store or Apple Music already had the Tap Bar before the launch of iPadOS 18. But in these cases it is a fixed menu bar and cannot become a sidebar.
How to customize the iPadOS 18 Tap Bar
Apple allows you to customize the lock screen and personalize the home screen of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. And, as it could not be otherwise, now the Cupertino firm also offers the possibility of customize the iPadOS 18 Tap Bar to display each iPad user’s favorite menu sections.
These are the steps you must follow to customize the iPadOS 18 Tap Bar:
- Open an app with Tap Bar support on your iPad.
- Then click on the Tap Bar icon.
- Press and hold your finger on any area of the Tap Bar or press the button Edit from the sidebar.
- Drag one of the sidebar menu sections towards the Tap Bar.
- Credit OK to apply the changes.
You should keep in mind that from now on with the Tap Bar of iPadOS 18 and future versions of the iPad operating system it will also be possible drag files, images and other content between different categories of an application in the Tap Bar. Something that will really be very useful for many users.
This is everything you need to know about the Tap Bar in iPadOS 18, a floating menu bar that will become an essential element of the user interface of many Apple and third-party apps.
You can follow iPadized in Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter (X) consult or consult our Telegram channel to stay up to date with the latest technology news.
Source: ipadizate.com
