iPadOS 18 isn't going to be a huge update for power users, despite the fact that we now have the ultra-powerful M4 iPad Pro. But it seems we'll have to wait until next year for a fancy update.
Since the dawn of iCloud, the Files app has focused on cloud storage. That's awesome - after all it means you have all your files accessible on all your Apple devices. However, it has one caveat - Apple decides which files can remain stored in the local cache and which ones go to the iCloud. And when you need a file - it can happen that it's on the iCloud and you have to download it again.
That's a problem if you have no internet connection and you need that file now. With iPadOS 18, this issue is solved, and you'll be able to force some files to stay downloaded for the moment you need them.
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Image Source - 9to5Mac
With the new feature, you will be able to long-press on a file or folder and choose the "Keep Downloaded" option. Strangely enough, the feature wasn't even announced during Apple's developer conference WWDC 2024, but it's a huge deal if you work on your iPad. Having your files accessible all the time is something that many users will find very helpful, in my opinion. Including me. I don't particularly work on my iPad, but I do hate it when the internet connection is missing (or slow) and I need a file at that very moment.
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Iskra Petrova is a news writer at PhoneArena, where she covers mobile tech news and maintains the site’s device hubs with the latest leaked specs, rumors, and official details for upcoming phones. She joined PhoneArena in 2020 after three years in technical support for Microsoft Exchange, giving her practical experience with software infrastructure and troubleshooting. Iskra holds a Master’s Degree in Literature, which helps her translate complex tech details into clear, reader-friendly coverage. She is a daily Apple ecosystem user, while also closely following Sony Xperia’s camera-focused phones and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series.
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