This Files upgrade is the best iPadOS 18 feature

The expectations of iPad power users for the M4 iPad Pro at WWDC were quite high, as they hoped for a significant software upgrade that would take full advantage of the advanced hardware capabilities of the device. However, these expectations were not fully met, as the major highlights of the event were the new Apple Intelligence and customization tools, which are cross-platform features, and the iPad-centric features in iPadOS 18 were not as groundbreaking as users had hoped.

While the M4 iPad Pro does bring some notable improvements, such as the AI-focused processor and a thinner design, the software side of things did not see a major overhaul that would allow users to fully maximize the potential of the powerful hardware. As a result, some power users might feel slightly disappointed with the lack of more substantial updates to the iPadOS.

Despite this, the M4 iPad Pro still offers a substantial performance boost over its predecessors and remains a highly capable device. However, it is clear that users who were expecting a more significant software upgrade to complement the hardware advancements might have to wait a bit longer for such improvements to be introduced.

The 'Keep Downloaded' feature in iPadOS 18 and iOS 18 allows users to permanently store folders and files on their devices, ensuring they are always available even without an internet connection. This feature addresses a long-standing issue with the Files app, which previously would "intelligently" decide which files to store locally and could remove downloads without notification.

To use the 'Keep Downloaded' feature, users can long-press on a file or folder in the Files app and select the 'Keep Downloaded' option from the menu6. This will prevent the file or folder from being sent back to the cloud and will keep it stored locally on the device.

This feature is particularly useful for users who depend on their iPad or iPhone for work and need reliable access to their files, especially in situations where an internet connection may not be available, such as during air travel. The ability to permanently store files and folders on the device provides increased peace of mind and enhances the overall user experience for those who heavily rely on their devices for productivity.