This File update is the best iPadOS 18 feature

iPad power users had a disappointing WWDC. Although the advanced M4 iPad Pro has raised hopes of a major software update, 2024 is not the year for it.

While the iPad benefits from some powerful new cross-platform features like Apple Intelligence and deep customization tools, the iPad-centric tentpole features in iPadOS 18 are the Calculator app and redesigned tab panels.

But one more feature coming to the Files app solves a big pain point on the iPad: the ability to keep folders and files permanently downloaded.

A solution to one of the biggest problems of the Files app

For years, the Files app provided the iCloud-first approach to file management, and I think that’s a good thing. While you can store files locally on your device, in our multi-platform computing world it’s useful to keep everything in iCloud so you can access your data on any device and make sure it’s still there even if your device suffers a disaster.

The biggest problem I have with this approach is with file uploads. I store my files in iCloud, but you may have been able to download the required files manually for a long time.

The problem is that Apple “intelligently” decides which files to keep in the local cache and decides to delete certain downloads without telling you. So when you need to access a particular file—for example, on an airplane with no connection—you may find that the file has been sent back to the cloud and is no longer available.

iPadOS 18 changes that.

Not only on the iPad, but also on the iPhone in iOS 18, you can long-press on a file or folder and find a new “Save Downloaded” button in the menu.

That’s right, you can tell iPadOS to keep an entire folder or file permanently downloaded, never to be dumped into the cloud again.

Real work on the iPad requires secure access to your files

If you use your iPad casually, as a video device, or for light browsing or reading, this change probably won’t affect you much.

But if you depend on your iPad to get your work done, this unannounced new feature could make a big difference in your computing life. I’m surprised Apple didn’t mention this in its very brief iPadOS 18 presentation.

There’s even more peace of mind when you know your files will be accessible wherever you are, regardless of your network connection status.

That’s why this change in iPadOS 18 is such a big deal.