Apple’s upcoming iPadOS 18 update is bringing a change that can improve emoji accessibility for users who rely on external keyboards when working with iPhone apps on their iPads.
iPhone apps on iPads refer to applications designed for iPhones that can also be downloaded and used on iPads. Not all apps available on the iPhone App Store will have a dedicated iPad version. Developers may choose to make their iPhone app accessible on iPads without any specific modifications for the larger device. Instagram is a prime example of such an application.
Previously, users faced limitations when accessing the emoji picker within iPhone apps. The standard on-screen keyboard shortcut (Control + Command + Space) wouldn’t trigger the emoji selection window. This was first seen by 9to5Mac.
But this update in iPadOS 18 addresses this by allowing the Control + Command + Space shortcut to function as intended. It also disables the emoji picker within iPhone apps even when an external keyboard is connected. Apple also unveiled the AI emoji generator Genmoji at WWDC this year.
The developer beta version of iPadOS 18 is currently available. The developer beta is out, and a public beta is expected to be released this month, with the official launch scheduled for fall 2024.