The first line is written on Apple Notes in my sloppy handwriting. The second line was written with the new SmartScribe function turned on. The third line is my reaction.
SmartScribe is new for Apple’s free and underrated Notes. There is nothing to download; it comes standard with iOS and iPadOS. And with iPadOS 18, it makes all the difference by cleaning up your handwriting. Maybe now I’ll be able to read my own hastily scribbled notes.
I had to use the beta version of iPadOS 18. It’s worth any risk you might associate with beta version.
I’ve been using an iPad Mini and the iPad Pro to take notes with an Apple pencil for years, but I’m not always able to go back and read them. While the ability to jot down a thought or quote in an interview immediately was indispensable, but from being in a hurry, the writing was sloppy. I was spending to much time trying to decipher my notes days or weeks later. I’m normally sloppy with pen on paper, but on an iPad, my writing got even worse. The plastic tip of the Pencil on the glass of the iPad is like a skate on ice. I was all over the place. A Paperlike screen helped somewhat, but it wasn’t paper-like enough.
SmartScribe seemed to be just what the doctor ordered. I rushed to update my tablets to iPadOS 18. SmartScribe is not on by default. You have to turn it on. When done, you write as you normally do, but upon finishing a word, letters and words are recognized, separated and straightened.
SmartScribe does have its limits. Having it turned on doesn’t mean you can go crazy. SmartScribe doesn’t perform miracles or read minds. You still have to write somewhat neatly in the first place. You still have to be somewhat disciplined.
Leave it Apple to invent computer-aided writing. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, promised AI (for Apple, that stands for Apple Intelligence) for all of the company’s devices. Is This the start?
