The latest version of Slack for iPad touts a reworked layout and a bunch of usability improvements, with additional functionality coming later in 2022.
- The business communication platform Slack has launched a major update to its iPad app with improved accessibility, an upgraded sidebar and new functionality powering a better work experience for all kinds of work.
- While promoting the new version, Slack has praised the new M1-powered iPad Air, calling Apple’s tablet a unique device and collaboration tool.
- Slack, which has more than ten million daily active users, says it will launch support for keyboard shortcuts and introduce other new features later this year.
Slack brings a new look, better functionality to its iPad
New features in the iPad app, announced in Slack’s blog post, include two-column layout that mimics the layout of Slack’s desktop version, as well as accessibility enhancements and more. In terms of the new sidebar, you can now collapse sections to hide groups of channels. Read: How to use Slack even when it’s offline
Also, channel activity can now be sorted by recency so you can more quickly review the latest updates from your team. Long-tapping a channel lets you quickly access options such as muting, leaving, copying a link or marking the channel as read.
Your direct messages now include avatars instead of just user names. And as a cool bonus, the sidebar is now the same across devices because section preferences are (finally?)” synced between Slack’s mobile and desktop apps.
New usability perks include improved screen-reading, clearer labels, as well as better experience when composing messages, using search and adding mentions. Slack says the improvements should improve multitasking in its iPad app.
Slack hearts iPad
Akshay Bakshi, Slack’s group product manager for mobile, has praised Apple’s iPad as “a unique device” in the following statement:
Millions of people use Slack across multiple devices, and the iPad app is a popular addition to their workflow. We recognize that the iPad is a unique device that demands the power of a desktop experience with the simplicity of a mobile app.
And:
Slack’s updated iPad app bridges this gap and allows users to stay productive, organized and connected to their digital HQ in a work-from-anywhere world.
Keyboard shortcuts are coming
Slack, which has more than ten million daily active users worldwide, is promising further feature-packed updates throughout the year, including bringing support for iPad keyboard shortcuts and implementing further accessibility improvements.
How to download Slack
You can download Slack for iPhone and iPad from the App Store.
Slack for desktop platforms such as Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows and Linux, must be downloaded through the official Slack website.