Cortana for iOS comes to iPad with native design

By Dan Thorp-Lancaster
published

Microsoft's digital assistant is spreading its wings to iPad with a native design meant for the bigger screen.

Cortana for iOS has been updated today with native support for iPad. The voice assistant now features an "exclusive" design for Apple's line of tablets, allowing it to properly fit the larger screen while still offering the same features and a similar card-based design as the experience already available for iPhones (via MacRumors). According to the release notes, Microsoft says Cortana also now opens 20 percent faster, but it appears this is a carryover from another recent update.

From Microsoft:

  • Introducing a brand-new Cortana for iPad design. Enjoy an exclusive layout and interface for your iPad.
  • Cortana now launches 20% faster! Enjoy a lightning-fast experience.

Without the ability to hook into the operating system, Cortana is somewhat limited compared to other platforms like Android and Microsoft's own Windows 10. However, for those who prefer sticking with Cortana across ecosystems, the app offers up a way to quickly do things like set reminders, track packages, or generally just query the digital assistant on the mysteries of the universe.

In any case, you can check out Cortana's new, native look on iPad by grabbing the latest update from the App Store now.

See at the App Store (opens in new tab)

Dan Thorp-Lancaster
Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. 

17 Comments
  • I wonder if this is a hint as to the UI/UX Microsoft wants to take Cortana for Windows 10. By separating the content from the Search function, will it live in a larger context and feel more "app" like? Also, is it possible to make something like Cortana into a PWA? All I understand is that what we see is just a front end to the AI backend.
  • I don't see the point of that, if I were an Apple user and would like to use a smart assistant, why would I choose Cortana which will never have the same access, speed and even quality as the built in option? They killed the windows mobile OS to save money and then they waste it here... go figure.
  • Because it is cross platform. If you only use the Apple ecosystem, sure, but many use iOS, Windows and Android.
  • Siri > Cortana
  • Landscape only on iPad? Duh...
  • I'm sure the three ios cortana users on iOS are happy about this. They only major AI worse than siri is cortana. 
  • Its amazing how bad the Win8/10 design guidelines are starting to look as Authentically digital starts to go away.
  • Authentically digital? And they look fine to me
  • Exciting stuff........ Oh wait, I never use Cortana
  • While the one on Windows 10 still looks like crap. Sad.
  • What's wrong with the one in windows 10? I like how it looks
  • I like the MS Apps on my iPhone X including Cortana. Just loaded Cotana on an iPad and it will only run in landscape mode -- did any one at MS actually test this? -- this is why people have a bad taste in their mouth about MS.
  • Y'all are missing the point. You know how isheep are ... if you want portrait mode, buy an iPhone X, if you want landscape mode, buy an iPad Pro. See how easy that is? MS is just designing Cortana for the isheeple business model.
  • Huh?   YOU are missing the point.   Every other app on an ipad works in both modes.   You know, you rotate it and the screen re-orients automatically.  Are you really this stupid?  
  • Stupid, no, I think he is just a delusional, desperate fanbaby.
  • lookup sarcasm and you will understand.
  • useless junk!