Why did Apple remove calculator?: Apple is known for its sleek design, premium user experience, and unique decision-making when it comes to software and hardware. However, one thing that has puzzled iPad users for years is the absence of a built-in Calculator app. If you’ve ever used an iPhone or Mac, you’d know that they come with a native Calculator app, but when you switch to an iPad, it’s nowhere to be found. This raises the big question: Why did Apple remove the Calculator from iPads, and why hasn’t it been added back?
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The Truth: Apple Never Actually Removed It
First, let’s clear up a common misconception—Apple never really removed the Calculator app from iPads because it was never there in the first place. Since the launch of the first iPad in 2010, Apple has never included a default Calculator app. This wasn’t an oversight or a mistake but rather a conscious decision by Apple, led by Steve Jobs himself.
Steve Jobs’ Perfectionist Approach
One of the main reasons the iPad never got a Calculator app was due to Steve Jobs’ perfectionism. When the first iPad was being developed, Apple had initially planned to include a Calculator app, just like the iPhone. However, the team had simply scaled up the iPhone’s Calculator app to fit the iPad’s screen without redesigning it properly.
When Jobs saw the stretched-out version of the iPhone Calculator on the iPad’s larger screen, he was dissatisfied. He believed that the user experience should be flawless and that a blown-up iPhone Calculator did not match Apple’s high design standards. As a result, he decided to scrap the idea until a well-designed, iPad-optimized version was developed. Unfortunately, that day never came.
Why Hasn’t Apple Added It in Over a Decade?
It has been over 14 years since the first iPad was released, yet there is still no default Calculator app. The question remains—why hasn’t Apple introduced one despite user demand?
1. Apple Wants a Perfect UI/UX
Apple is known for taking its time to refine software before releasing it. The company has not introduced a built-in Calculator on the iPad because they haven’t yet designed a version that they feel is perfect. A simple copy-paste of the iPhone app wouldn’t be enough. Apple would need to create a unique, feature-rich, and aesthetically pleasing Calculator app that takes full advantage of the iPad’s larger screen and multitasking capabilities.
2. The App Store Provides Alternatives
Another reason Apple hasn’t felt the need to introduce an official iPad Calculator is the abundance of third-party calculator apps on the App Store. Whether you need a basic calculator or an advanced scientific one, there are dozens of high-quality apps available. Some of the most popular ones include PCalc, Calculator+, and The Calculator. Apple may believe that users already have enough options, reducing the urgency for an official app.
3. Apple’s Business Strategy
Apple is known for making strategic decisions that align with its business goals. By not including a built-in Calculator, Apple gives developers an opportunity to create and monetize third-party calculator apps. This move supports app developers and keeps the App Store ecosystem thriving.
4. Focus on Innovation, Not Just Utility
The iPad has always been marketed as a creative and productivity tool rather than just a device for simple calculations. Apple continuously focuses on innovations like the Apple Pencil, Stage Manager, and improved multitasking features. They may not see a Calculator app as a high-priority feature compared to these major updates.
Will Apple Ever Add a Calculator App to iPads?
While Apple has remained silent on this issue for years, there have been rumors and speculations that an official iPad Calculator app may be in the works. In iPadOS 16, Apple introduced a revamped Weather app, which was also missing from iPads for years. This suggests that Apple might eventually release an iPad-optimized Calculator app when they feel it meets their design and functionality standards.
Final Thoughts
The absence of a built-in Calculator on iPads isn’t a mistake or an oversight—it’s a deliberate choice by Apple. Steve Jobs’ perfectionist vision led to the removal of an unpolished Calculator design, and Apple has continued this philosophy for over a decade. While many users would love to see a native Calculator app, Apple likely won’t introduce one until they feel it meets their design and user experience standards. In the meantime, third-party apps serve as a suitable alternative. Whether Apple will ever release an official iPad Calculator remains to be seen, but until then, users will have to rely on the App Store for their calculation needs.