How to Hack Your Apple Device for Epic Productivity

(No jailbreaks required – just clever features you probably didn’t know were there!)

Your MacBook/iPad isn’t just a big phone or a Netflix machine – it’s a powerhouse for studying, teaching, organising, and getting stuff done. Here’s how to unlock its full potential using built-in Apple tools (that also happen to be brilliantly accessible).

1️⃣ Apple Notes – Your Swiss Army Knife of Study Tools

Apple Notes isn’t just for scribbles — it’s a full-on digital workspace:

• Handwrite, type, or speak your notes — switch between Apple Pencil, keyboard, or dictation in seconds.
• Live audio capture with captions – record a lecture or meeting, see live captions/transcription, and generate an AI summary that’s saved straight into your note for instant revision material (choose the paperclip icon to record audio, generate live captions and summaries, then import into notes)
• Add photos, scans, and videos live while taking notes — annotate them straight away with Apple Pencil or typed comments. (choose the paperclip icon to find these options)
• Import PowerPoints, PDFs, or lecture videos so everything you need is in one place.
• Scan documents directly into Notes (perfect for handouts, forms, or receipts).
• Search handwriting – even messy pen notes are instantly searchable.
• Checklists & colour coding for assignments, lesson plans, or to-do lists.
• Quick Notes – swipe up from the corner with Apple Pencil to jot something instantly without leaving your current app.

💡 Hack: Create a “Today” note for lectures and drop in slides, audio with captions, and quick photos — by the end of the session you’ve got a complete, searchable, annotated record ready to revise from.

2️⃣ Safari Reader View – Clear the Clutter

• Strips out ads, pop-ups, and formatting for clean, distraction-free reading (left icon in search bar; choose ‘hide distracting items’ and other options such as ‘listen to page’ and ‘show reader’)
• Change font size, style, and background colour for easier reading.
• Works brilliantly with Speak Screen (just swipe down with two fingers to have the page read aloud).

💡 Hack: Pair Safari Reader with dark mode at night to reduce eye strain.

3️⃣ Focus Modes & Background Sounds – Block the Noise

• Create custom Focus profiles like Study, Lecture, or Deep Work (Settings:Focus)
• Choose which apps and people can interrupt you.
• Syncs across iPhone, iPad, and Mac so distractions vanish everywhere.

Background Sounds – found under Accessibility settings – play calming noise like rain, ocean waves, or white noise in the background. Perfect for masking distractions in a busy flat, the library, or even on the bus.

💡 Hack: Schedule “Study Focus” to kick in automatically before class so you never forget to mute notifications.

4️⃣ Split View & Slide Over – Multitasking Like a Pro

• Run two apps side-by-side – e.g., Notes + Safari for research (3 dots at top of screen, choose ‘Add Another Window, then choose your app)
• Keep a third app floating in Slide Over for quick checks (e.g., Calendar or Messages).

💡 Hack: Use this to watch a recorded lecture while making notes without constant app switching.

5️⃣ Speak Screen & Voice Control – Hands-Free Productivity

• Speak Screen – swipe down with two fingers to have any page, email, or PDF read aloud.
• Voice Control – navigate your iPad entirely with your voice, great for hands-free multitasking or when you’re on the move.

💡 Hack: Pair with Bluetooth headphones for discreet listening on the go.

6️⃣ Files App – Your Digital Filing Cabinet

• Store, tag, and search files from iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive, and more.
• Use Mark-up to annotate PDFs without printing anything.
• Your iPad works seamlessly with your student Microsoft account — open Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, or OneNote straight from Files, and everything saves back into OneDrive automatically (you will need to download the various Microsoft Apps first)
• Also plays nicely with Google tools like Drive, Docs, and Slides, so you can switch between platforms without stress.

💡 Hack: Create a “Current Projects” folder and pin it so it’s always top of the list — whether your files live in iCloud, OneDrive, or Google Drive, they’ll all show up here in one place.

7️⃣ Live Text – Turn Pictures Into Words

• Take a photo of printed text (lecture slides, books, whiteboards) and copy/paste the words straight into your notes.
• Works in Photos, Safari, and even your camera app in real time.

💡 Hack: Combine with Translate to instantly convert printed materials into another language (make sure to download your chosen language from settings:translate)

💬 Final Tip: All these tools are free and built-in – no extra downloads, no subscriptions. Spend less time fiddling with apps and more time actually getting things done. ✨ Remember: most of these accessibility and productivity features are available across Apple devices — whether you’re on iPad, Mac, or iPhone.

Want to Explore More? 🍏

We’ve only scratched the surface — your iPad is packed with accessibility and productivity tools designed to make studying, teaching, and creating easier.

👉 To learn more about the full range of accessibility features your iPad has, visit the Apple Education Learning Centre.

Support and Training 

• QUB Accessible Learning Service: For personalised support and training, contact the Assistive Technology Coordinator.  
• IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk.