Calculators on Your Phone - From Unit Conversions to Math Notes on iOS!

In the latest episode of iOS Today, hosts Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into the calculator apps available on Apple devices, from the built-in iOS calculator to powerful third-party alternatives. Along the way, they also discuss the upcoming public betas of iOS 27 and share their "app caps" of the week. The conversation is grounded in practical, everyday math scenarios—splitting bills, converting currencies, planning trips—and the psychology of how different tools match different thinking styles.

The Built-in Calculator: From Basic to Math Notes

The default iOS calculator has evolved significantly. Micah notes that after 17 years, the iPad finally got a calculator with iPadOS 18, and iOS 26 brought back the classic "C" (clear current entry) and "AC" (clear all) buttons that users had complained were missing. The mode switcher now lives in the top-right corner, letting you toggle between Basic, Scientific, Math Notes, and Convert. In Basic mode, you can now type unlimited digits (previously capped at nine in portrait), scroll to see long numbers, and tap-and-hold to copy any value. The history button in the top-left corner lets you revisit past calculations—though Micah points out that if you use Spotlight to run quick sums (like "87 minus 43"), those won't appear in the calculator's history.