Apple is set to introduce a significant overhaul to its Calculator app with the forthcoming release of macOS 15, codenamed “Project GreyParrot,” AppleInsider reported. This update promises to bring a rare cognitive boost to the often-overlooked utility, reflecting Apple’s commitment to enhancing the user experience across its product lineup.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple has been working diligently on a redesigned Calculator app that draws inspiration from the African Gray parrot, a species renowned for its intelligence and cognitive abilities. This codename alone suggests that Apple is aiming to elevate the Calculator app to new heights, making it more powerful and competitive in the market.

One of the most noteworthy additions is the introduction of a history tape, which will take the form of a sidebar displaying an overview of previous calculations. This feature will streamline the process of accessing and utilizing past calculations, eliminating the need for a separate application to store numbers or amounts. Users will be able to toggle the history tape from all three calculator views – basic, scientific, and programmer – via a dedicated button at the top left of the application window.

Aesthetically, the Calculator app is set to undergo a significant transformation, adopting a design reminiscent of its iOS counterpart. Rounded buttons and darker shades of black will replace the squared-off look that has been in place for many years, bringing a fresh and modern aesthetic to the app. Additionally, users will have the ability to adjust the application window size, a feature that has been sorely lacking in previous iterations. As the window size changes, the individual buttons and number keys will adapt accordingly, adopting a pill shape for larger windows or shrinking down to circles for smaller sizes, mirroring the look of the iPhone Calculator.

One of the most intriguing additions is the integration of Math Notes, a feature that will foster a seamless connection between the Calculator and Notes applications. Users will have the option to create notes with mathematical notation, allowing for a more comprehensive and organized approach to calculations and note-taking. This integration aims to give Apple’s Calculator and Notes apps a competitive edge against rival products like Microsoft’s OneNote or the Soulver 3 calculator app, which have offered mathematical annotation for several years.

Unit conversion is another area that will receive a substantial overhaul in macOS 15. The current iteration of the Calculator app requires users to perform unit conversions and mathematical operations separately, which can be cumbersome. With Project GreyParrot, Apple aims to address this shortcoming by enhancing the unit conversion system and integrating it directly into the main user interface. This will enable users to perform mathematical operations while unit conversions are handled automatically, with the result displayed in the selected unit below the original result.

This improved unit conversion layout has the potential to benefit a wide range of users, from frequent travelers dealing with multiple currencies to engineers or scientists working with reports from different regions. The new Calculator app will rely on an internet connection to obtain current exchange rates from trusted third parties, ensuring accurate and up-to-date conversions.

Apple’s decision to revamp the Calculator app appears to be inspired by the success of third-party alternatives like Calcbot and PCalc, both of which have received Apple’s Editors’ Choice Award for their user-friendly unit conversion interfaces and overall usability. While not all features may make it to the final release, the macOS 15 Calculator app promises to be a significant step forward in terms of functionality and user experience.

Alongside the revamped Calculator, Apple is expected to introduce a slew of enhancements to its next-gen operating systems at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10. On-device AI features, Freeform Scenes, and Adaptive Voice Shortcuts are among the anticipated additions, further demonstrating Apple’s commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of its user base.