Apple’s Upcoming iPadOS Updates: A Step Closer to a Mac-Like Experience?
By the time Apple releases M5-powered iPads, using iPadOS may feel closer to working on a Mac, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in today’s Power On newsletter. It won’t be macOS running on a tablet, but he writes that the changes will be significant enough to make people who want such a thing happy.
Focus on Productivity, Multitasking, and App Window Management
Updates to iPadOS coming this year will be focused “on productivity, multitasking and app window management — with an eye on the device operating more like a Mac,” according to Gurman. He says these changes are due “about a year” after the release of the M4 iPad Pro, a fantastic tablet with far more power than its software demands.
A Look Back at Stage Manager
Gurman’s report doesn’t give any indication of what Apple’s updated multitasking will look like, and it’s best to reserve any excitement until we see more. Back in 2022, Apple added Stage Manager to iPadOS 16, a feature that enables windowing and also groups app windows together in a dock-like collection on the side of the display. It might have seemed like an exciting change if you wanted to be able to ditch your MacBook, but what shipped felt too half-hearted to be a useful step in the direction of a proper desktop operating system.
The Current State of iPadOS
Apple has iterated since, for instance by letting users resize windows more freely in iPadOS 17, but the approach is still much more iPad than Mac. That’s not necessarily a problem on its own unless you’re the type who wants to replace your MacBook with an Apple tablet. We’ll see how much the company moves the needle on that when it unveils iPadOS 19 in June.
Conclusion
While it’s unclear what exactly Apple has in store for iPadOS, it’s clear that the company is committed to making the experience more Mac-like. With a focus on productivity, multitasking, and app window management, it’s possible that we’ll see significant changes in the future. However, it’s also important to remember that Apple is still balancing the needs of iPad users with the needs of those who want a Mac-like experience. Only time will tell if the company can strike the right balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current state of iPadOS?
Apple has been iterating on iPadOS, adding features like Stage Manager and improved window resizing, but the experience is still more iPad-like than Mac-like.
Q: What changes can we expect in the future?
Apple is expected to focus on productivity, multitasking, and app window management in upcoming updates, which could make the experience more similar to a Mac.
Q: Will iPadOS become a full-fledged desktop operating system?
It’s unclear, but it’s possible that Apple will continue to blur the lines between iPadOS and macOS, making it more difficult to tell the two apart.
Q: When can we expect to see these changes?
Apple is expected to unveil iPadOS 19 in June, which could bring significant updates to the operating system.
