iPads have world-class hardware. They use desktop-class chips, have plenty of RAM, have amazing screens, are lightweight and portable, and you can also use keyboard attachments. You can plug them into an external monitor and use them like a laptop. However, the software is the major limiting factor. Now, there are rumors that iPadOS 19 might finally add more software features to bridge the gap. This will make it a more feature-rich UI.
As per Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple might bring iPadOS much closer to macOS. iPadOS follows a touch-first interface and uses iOS as a template. It largely resembles iOS, and many elements are scaled up for a larger size. This might change with the iPadOS 19 update.
Apple advertises the Pro models of iPads as full laptop replacements. Apart from battery life limitations, iPadOS still doesn’t have enough multitasking. It doesn’t have proper window control, and macOS is much better suited for productivity.
At a slow pace, Apple has been adding minor productivity and multitasking features to iPadOS. The last major one was the Stage Manager. It gives users better control over window management. He didn’t provide any elaborate information. The claim was that iPadOS 9 would feature enhanced productivity, improved multitasking, and improved app window management.
This can mean that Apple will make Stage Manager more useful. Apple might add granular and resizable windows, similar to macOS, which will bring it much closer to a usable laptop OS.
Mark Gurman says: “I’m told that this year’s upgrade will focus on productivity, multitasking, and app window management, with an eye on the device operating more like a Mac.”
“It’s been a long time coming, with iPad power users pleading with Apple to make the tablet more powerful.”
The Power On newsletter also covers other topics, like improving the Vision Pro and releasing a lighter and cheaper sequel. Apple Intelligence might hit watchOS, and Apple will supposedly redesign iOS. The new design language is codenamed “Solarium,” and many predict that it’ll have visionOS-like aesthetics, with more glass, blur, more rounded elements, and a different type of transitions and animations.
