Apple is preparing to announce iPadOS 16 at its WWDC 2022 conference. On the program: a new multitasking to make the use of windows more flexible on iPad. A change expected by many users of the Apple tablet, for an experience closer to that of a laptop than a smartphone.
If you’ve ever tried to work on your iPad, you might have run into a few software limitations that prevent you from using it as your primary machine and putting your laptop on the shelf. One of the limitations of iPad OS comes in particular from multitasking. It is possible to put two windows side by side and a third in a “reduced” version on the side of the interface. Although the iPad has come a long way over the course of updates, we are not yet at the level of what macOS can offer on this point.
At its WWDC conference to be held on June 6, Apple could present iPadOS 16 and the new multitasking features that come with it. A major update which, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, would benefit from a redesigned interface to switch more easily from one task to another and see which applications are open. Like macOS, iPadOS could also offer to resize windows and applications.
An interface at the service of the power of the iPad
The latest iPad Pro and iPad Air 2022 are equipped with Apple’s M1 chip, which is also found on the MacBook Air. It offers an excellent level of performance as well as reduced consumption to offer impressive autonomy to the devices that take advantage of it. Today, this power embedded in the iPad is under-exploited, in particular by software limitations. By offering more flexibility to iPadOS, Apple could convince more and more people to use their iPad instead of their laptop.
The iPad accounted for almost 9% of Apple’s annual sales in 2021. A figure that is slowly but surely increasing over the years. With ever larger screens, excellent performance and a touchscreen, iPads have a case to make. Many users have chosen to add a keyboard and a stylus to make it their main machine, both transportable and versatile.
iOS, watchOS, macOS and tvOS will also be entitled to their updates
iPadOS will not be the only operating system to benefit from new features. Apple will also take advantage of its conference to update the OS of its other devices. For iOS on iPhones, there is talk of a new lock screen with widgets, as well as an update to the Health and Messages apps. Its faithful companion, the Apple Watch, would gain some improvements to its dial, as well as a new way of navigating in certain applications. Features for monitoring your physical condition will also be included. For its part, macOS would see an overhaul of its System Preferences.
Software updates that will benefit the current products of the brand, as well as the next ones. Indeed, we expect the announcement of several new Macs with the M2 chip, an update of the iPad Pro, as well as several iPhone 14 models. These will certainly be presented to the autonomous, period in which these software updates will probably be available for the general public. The possible presentation of an Apple VR headset is also mentioned. See you on June 6 at WWDC to follow the announcements.
Bloomberg