Expect to see some major enhancements to the iPad’s multitasking capabilities at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) taking place from June 6th. This news comes from renowned Apple reporter Mark Gurman, who says we will see big changes to iPadOS 16 when it is revealed at WWDC 2022.
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For many years now Apple has said that the iPad is a viable option to replace basic laptops, although the mobile based software its runs made that a hard sell for most. These updates will steer the iPad closer to that vision. Gurman’s sources say iPadOS 16 will have a revamped multitasking interface, including more resizing options. Currently, users can run apps in full screen or side by side in Split View. The Slide Over function allows you to bring in a narrower version of a third app as well. The next version of iPadOS will seemingly make it easier to move between apps and see which ones you have open too.
Many users will find such an update extremely useful, and is a dire omission from the software at this point. Keyboards have worked with iPads for many years and two years ago Apple added full mouse and trackpad support. These updates are just the next step for Apple to realise its ‘laptop-killer’ dreams.
At WWDC 2022 we will also see new versions of iOS, OS X, and Watch OS. Gurman previously reported that iOS 16 will introduce more health-tracking features, upgraded notifications and support for always-on displays (which is expected to only be available on iPhone 14 Pro models at first). A refreshed lock screen may include widgets, which Messages is believed to be getting more features as well.
Would you use an iPad instead of a laptop if it was more like a Mac? Let us know in the comments below.
