iPadOS 16 Introduces Divisible App Windows in Apple's Tablet Environment
In Apple's WWDC 2022 keynote, they showcased the upcoming features of iPadOS 16, particularly focusing on enhanced multitasking capabilities. If you've been yearning for resizable windows on your tablet OS, get ready, as Apple's about to deliver with their innovative tool, Stage Manager.
At first glance, Stage Manager might remind you of backstage cues for your local theater troupe. But in reality, it's a powerful multitasking tool designed specifically for iPad devices. It lets you create overlapping windows of different sizes, similar to what you'd experience on macOS. Apple revealed that macOS Ventura will also have this feature. However, only iPad Pro and iPad Air with the M1 chip will have the privilege of utilizing Stage Manager initially[1].
Apple made it clear that they're keen on improving the tablet experience to resemble the laptop. This expectation is embodied in Stage Manager, which allows you to drag and drop windows around iPadOS 16 and open apps simultaneously from the Dock. With features like this, tasks such as editing photos for social media or clips for group chats in Apple Messages become more manageable.
Moreover, Stage Manager supports external displays of up to 6K resolutions. You can work with multiple apps on both the tablet and external display, although the limit is set at four apps at a time on each[2]. Thisaldolutely not the same as the iPad Pro's Sidecar, which allows the tablet to operate as a secondary display for Macs, but the aim here is undoubtedly to bridge the gap between the iPad and Mac experiences.
Apple is also investing in collaboration features. iPadOS 16 enables you to share files from compatible apps like Files, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, Notes, Reminders, Safari, and third-party apps directly within messages. Users will be able to view changes in real-time, making editing and feedback more efficient.
A new feature called Freeform allows real-time editing of documents during FaceTime sessions using the Apple Pencil. Safari on the iPad will also receive minor upgrades, including shared tab groups for collaboration and improved web search organization.
iPadOS 16 will also boast some iOS features, such as the previously absent Weather app, iCloud's Shared Photo Library, Live Text and Visual Look Up updates, and FaceTime Handoff.
Unfortunately, Stage Manager is limited to devices equipped with the M1 or M2 chips, excluding tablets like the 6th-generation iPad Mini, which relies on the A15 Bionic chip[2].
Developers have access to a preview version of iPadOS 16, while the public beta will be available next month for eager users to test before the official launch later this year.
- The innovative tool, Stage Manager, in iPadOS 16, inspired by backstage cues, will allow overlapping windows, reminiscent of macOS, on compatible iPad devices.
- To enhance productivity, iPadOS 16 will enable users to drag and drop windows and open apps simultaneously, similar to tech used in laptops, using features like Stage Manager and the Dock.
- Future collaborations will be easier with iPadOS 16 as it integrates real-time file sharing within messaging apps, including Reminders, and features like Freeform for collaborative editing during FaceTime sessions.
- Developers can already test the preview version of iPadOS 16, while the public beta will be available soon, giving tech enthusiasts the opportunity to experience its overlap with iOS features like the Weather app.
