It’s the phrase that’s like catnip to many iPad users: iPadOS 19 will reportedly make Apple’s tablet run “more like macOS” including with upgraded multitasking. We’ve heard it before, and technically Apple has accomplished it before—though with mixed results. New products in the pipeline, however, mean that iPadOS 19’s success has higher stakes than previous attempts.
iPadOS multitasking: Here we go again
When the iPad first launched, it was a simple, approachable “third category of device.”
It wasn’t meant to replace the iPhone or the Mac, just complement them.
But over time, the iPad has evolved to pack more power and versatility.
iPadOS has introduced several different multitasking systems, all of which have had strengths, but also weaknesses.
Despite repeated efforts by Apple to make the iPad more “Mac-like” in its capabilities, many iPad productivity users have continued wanting more.
iPadOS 19 will apparently be Apple’s next shot at satisfying those desires.
Mark Gurman says the update will “focus on productivity, multitasking and app window management — with an eye on the device operating more like a Mac.”
As a long-time iPad fan who has used the iPad Pro as my main computer for a decade, I can’t help but think: “Here we go again.”
Three upcoming products make the stakes higher for iPadOS 19
Unlike Apple’s previous efforts to revamp iPad multitasking and productivity, I think iPadOS 19 may have some unique stakes at play.
Sure, the new software will have a big impact on iPad users today.
But I suspect it may also have a big impact on three upcoming products:
Though timing is still uncertain, rumors have indicated that all three products might launch next year.
And all of them stand to be influenced in key ways by Apple’s work in iPadOS 19.
The 18.8-inch iPad Fold will obviously benefit from an upgraded multitasking system, just like any other iPad.
But whatever Apple builds this year needs to take into account the coming reality of a huge new display.
How will iPadOS take advantage of that unique screen size?
iPhone Fold will basically be an iPad mini when unfolded, meaning Apple will want to build more powerful multitasking into iOS to take advantage of the new form factor.
I have no doubt that iPadOS 19‘s multitasking changes are being crafted with an eye on foldable iPhone needs too.
And with the Mac, while Apple still shows no signs of merging macOS and iPadOS any time soon, the company is striving for more consistency between platforms than ever.
With iOS 19 and macOS 16’s themes of consistency in mind, I suspect iPadOS 19’s multitasking upgrades may have an impact on future touchscreen Macs too. Not that the systems will be identical, but I’d be surprised if there weren’t significant overlap.
iPadOS 19 multitasking: wrap-up
In summary, I strongly suspect iPadOS 19’s new multitasking and window management features aren’t being designed just for current iPads.
Apple has several new products around the corner that stand to benefit from a fresh approach to multitasking. So if iPadOS 19 can offer a truly compelling new solution, not only iPads but also the iPhone Fold and touchscreen Macs stand to benefit.
But if iPadOS 19’s changes end up just being another Stage Manager?
For the sake of my current iPad use but also future products, I hope it doesn’t come to that.
What do you hope iPadOS 19’s changes look like? Let us know in the comments.
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