Apple made a big change to iPadOS 16. This update brings a new multitasking experience that makes the iPad more like a desktop computer.
"The iPad is our most versatile device, and we're excited to do what can be done even further with the iPadOS 16," said Craig Federighi, Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering.
“With Stage Manager, which takes multitasking on the iPad to a whole new level, plus new ways to share and collaborate through Messages, Safari, and new Freeform apps, and new pro features like Reference Mode and Display Zoom users can get even more done on the iPad. "
Apple introduced a completely new feature in iPadOS 16 called Collaboration, as the name suggests, allows users to collaborate directly with colleagues and friends in work applications like Pages, Safari, Notes, and other users can edit the file.
Yes, this feature is similar to what Google has been doing in Docs and Spreadsheets over the years. Apple also provides a Freeform application that allows teams to collaborate with a flexible digital canvas to work on projects in real-time during FaceTime sessions or via Messages.
Users can view, share, and make changes to document layout, and page size, and with Apple Pencil's full support, handwriting recognition keeps ideas flowing in real-time.
Apple introduced a feature available in macOS, namely Virtual Memory Swap (also known as virtual RAM). This feature will use the hard disk memory capacity of the iPad to convert it to RAM, with support for up to 16GB.
As revealed by Federighi, Stage Manager is the most important feature in iPadOS 16. This feature brings the ability to open multiple application windows on the iPad.
Users can open up to 4 applications at once on the iPad screen, which can be resized similar to macOS. Apple has also added the ability to better connect to external screens on the iPadOS 16, allowing up to 8 applications to be opened simultaneously between the iPad and the external screen.
Unfortunately. This iPadOS 16 feature is exclusive to iPads equipped with the M1 chipset, including the iPad Pro Gen 5 and iPad Air Gen 5.
Just like iOS 16, iPadOS 16 presents a redesigned Lock Screen screen by adding new widgets and wallpapers for easier personalization. In addition, the addition of the Weather app for the iPad, makes it easier for users to monitor the weather without having to use an iPhone.
iPadOS 16 will be available in Public Beta starting in July, while the final version will arrive next September. The devices that get it are as follows:
All iPad Pro models
iPad Air third generation or newer
iPad fifth generation or newer
iPad Mini fifth generation or newer