Latest news with #StageManager
Phone Arena
13-06-2025
- Phone Arena
Apple reveals why it allowed the iPad to finally behave more like a Mac — and why it took so long
At WWDC 2025, Apple announced major changes to iPadOS 26, including a more desktop-style multitasking system that feels closer than ever to the Mac. This long-requested update brings overlapping windows, a visible menu bar, and better support for background tasks. But as Apple executives explained in a recent interview, the road to this moment was far from simple. Speaking with Ars Technica, Craig Federighi, Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, acknowledged that the new interface may seem obvious now, but the company had its reasons for holding off. Early iPads lacked the processing power, memory, and responsiveness to support true multitasking. That limitation shaped how Apple designed iPadOS for years. — Craig Federighi , Senior VP of Software Engineering, Apple In addition to hardware constraints, many iPad and iPhone apps weren't built to adapt to different screen sizes or be resized like desktop apps. So while users asked for more flexibility, the software and hardware both needed to evolve. That evolution eventually came. With Apple's newer chips powering the iPad Pro and accessories like trackpads and keyboards becoming more common, Apple began to shift its focus. According to Federighi, "the stars kind of aligned" to allow iPads to do more of what users typically expect from a Mac, while still staying true to the iPad's identity. This isn't Apple's first attempt at improving multitasking. Stage Manager, introduced in iPadOS 16, was a step in that direction but came with limitations. It only worked on newer models and had performance issues that led to delays. Apple now admits it didn't want to create a watered-down version of Stage Manager for older devices. This time, the company chose a different strategy: offering the full experience where possible, and a modified one elsewhere. Thanks to behind-the-scenes improvements to how the system handles windows and background tasks, the new multitasking model in iPadOS 26 works on a wider range of iPads, though high-end models will still perform better. Still, Apple maintains that the iPad and Mac serve different purposes. That means no touchscreens for the Mac, and some Mac features that remain out of reach for iPad users. — Craig Federighi , Senior VP of Software Engineering, Apple While some limitations remain—such as restrictions on certain background tasks—iPadOS 26 seems like a step in the right direction. It gives power users more tools without forcing changes on those who prefer the simple, one-app-at-a-time tablet experience. In my opinion, iPad OS 26 has been a pivotal point for those of us who enjoy working out of a mobile, less convoluted, operating system. I have been trying my hand at doing my day to day job (writing for PhoneArena) out of my 11" M4 iPad Pro, a failed experiment I tried once last year, and so far it's been great. I know at some point I'll be running into some roadblocks, but learning how to get around them and developing new workflows is part of the fun. Hopefully as iPad OS 26 progresses and comes out of beta, there will be less bugs and things will become stable to make my iPad worthy of the title "computer."
Geeky Gadgets
13-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iPadOS 26: 30 Features That Will Revolutionize Your iPad
Apple's iPadOS 26 introduces a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and overall user experience. Whether you're a professional, student, or casual user, this update aims to make your iPad more versatile and efficient. Below is an in-depth look from 9to5Mac at the most significant advancements in this release, showcasing how they can transform your daily interactions with the device. Watch this video on YouTube. Enhanced Multitasking for Streamlined Workflows Multitasking capabilities in iPadOS 26 have been significantly refined, offering tools that improve efficiency and usability. The updated Stage Manager now includes: Improved window resizing , giving you greater control over app layouts to suit your workflow. , giving you greater control over app layouts to suit your workflow. Enhanced app organization , simplifying the process of managing multiple tasks simultaneously. , simplifying the process of managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Upgraded Split View and Slide Over features, allowing faster and more seamless transitions between apps. These improvements are particularly beneficial for users handling complex projects or juggling multiple responsibilities, making sure smoother and more intuitive multitasking. Customizable Home Screen and Widgets Personalization takes center stage in iPadOS 26, allowing users to tailor their home screens to better reflect their needs and preferences. Key updates include: Resizable widgets that can be placed anywhere, providing quick access to essential tools and information. that can be placed anywhere, providing quick access to essential tools and information. Custom widget stacks , allowing you to group frequently used widgets for convenience and efficiency. , allowing you to group frequently used widgets for convenience and efficiency. Options for tailored app icons and layouts, allowing you to align your home screen with your workflow and aesthetic preferences. These features empower users to create a more personalized and productive interface, making the iPad feel uniquely suited to their needs. Optimized App Performance and Expanded Functionality iPadOS 26 delivers substantial improvements to both system and third-party apps, making sure a smoother and more reliable user experience. Notable enhancements include: Faster app loading times and smoother transitions, providing a more responsive and efficient interface. and smoother transitions, providing a more responsive and efficient interface. New features in system apps like Safari, Mail, and Notes, including advanced search tools, improved tab management, and collaborative capabilities. These updates ensure that apps perform reliably, whether you're using them for personal tasks or professional projects, enhancing both functionality and ease of use. Advanced Tools for Creative Professionals Creative users will find iPadOS 26 particularly appealing, thanks to a range of new tools and enhancements designed to support artistic and professional endeavors. Key features include: Enhanced stylus support with improved pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, offering greater precision for drawing and editing. with improved pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, offering greater precision for drawing and editing. Optimized photo and video editing tools , allowing faster rendering and higher-quality outputs. , allowing faster rendering and higher-quality outputs. Updates to popular creative apps like Procreate and Adobe Fresco, allowing for more dynamic and detailed creations. These advancements empower artists, designers, and content creators to push their creative boundaries, making the iPad an even more powerful tool for professional-grade work. Seamless Integration Across Apple Devices Apple continues to enhance its ecosystem with iPadOS 26, making it easier than ever to work across multiple devices. Key improvements include: Enhanced Universal Control and Handoff , allowing seamless transitions between your iPad, Mac, and iPhone. and , allowing seamless transitions between your iPad, Mac, and iPhone. Faster and more reliable AirDrop for sharing files effortlessly across devices. for sharing files effortlessly across devices. Upgraded iCloud synchronization, making sure your data remains accessible and up-to-date across all platforms. These features strengthen the connectivity between Apple devices, allowing users to maintain productivity and continuity regardless of the device they are using. Stronger Privacy and Security Features Privacy and security remain a cornerstone of iPadOS 26, with new measures designed to protect user data and enhance control over personal information. Key updates include: Expanded app tracking transparency , giving users greater control over how their data is used by third-party apps. , giving users greater control over how their data is used by third-party apps. Improved permissions management , offering more precise oversight of app access to sensitive information. , offering more precise oversight of app access to sensitive information. On-device processing for sensitive data and upgraded encryption protocols to safeguard your information. These features ensure that both personal and professional data remain secure, reinforcing Apple's commitment to user privacy. Accessibility Enhancements for Inclusivity iPadOS 26 introduces several accessibility upgrades, making the iPad more inclusive and user-friendly for a diverse range of users. Notable updates include: Refined Voice Control and AssistiveTouch , improving accuracy and usability for individuals with physical disabilities. and , improving accuracy and usability for individuals with physical disabilities. Customizable text size on a per-app basis, catering to individual preferences and needs. on a per-app basis, catering to individual preferences and needs. Enhanced screen reader functionality, providing better navigation and comprehension for visually impaired users. These updates demonstrate Apple's ongoing commitment to accessibility, making sure that the iPad remains a versatile tool for everyone. Gaming and Entertainment Upgrades Gamers and entertainment enthusiasts will benefit from several enhancements in iPadOS 26, designed to deliver a more immersive and enjoyable experience. Key features include: Support for higher frame rates and improved controller compatibility, offering smoother and more responsive gameplay. and improved controller compatibility, offering smoother and more responsive gameplay. Upgraded spatial audio for richer sound quality in entertainment apps. for richer sound quality in entertainment apps. Better integration with Apple Music and TV+, ensuring seamless media playback and discovery. These updates solidify the iPad's position as a top-tier device for gaming and entertainment. System Performance and Battery Life Enhancements Performance optimizations are a key focus of iPadOS 26, making sure that the device remains reliable and efficient. The update includes: Faster app launches and smoother animations creating a more fluid and responsive user experience. and smoother animations creating a more fluid and responsive user experience. Extended battery life, even during intensive tasks, ensures the iPad can keep up with demanding workloads. These improvements make the iPad a dependable tool for both work and leisure, capable of handling a wide range of tasks with ease. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to iPadOS 26 features that you may find helpful. Source & Image Credit: 9to5Mac Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPad, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Tom's Guide
11-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
The new iPadOS 26 windowing system could be a productivity game changer — here's why
Getting work done on an iPad is possible, though it's not as seamless as doing so on one of the best MacBooks. While iPadOS is a great operating system for the best iPads, it's not as robust as macOS. Thankfully, iPadOS 26 is getting a new feature that should help boost your productivity. The feature in question is a new windowing system that allows you to easily close, minimize, resize, or tile windows as you see fit. Apps will have a Mac-like menu bar that lets you close, minimize, or go full screen. It even works with Stage Manager to let you group windows into distinct stages. I'll need to go hands-on with this windowing system to see how well it really works. I'm not expecting exact Mac-like functionality, but if it makes getting work done on an iPad easier, then I'll be happy. Here's why the windowing system for iPadOS 26 could be a productivity game-changer. The new windowing system for iPadOS 26 seems like a great update that can help you better manage windows on your iPad. Based on what we saw at WWDC, you'll be able to more easily resize, move, and organize app windows. It should be simpler to work with multiple windows at once. Best of all, it maintains the iPad's distinctiveness and isn't just copying and pasting macOS' windowing system. Window controls let you close, minimize, resize and tile windows to your liking. The latter has been designed for an iPad's screen, letting you snap windows into place with a quick swipe. One neat aspect is that any app you've previously resized will open back up in the same spot and size every single time. One thing iPadOS 26 does borrow from macOS is the iconic menu bar with the red, yellow and green circles for close, minimize and full screen (respectively). You can access these controls by swiping down or moving the cursor up. There's also a built-in search feature that lets you find extra features fast. Apple says developers can customize the menu bar to suit their specific apps. With the Exposé function, you can see all your open windows at once, which makes it easier to switch between apps. Apple says it works well with Stage Manager for grouping windows, and it should be handy when you've got an extra monitor if you need more space to work with multiple apps. I only use iPads for work if there are no other alternatives available. Drafting and editing stories in Google Docs and browsing websites in Chrome isn't impossible, but these tasks take me far longer than on a MacBook or Windows 11 PC. This is especially true since it's not easy placing windows where I want, even with the admittedly useful Stage Manager. Based on what I've seen from the new windowing system coming to iPadOS 26, it seems one of my biggest issues will be resolved, or at least minimized. Not only does being able to more easily resize and place windows seem more intuitive, but I like how this feature works in tandem with Stage Manager if I need to keep a bunch of windows open. If the windowing system works as advertised, perhaps the iPad Pro M4 I currently have will be a more viable MacBook alternative. With the iPadOS 26 public beta expected in July, we'll all soon learn if Apple's claims are legit.
Stuff.tv
09-06-2025
- Stuff.tv
Proper windows are finally coming to the iPad – but why didn't it happen before?
Apple has announced that iPadOS 26 will introduce much more flexible window-based multitasking to its tablet lineup. But there's one huge question; why didn't it happen before? Stage Manager was introduced late in iPadOS 16 as well as macOS Ventura in 2022 – but it didn't work well on smaller displays and just wasn't that good at actually doing the thing it was supposed to. It's still there 'for those who want to group their windows into distinct stages.' Apple previously tried other multitasking gestures for Slide Over and Split View and while these have persisted, they were never made the most of. While the iPad is really good for so many things, it's been held back by its software for many years now. Could this finally be solved? I guess the problem is that someone at Apple – or many people – don't want the iPad to ape the Mac's operating system. But the problem is that most people are pretty used to windows as a way of working since it's been around for most of the last 50 years. And some of the actions – and now gestures – we've seen from the Mac and iPad over the last year or two to handle windows. Well, they date back to 2009's Windows 7 and its Aero Snap feature. The iPad's more freeform resize windows options – previously in Stage Manager – are similar to the Vision Pro. I'm a big fan of Apple's headset, even if it's not really a consumer device. And one of the best things about it is the way you can resize windows. You can now put windows where you want and open more, too. You can flick windows to either side of the screen (that's properly good) and tile windows, too. And you can use Mac-like window controls to close or minimise windows too. Apps also re-open with the same size windows you had before. Exposé has also come across from macOS – you can quickly see all your open windows spread out, helping you switch between them And, perhaps most interestingly, there's now a new menu bar, too., where you can access an app's commands. Just flick down from the top or move your cursor to the top of the screen if you're mousing around. And the menu bar can be customised too. Hopefully the new look and feel can finally draw a line under what has been a rather messy time for multitasking on the iPad. It's a hugely capable device, sure. And it's not a Mac, sure. But it still needs to have the features that everyday users expect. Apple seems to have finally admitted that and it's also brought the Preview app across from the Mac, too. But there is another request – power up the Files app so it's a lot more like the Mac's Finder or Windows File Explorer. OK, so it does have some new features this time around like being able to drag files to apps in the dock. But we need more. Unfortunately, most of us also need to shunt stacks of files around every day.
Stuff.tv
28-05-2025
- Stuff.tv
Finally! WhatsApp gives into one of its ‘biggest requests' – could Instagram follow?
Hell has frozen over. Well at least that's what it seemed like would have to happen before WhatsApp launched….an iPad app for Apple's popular tablet. And it's available now through the App Store. Yes, 15 years after the debut of Apple's tablet and 16 years after the launch of the independent WhatsApp (before it was swallowed by Meta) we finally have what the company itself admits was one of its 'biggest requests'. And no wonder. According to DataReportal, WhatsApp is used by around a quarter of the world's population. Over 2bn people. Yep. So the question remains why it has taken so long to do an app for the world's most popular tablet. Head of WhatsApp Will Cathcart stated in a 2022 interview with The Verge that 'people have wanted an iPad app for a long time… We'd love to do it'. Clearly not so much as to do it within the last three years, leaving iPad users in the odd place of having to use WhatsApp through the browser. And that's even though the app has been available natively on macOS for some years (used as a paired device with your phone) and was revamped in 2023 alongside the Windows equivalent. Could it have been that Meta didn't want to make it easy for the iPad to grow among its users, harboring hopes of its own tablet range? Or is it simply that the app was traditionally tied to a phone number? Perhaps, but maybe we won't find out until the email appears as part of some future court case or other public record. In any case, the iPad app is the same app you'll know and love from your iOS or Android phone so you can message all those time-consuming groups and make video and audio calls with up to 32 people, share your screen. You can once again use both front and back cameras. It also works with the iPad's multitasking capabilities including Split View and Slide Over as well as the much-maligned Stage Manager so you can use another app while you're on a video call or sending a message. As the WhatsApp blog post states, Stage Manager is available on iPad Pro with M4, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later) and iPad Air (5th generation), iPad Air 11-inch (M2 and later), iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and later). Oh, and WhatsApp also works with Apple Pencil as well as any Bluetooth keyboard or Magic Keyboard as you'd expect.
