Apple is reportedly planning for the iPad to have a more Mac-like software experience when iPadOS 19 launches later this year.
That’s according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman whose sources say Apple is continuing its years-long efforts to make the best iPads a better tool for productivity by carrying over software features from the desktop realm.
Apple has been gradually making iPadOS more like macOS for a number of years now, almost as a compromise for fans baying for a touchscreen Mac computer.
Given the iPad now has some wonderful keyboard accessories with trackpads and larger displays like the 13-inch iPad Pro M4, it makes a little more sense to broaden the functionality of the operating system.
In his Power On newsletter Gurman says iPadOS 19 will “focus on productivity, multitasking and app window management — with an eye on the device operating more like a Mac.”
The well-connected Apple insider reckons the changes will be enough to placate iPad users seeking to use their tablet for more desktop-like endeavours.
“It’s been a long time coming, with iPad power users pleading with Apple to make the tablet more powerful,” Gurman adds.
iPadOS 19 is almost certain to be previewed at WWDC in June, when Apple reveals its software advancements for the year.
The continued amalgamation of macOS and iPadOS on touchscreen devices – such as the very-Mac link floating app dock and Files app – is likely to be overshadowed by a much greater redesign for iOS 19 for iPhone devices, although most of those features will likely apply to iPad users too.
Opinion
It seems every year we get slightly closer to a touchscreen Mac via the iPad software route. We’re highly unlikely to ever see Apple release a Mac-branded product with a touchscreen because it would not want to muddle the iPad and Mac product lines in that record.
However, if Apple gets there by default with Mac-like software and Mac-like power from M-Series chips then does it really matter if it carries the Mac name?
