The Future of iPadOS 16: A Last Chance for Power Users?
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The question of whether iPadOS 16 is the solution that power users have been waiting for might be premature, given that we are still in the initial stages of the Developer Beta. User experiences may evolve as the software is further refined leading up to its official launch.
Initial reactions appear to be optimistic. After my previous discussion about how power users were abandoning the iPad (which you might want to read for context), I was eager to hear insights from prominent figures like Federico Viticci and Christopher Lawley regarding the latest updates. The introduction of Stage Manager stands out as a significant enhancement that seems to address some previous grievances. However, will this feature truly rejuvenate the iPad experience for dedicated users?
To understand their previous frustrations with the iPad’s pro capabilities, it’s important to highlight some key features Federico was hoping to see in iPadOS 16:
- A genuine Extended Display Mode.
- Enhanced Multitasking (i.e., supporting more than two apps in split view).
- System-wide Keyboard Shortcuts.
- Background Utilities (e.g., background audio, clipboard management).
While the first two points appear to have been met with the new OS, there are questions about whether the multitasking improvements are genuinely adequate. The latter two features, however, seem challenging for Apple to integrate without replicating macOS functionality.
Christopher Lawley had expressed a desire for professional-grade applications like Final Cut Pro to be available on the iPad, which did not materialize. Although some desktop-level features were introduced, such as customizable tabs and icons within the Files app, major professional software like Xcode and Logic Pro remain absent from the iPad lineup.
Could Apple still roll these out? It’s a possibility, especially with rumors of a new iPad Pro on the horizon. However, with no pro apps currently announced, will Lawley continue to use his 12.9-inch iPad Pro or switch to the iPad Air, as he suggested he might do?
Interestingly, Lawley has found value in the Reference Mode feature of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which has influenced his decision to remain with this model. While this feature may benefit photography and video production, it seems an unusual basis for sticking with a particular device when many other desired features remain unfulfilled.
To maintain a consistent narrative, I will focus on Federico Viticci's perspective on iPadOS 16 and whether it could persuade him to transition back to his iPad Pro from a MacBook Pro. Before diving deeper into Stage Manager, it is crucial to address the M1 chip's role in this discussion.
M1
The backlash regarding Apple’s decision to limit Stage Manager to M1 iPads is intriguing. Many users expressed frustration over Apple’s failure to fully exploit the M1’s potential, only to later voice displeasure when other iPad Pro models were excluded from this feature. Personally, I believe it’s not a significant issue. While it may appear to be a profit-driven move by Apple, this is also the first time iPads are powered by Mac-capable silicon, indicating a shift in what we can expect in the future.
Historically, Apple has followed similar patterns with their devices. For example, when the iPhone 4S was released, I envied its Siri feature, despite it being rather underwhelming. This led me to jailbreak my iPhone 4 for a makeshift version of Siri.
What’s particularly notable in the current M1 discourse is how many—including Viticci and Lawley—seem to overlook the earlier frustration surrounding the inclusion of the M1 chip in the iPad Air, which blurred the performance distinction between it and the iPad Pro. Now, many are thrilled that the Air can utilize Stage Manager without the premium price tag associated with the Pro.
However, the narrative appears to keep changing. When the iPad Air reviews surfaced, the consensus was that Apple wasn’t prioritizing Pro users enough. With iPadOS 16, the features available on both the iPad Pro and iPad Air are now indistinguishable due to the M1 chip.
In my view, this isn’t a concern. As stated in my previous post regarding power users abandoning the iPad:
> Both the iPad Air and iPad Pro utilize the M1 chip, but one could argue that the iPad Pro leverages it more effectively due to its Thunderbolt port, superior display, enhanced cameras, and Face ID. A similar comparison can be made with Macs; the M1 MacBook Air and M1 Max MacBook Pro perform identically for basic tasks, but the Pro offers additional ports, a better display, and the option for increased RAM. Thus, while the MacBook Air may perform well in single-core tasks, this does not diminish the Pro’s value.
Apple has consistently established hardware distinctions based on the "Pro" designation, and this instance is no different. Yet, there seems to be a growing acceptance of this reality. Nevertheless, I believe it’s fantastic for new users or those on a budget to opt for the iPad Air and enjoy features similar to those of the more expensive iPad Pro. They may eventually see the value in upgrading to a larger, more advanced 12.9-inch Pro model based on what Stage Manager can offer.
Stage Manager
Now, let’s discuss Stage Manager and whether it truly fulfills the multitasking needs of iPad Pro users. When Apple first introduced it on the Mac, I struggled to understand its utility. I appreciated the freedom to arrange windows independently without Apple’s constraints.
On the iPad, however, the appeal is more apparent since the operating system has traditionally limited the number of windows open at once. But is this genuinely the multitasking solution we’ve been waiting for? During Craig's demo, many windows were obscured by others, which raises questions about the effectiveness of this new feature.
While Stage Manager allows for four apps to be readily accessible, the reality is that only two can be displayed side by side with reasonable window sizes. If this is supposed to enhance productivity, I’m not convinced; the ability to quickly access background apps is not a game changer. Users can adjust window sizes slightly by hiding the dock and shelf, but that still seems less efficient than the existing split-screen mode.
Although Stage Manager simplifies switching between apps compared to the current split-screen method, if the app you want isn't already open, you still need to drag it in, which adds unnecessary steps. I’m not convinced that this is the long-awaited solution everyone hoped for.
I want to clarify that I’m not suggesting Stage Manager is ineffective or that it doesn’t provide an opportunity for more productive iPad use. However, it seems like many users are viewing it as a panacea, despite the limitations that have been a source of frustration, such as the inability to have three apps open simultaneously—something Viticci has been advocating for. Stage Manager’s version of multitasking falls short, requiring app windows to be minimized to iPhone size.
Using Stage Manager with an external display holds promise, and I hope Apple will allow more flexibility in window sizing and arrangement on larger screens. Additionally, supporting clamshell mode for iPads connected to monitors could enhance versatility.
In conclusion, I find it hard to believe that this is the solution that iPad power users have been yearning for. While there are notable advancements, the high expectations surrounding Apple and the disappointment leading up to WWDC seem to have overshadowed the actual improvements. Nonetheless, I believe Apple and the iPad, including its software, are in a positive position. Stage Manager represents a promising new direction, and the introduction of external monitor support is commendable.
That said, I anticipate that many users who believe iPadOS 16 will reinvigorate their interest in the iPad will soon revert to comparing it unfavorably to the Mac. It’s entirely possible to appreciate the Mac's capabilities without using it as a benchmark for the iPad, which undoubtedly has its own merits.
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