Cover Image for iPadOS 19 could receive an update similar to macOS. It's time for Apple to implement it.
Sun Apr 13 2025

iPadOS 19 could receive an update similar to macOS. It's time for Apple to implement it.

It is reported that Apple intends to perform a functional update for the upcoming iPadOS 19, which will incorporate application management and productivity features inspired by macOS.

Apple has solidified its position in the tablet market by offering powerful and polished devices. The iPad Pro line has become the preferred choice for creatives, especially with the inclusion of M silicon in its tablets, taking them to a new level of performance. However, one aspect that has left much to be desired is iPadOS. Despite some features like Stage Manager, the tablet's operating system has failed to stand out, operating mainly as an expanded version of iOS. Nonetheless, this may change over the course of this year. It has been reported that the company plans a significant overhaul with the upcoming iPadOS 19 update, which will be geared towards making the tablet software more akin to macOS.

According to a recent report, this year’s update will focus on productivity, multitasking, and application window management, aiming for the device to operate similarly to a Mac. While changes to window management have been mentioned, specific details about the macOS-inspired update have yet to be revealed. Currently, the experience of resizing windows on the iPad is quite limited. Although Apple’s tablets have reached sizes similar to those of a MacBook Air, free resizing of application windows is still not possible. Stage Manager, which allows the iPad to expand its interface on connected displays and is based on the macOS background application management system, has shown unsatisfactory performance.

The significance of this update lies in the focus on productivity expected with iPadOS 19, which will be presented at the WWDC conference in June. While Apple's exact plans are unclear, increased flexibility with a desktop-like environment would facilitate the use of software on the device. In previous experiences, it has been confirmed that the iPad Pro, especially with the M4 chip, has the potential for more robust performance. The criticism is centered on the fact that unless the user is a creative utilizing professional tools, a complete web browser is essential. However, both Safari and the mobile version of Chrome present limitations compared to their desktop counterparts.

It has been mentioned that Apple is considering a redesign of its operating system portfolio, including iPadOS, as part of its upcoming annual update cycle. There is hope that this will not only include more advanced applications but also better interconnectivity between the tablet experience and its computing counterpart, similar to what Oppo has showcased with its foldable device, the Find N5.