iPadOS 19 may receive a refresh similar to macOS. It is about time Apple implemented this change.

      Apple arguably produces the most powerful and refined tablets available. For creatives, the iPad Pro series is the preferred option, and since Apple incorporated M-series silicon into its tablets, the appeal of performance has entered a new realm.

      However, one aspect that has remained lacking is iPadOS. Aside from features like Stage Manager, the tablet operating system has not delivered any particularly remarkable experience, functioning mainly as an expanded version of iOS. That may soon change this year.

      Reports suggest that Apple is planning a significant update for the upcoming iPadOS 19 that will “make the tablet's software more similar to macOS.” This is the first credible information revealing Apple's intentions to enhance the functionality of iPadOS in a computing-centric manner later this year.

      What will change?

      Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      “I’ve been informed that this year's upgrade will emphasize productivity, multitasking, and app window management—aiming for a device that operates more like a Mac,” writes Mark Gurman from Bloomberg in his latest PowerOn newsletter.

      The report does not provide specific details about what to expect from the macOS-inspired update for iPadOS, apart from window management. Currently, the window resizing functionality on iPads has been quite restrictive. Even though Apple tablets now boast screen sizes comparable to the MacBook Air, users cannot freely adjust app window sizes.

      Stage Manager—which allows the iPad to extend its user interface on a larger connected screen and borrows from macOS’s background app management system—has been an underwhelming experience thus far. It superficially mimics the macOS concept but fails to deliver the same level of adaptability on an iPad, despite its considerable power.

      Apple might benefit from adopting some strategies from Samsung’s DeX approach and the impressive Open Canvas system found on the latest OnePlus tablet. From my experience with the M4-powered iPad Pro, I often feel that the tablet is overpowered and deserves a more desktop-like experience to achieve its full potential.

      Why is it significant?

      Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      The Bloomberg report states that productivity will be a key focus for iPadOS 19, which is set to be unveiled at WWDC in June this year. While it’s unclear exactly what Apple has planned, introducing greater flexibility with desktop-like functionality for software management would be a significant improvement.

      This sentiment was reflected in my review of the iPad Pro last year, and unfortunately, the situation remains unchanged to this day:

      “Unless you are a creative whose entire workflow revolves around tools like Procreate, Adobe Creative Suite, or Logic Pro, a more developed web browser is essential. Safari simply does not meet the mark, and Chrome’s mobile version is shockingly lacking in features compared to its desktop counterpart. I can’t even utilize basic browser extensions on a $1,500 tablet.”

      Apple is reportedly considering a redesign of its OS lineup, including iPadOS, in its next annual update cycle. I remain hopeful that it will bring along more professional-grade applications and better integration between the tablet experience and its Mac computing equivalent. Oppo’s Find N5 foldable showcased an excellent vision of such a connected future, and I see no reason why Apple cannot achieve this as well.