Apple is reportedly preparing for a major iPadOS overhaul that could make the iPad more like a Mac. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg claims that Apple intends to make the future iPadOS 19 update “more like macOS”. This follows years of grievances over the iPad's operating system's capabilities, Gurman added.
With iPadOS 19, Apple may give iPad devices Mac-like capabilities. “I'm told that this year's upgrade will focus on productivity, multitasking and app window management — with an eye on the device operating more like a Mac. It's been a long time coming, with iPad power users pleading with Apple to make the tablet more powerful,” Gurman wrote in his Power On newsletter.
Although Gurman did not elaborate on the specifics of iPadOS enhancements, this will be a welcome move by the Cupertino major. Over the years, Apple has improved the software in a few ways. For example, iPadOS 18 now supports keyboard and mouse and allows users to format external drives using their tablet. Despite these changes, however, Apple's iPads still fall short of the advanced MacBooks, even though their hardware is similar.
“For years, users have said that it feels like the hardware capabilities of the iPad are well ahead of its software. That could soon be changing,” Gurman wrote.
In 2025, Apple is anticipated to release new iPad Pro versions with the M5 chip. These could be a major draw for users if they're paired with an improved iPad operating system. However, since the report mentions the iPadOS 19 to be “more like macOS” and not macOS completely, users might still find the iPadOS a little short when compared with the macOS.
The overhaul will go hand in hand with other significant changes throughout Apple's ecosystem, such as the Mac's first redesign in six years and the major iPhone revamp with iOS 19.
With less than a couple of months to go for WWDC 2025 on June 9-13, more details are likely to be reported regarding Apple's new developments. Any further iPadOS 19 leaks will help get a better comparison vis-à-vis the macOS.
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