If you’ve ever wished your iPad worked more like a Mac, you might be in luck soon. Apple is expected to introduce big changes to iPadOS this year, focusing on improving how you work and manage tasks. These updates could arrive around the same time as the new M5-powered iPads, making your iPad experience closer to what you’d get on a Mac.
According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, who shared the news in his Power On newsletter, Apple is putting a strong focus on productivity, multitasking, and how you manage app windows. While this doesn’t mean macOS will be coming to your iPad, it suggests that iPadOS is about to get a serious upgrade that might satisfy users asking for a more Mac-like feel.
iPadOS is catching up to the iPad’s power
You may remember that Apple released the M4 iPad Pro last year. It’s a very powerful tablet, but its software hasn’t kept up. Many users felt it didn’t fully take advantage of the hardware. Gurman now reports that this year’s iPadOS update—expected around June—will finally start to match the tablet’s impressive power with features that support more serious work.
Back in 2022, Apple introduced Stage Manager in iPadOS 16. This allowed you to have resizable windows and group apps together in a dock-style bar on the side of the screen. It was a step forward for multitasking, but it didn’t feel complete. For those hoping to use their iPad as a full MacBook replacement, the feature left much to be desired.
With iPadOS 17, Apple made some improvements, such as allowing more flexibility when resizing windows. But overall, the system still felt more like a traditional iPad than a true laptop alternative. That might be fine for many users, but the current features can be limiting if you want to use your iPad for serious multitasking or even replace your laptop.
A look ahead to iPadOS 19
Now, all eyes are on iPadOS 19, which Apple will likely reveal in June. Gurman hints that this version could bring the most Mac-like changes yet. While the exact details haven’t been shared, the update is expected to be a major step toward a more desktop-like experience — at least for those who want it.
These changes are especially important if you consider upgrading to the next generation of iPads with the upcoming M5 chip. If the software can finally match the hardware, the iPad could become a far more useful tool for work, creativity, and multitasking.
Apple has been slowly building in this direction for years. With each iPadOS update, the company adds more freedom and flexibility. If the latest rumours are true, iPadOS 19 might be the update that finally brings everything together.
We’ll know more in a few weeks when Apple is expected to unveil the new software during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to use your iPad as your main computer, this might be it.
