The phrase that many iPad enthusiasts find irresistible is that iPadOS 19 is set to enable Apple’s tablet to operate “more like macOS,” featuring enhanced multitasking capabilities. While we’ve encountered similar claims before—with varying degrees of success—upcoming products add a new layer of importance to the success of iPadOS 19.
iPadOS Multitasking: Here We Go Again
When the iPad was introduced, it was designed as a simple, user-friendly “third category of device.”
It wasn’t intended to replace the iPhone or the Mac, but rather to enhance them.
Over the years, however, the iPad has developed more power and flexibility.
iPadOS has rolled out various multitasking systems, each with its advantages and drawbacks.
Despite Apple’s consistent efforts to make the iPad feel more like a Mac in functionality, many users focused on productivity still crave more.
It appears that iPadOS 19 will be Apple’s next attempt to meet these demands.
According to Mark Gurman, the update will “prioritize productivity, multitasking, and app window management—with a focus on making the device function more like a Mac.”
As a dedicated iPad user who has relied on the iPad Pro as my primary computer for ten years, I can’t help but think: “Here we go again.”
Three Upcoming Products Elevate the Stakes for iPadOS 19
Unlike Apple’s past attempts to transform iPad multitasking and productivity, I believe iPadOS 19 carries unique stakes.
Of course, the new software will significantly impact current iPad users.
However, I also suspect it could profoundly affect three upcoming products:
While the exact release dates remain uncertain, rumors suggest that all three may debut next year.
Each of these products stands to be shaped in important ways by Apple’s advancements in iPadOS 19.
The 18.8-inch iPad Fold will clearly gain from an enhanced multitasking system, just like any other iPad would.
However, whatever Apple designs this year must consider the forthcoming reality of a significantly larger display.
How will iPadOS utilize that distinctive screen size?
Meanwhile, the iPhone Fold will effectively function as an iPad mini when unfolded, which means Apple must integrate more powerful multitasking into iOS to leverage this new form factor.
I’m confident that the multitasking modifications in iPadOS 19 are being developed with foldable iPhone functionalities in mind too.
Additionally, regarding the Mac, while Apple does not seem to be merging macOS and iPadOS anytime soon, the company is working towards greater consistency across platforms than ever before.
With the shared themes of consistency in iOS 19 and macOS 16, I suspect that the multitasking enhancements in iPadOS 19 could also influence future touchscreen Macs. Though the systems won’t be identical, I would be surprised if significant overlaps don’t occur.
iPadOS 19 Multitasking: Conclusion
In conclusion, I strongly believe that the new multitasking and window management features in iPadOS 19 are not being designed solely for existing iPads.
Apple has several new products on the horizon that stand to gain from a fresh approach to multitasking. Therefore, if iPadOS 19 can deliver a genuinely compelling solution, not only will current iPads benefit, but also the iPhone Fold and touchscreen Macs.
However, if the tweaks in iPadOS 19 turn out to be just another iteration of Stage Manager?
For the future of my current iPad usage and for upcoming products, I sincerely hope that it doesn’t come to that.
What changes do you hope to see in iPadOS 19? Share your thoughts in the comments.
