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Apple rumoured to have postponed iPadOS 16 because of multitasking issues; iOS 16 launch still on time for iPhone 14 series release

iPadOS 16 introduces several new features to certain iPads, including Stage Manager for improved multitasking. (Image source: Apple)
iPadOS 16 introduces several new features to certain iPads, including Stage Manager for improved multitasking. (Image source: Apple)
With iPadOS 16, Apple has finally brought new multitasking features to the iPad, albeit only with certain models. iPadOS 16 should deliver superior external monitor support too, among other features. Unfortunately, while iOS 16 remains on track for a September release, iPadOS 16's new features are currently causing so many problems that Apple is rumoured to have postponed the update's rollout.

Typically, Apple releases new versions of iOS and iPadOS simultaneously, as was the case with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. According to Bloomberg, Apple will break with tradition this year with iPadOS 16, an update that will overhaul how many iPads operate. Supposedly, iPadOS 16 will not arrive until October, with Stage Manager receiving heavy criticism during Apple's latest beta tests.

To recap, Stage Manager which allows an iPad to display multiple app windows simultaneously and freely adjust their size on demand. According to Bloomberg, developers and users discovered numerous Stage Manager-related bugs. Also, user interface issues remain, as does Stage Manager's limited compatibility; currently, Stage Manager is exclusive to the Apple M1-powered iPad Pro 11, iPad Pro 12.9 and iPad Air 5.

Bloomberg adds that Apple will use the additional development time to revise Stage Manager and improve its overall performance. However, it seems that Apple is fixed on restricting compatibility and will not open Stage Manager to A12Z Bionic, A14 Bionic or A15 Bionic-powered iPads. Theoretically, launching iPadOS 16 in October should tie nicely with the launch of new iPad Pros. As we have discussed previously, Apple is anticipated to upgrade the iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 12.9 to Apple M2 hardware, which should bring improved CPU and GPU performance at the cost of higher power consumption and worse thermals.

Meanwhile, Apple is alleged to be on track to release a new entry-level iPad with USB Type-C connectivity instead of Apple's proprietary Lightning port. Unfortunately, this tablet will miss out on Stage Manager functionality because of its use of an A-series SoC rather than Apple M1 or Apple M2. Separately, iOS 16 and watchOS 9 are still slated for release in September, as are the iPhone 14 series and the Watch Series 8. As beta builds have shown, Apple is bringing always-on display (AOD) functionality to the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max, among other changes for all iPhones. The latest version of watchOS will bring various improvements across Apple Watch Series smartwatches too, which we have covered separately.

(Image source: Apple)
(Image source: Apple)
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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2022 08 > Apple rumoured to have postponed iPadOS 16 because of multitasking issues; iOS 16 launch still on time for iPhone 14 series release
Alex Alderson, 2022-08- 4 (Update: 2022-08- 4)