Apple enables Stage Manager software support on older iPad Pro tablets with a catch for newer models

Apple has had a change of heart about Stage Manager availability on iPadOS 16. As we reported earlier this year, Apple went to great lengths to explain why Stage Manager could only work on iPads equipped with at least its M1 chipset. For context, Apple is expected to release M2-powered iPad Pro models soon.

According to Engadget, the latest iPadOS 16 beta contains relaxed Stage Manager requirements. Specifically, iPadOS 16.1 beta 5 opens Stage Manager to all iPad Pro models released since 2018. Hence, the feature is usable on the iPad Pro 11 (1st Gen) and the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen). Unfortunately, iPadOS 16.1 beta 5 also removes the option of using Stage Manager when an iPad is connected to an external monitor.

Purportedly, Apple will re-enable the feature via a future software update. However, this will only be true for iPads with the Apple M1 chipset. There is no timetable yet for the release of this promised software update either. Likewise, it remains unclear when Apple will release iPadOS 16 publicly. Until now, Apple claimed that the OS update would be ready in October; the company has not commented on iPadOS 16 availability since October rolled around, though.

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