iPadOS 16 roll-out delay is confirmed by Apple on the release of its latest beta

Apple typically aims to synchronize major updates to the respective software for its iPhones, iPads, Watches and other devices. However, rumors of an iPadOS upgrade that will deviate from this schedule in the third quarter of 2022 have arisen. Its maker has just affirmed that this is the case.

TechCrunch has reported an official Apple response to its queries with a statement to the effect that the official, public and stable iPadOS 16 release has been postponed to "this Fall", "after iOS". This wording may thus vindicate speculation that the former will now become available until October 2022 whereas the latter will be delivered in September as expected.

This might be less than good news for many users; then again, the latest version of their UI is technically available, albeit as a developer beta. It is for iPadOS 16.1, rather than that for 16.0, and contains refinements to Stage Manager such as the ability to summon the side-rail back with a simple gesture in full-screen mode.

On that note, these latest developments from Apple might raise hopes that iPadOS and macOS might become more integrated in the future, maybe even forming their own separate release schedule over time.

However, the Cupertino giant continues to insist that the former is "its own platform with features specifically designed for iPad", and now, moreover, hints that it will develop its own release frequency going forward. Then again, the release of the v16.1 beta hints that it will launch alongside a corresponding update for iPhones (i.e. iOS 16.1) as usual.

Get a 2022 iPad Air on Amazon