A few weeks ago we reported leaks that the release of iPadOS 16 would be delayed until October. Today, Apple officially confirmed the delay along with a developer beta of iPadOS 16.1. A public beta will likely follow this week, although it’s unclear whether those who beta test iOS 16 will automatically receive the new version.
Essentially, Apple will skip iPadOS 16.0 in September and instead bring the new operating system to iPads as iPadOS 16.1 this fall (presumably in October, alongside iOS 16.1).
In a statement to TechCrunch, Apple said, “This is an especially important year for iPadOS. As a proprietary platform with features built specifically for iPad, we have the flexibility to ship iPadOS on its own schedule.” This fall, iPadOS will be released after iOS, as version 16.1 in an update for Software free. “
The most consistent part of the new version of iPadOS is Stage Manager, a new multitasking interface for iPads with M1 or later processors that will also come to macOS Ventura.
The system received praise for its overall concept, but many particular details of its iPad implementation were criticized. It has undergone several significant changes since the start of beta testing in June, but the prevailing opinion is that it still has some way to go.
Delaying the release of iPadOS 16 might also fit better with the timing of the new one. Material iPad, which should arrive in October.
