In addition to iOS 16 for iPhones, Apple is also working hard on iPadOS 16, the operating system for its own tablets. For years, the manufacturer from Cupertino has been pursuing the goal of making an alternative and productive companion out of the iPad. With the coming version, various models will receive additional features that will further advance this step.
However, not all tablets can fully enjoy iPadOS 16. Many functions are only reserved for the most expensive models, above all the Pro series and the mobile computers with the M1 chip. We have summarized all information for you.
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Let’s start with a feature that the fifth generation iPad Air will also benefit from.
Multitasking – Stage Manager
Of the Stage Manager
is Apple’s answer to multitasking and is not only integrated into the current Mac computers. This feature also gives iPads with an M1 chip new options when it comes to operation on a tablet:
- Customizable window size: The windows on the iPad can be resized or reduced to any size.
- Overlapping apps: For the first time on tablet computers it will be possible to overlay multiple applications.
- Fast access: With Stage Manager, the current app is displayed in the center. All other programs are arranged on the left and sorted by last use. This allows you to switch between applications faster.
- center programs: Works with an app without switching to full screen mode.
- Group apps: Combine your applications into a project or task.
Apple’s Stage Manager will also be available in MacOS.
Speaking of Mac computers: Our Windows expert Sören has dealt with a MacBook for the first time in his life. You can read the conclusion after three exciting weeks here:
Between jubilation and howling
27 years of Windows, now a MacBook: Learn from my confusion!
External monitor support
Users of iPads with the M1 chip and the new OS version can look forward to further features in the future so that they can use the tablet as a genuine home computer. According to Apple, a proper connection to an external monitor should be enabled. The iPad Air and Pro series with the M1 chip will therefore support a resolution of up to 6K.
Apple’s 5K Studio Display can be connected to an iPad with an M1 chip.
Basically, innovations are added to come close to the feeling of a full-fledged computer. What does that mean in detail? In the future, you can access your apps in the dock or in the library from within the external monitor. It will also be fully possible to drag and drop files onto the connected display and vice versa.
12.9-inch iPad Pro (M1) gets an exclusive feature
One novelty is reserved for Apple’s most expensive iPad, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. This is due to the Retina XDR display, which is currently only installed in this tablet model. With the upcoming OS update, the so-called reference mode
integrated. On the one hand, this defines the given color space as well as the white point, gamma value and the output brightness of the monitor.
As a result, the most expensive iPad can display reference colors for popular color standards as well as SDR and HDR video formats. Alternatively, the Pro model can also be used as a reference display for calibrating your Mac.
iPadOS 16: More features for specific iPads only
If that’s not confusing enough for you, there are more upcoming adjustments, some of which are exclusive to certain models.
Doors will be recognized in the future and numbers and symbols will be read.
The iPad Pro from 2020 can also enjoy integrations for accessibility:
- detection mode for the magnifying glass: The app gets a mode to recognize doors, people and image descriptions.
- door detection: The magnifying glass should recognize a door in the closest distance and show the user how far away it is or how open it is. In addition, details such as room number and symbols such as
Rollstuhlzugang
be read aloud.
Finally, the fifth generation Air model with 256 GB of memory and the iPad Pro with the M1 chip will be able to expand the working memory up to 16 GB for demanding apps.
Is the standard iPad enough for you? You can get it cheap here:
The big Apple event will take place this year on September 7th. It is very likely that more iPads of the Pro line will be announced on that day, which should also get the features mentioned above.
And of course the upcoming iPhone is also eagerly awaited. The iPhone 14 Pro in particular will probably stand out from the standard series more than before:
iPhone 14 Pro: 4 big changes compared to the standard model
What do you think of these exclusive features? Would you dare to upgrade to one of the more expensive M1 models? Are you even interested in partially replacing your work computer with an iPad? Write us your opinion in the comments!
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