The iPad continues to evolve as a versatile device, often touted as a laptop replacement for those seeking portability and power. While it has come a long way since its inception, one glaring issue still lingers: it doesnāt quite feel like a full-fledged computer. With the upcoming unveiling of iPadOS 19 at WWDC 2025, thereās hope that Apple will address this gap, potentially making the iPadOS experience more like macOS. But what does this mean in practical terms? Letās dive into the rumors, feature requests, and the realistic expectations surrounding iPadOS 19.
As rumors swirl ahead of the June event, much attention has been given to the prospect of a new visionOS-inspired interface. Yet, a recent report suggests Apple is pushing for deeper changes. The company is reportedly planning to make the iPadās operating system āmore like macOS,ā an idea that has generated a lot of buzz. However, the question remains: How feasible is this shift, and what tangible changes can users expect?
Feature Requests for iPadOS 19
While iPadOS 19 is expected to come with a fresh coat of paint and some new features, many users are hoping for improvements that make the device feel more like a desktop computer. Hereās a rundown of some of the features users are requesting:
1. Clamshell Mode
A major frustration for iPad users is the lack of Clamshell mode. This feature, which is present in macOS, allows users to close their laptopās lid while still using an external monitor. Many iPad users, especially those who prefer to work with an external display, feel that this functionality is essential. Currently, if you try to close the iPad’s screen while using an external display, everything stops working. For a device that markets itself as a laptop replacement, this is a major oversight.
2. Improved External Monitor Support
Many users wish for more robust support for external monitors on the iPad. macOS offers multiple display scaling options and a seamless user experience when connected to external monitors, something the iPadOS lags behind in. Expanding these capabilities could make the iPad a more functional workstation.
3. Audio Improvements
Another key area where iPadOS can improve is audio management. When connected to an external display, users are often unable to route audio through the iPadās own speakers. This becomes an issue when connecting to displays without built-in speakers. Moreover, handling multiple audio sources without interrupting each one could improve the overall user experience, especially for multitaskers.
4. Resizing the Dock
The iPadās Dock is an integral part of the user experience, but its lack of customization options can be limiting. Currently, the size of the Dock is determined by the number of apps present, meaning fewer apps make the Dock appear disproportionately large. Mac users enjoy the flexibility of resizing their Dock, and iPadOS could greatly benefit from this feature. This small change would enhance the overall aesthetic and user interface.
5. Better Files App and Multi-User Support
The Files app on iPadOS is functional but could certainly be improved to offer better file management features. Users are also calling for support for multiple user accounts, a feature that macOS offers for shared devices. This would be particularly useful for families or workplaces where the iPad is used by more than one person.
6. Keyboard Shortcuts and Custom Fonts
The iPad experience can be enhanced with more customizable keyboard shortcuts, much like those available on macOS. Additionally, the ability to easily install custom fonts could allow users to tailor their iPads to suit specific needs, whether for work or creative projects.
While these features may sound like simple tweaks, they could significantly improve the overall iPadOS experience and make the device feel more like a true desktop replacement.
What Undercode Say:
At Undercode, weāve been keeping a close eye on the development of iPadOS and how it is evolving to meet the needs of its user base. The ambition to make iPadOS more like macOS is an exciting prospect, but itās important to temper expectations.
The reality is that iPads, by their nature, are designed to be highly portable, touchscreen-based devices. Apple has consistently marketed them as something that can serve as both a tablet and a computer replacement. However, when compared to a Mac, the iPad lacks a few critical features that professionals and power users rely on, particularly around multitasking, system customization, and peripheral support. While Clamshell mode is a feature that could easily be integrated into iPadOS, other requests, such as multi-user support and more comprehensive keyboard shortcuts, would likely require a more substantial overhaul of the OS.
The shift towards a macOS-like experience on iPadOS is likely to be gradual. Apple has always been cautious about fully merging the lines between its mobile and desktop experiences. The company wants users to feel that the iPad is distinct and not just a scaled-down version of macOS. That said, the addition of features like external monitor support, audio management, and a customizable Dock could significantly improve the iPadOS experience, especially for those who want to push their devices to the limit.
One of the most important factors to consider is the performance capabilities of the iPad. Unlike macOS, which runs on more powerful hardware (especially with the latest Apple Silicon chips), the iPadās hardware has limitations. Apple might face challenges in making iPadOS truly comparable to macOS in terms of multitasking and system resource management, even though it can offer many of the same features in terms of software.
Nevertheless, these updates, while not revolutionary, could signal a shift in how the iPad is perceivedāmoving from a fun, casual device to a serious productivity tool. For users looking to replace their laptops with an iPad, these improvements would make a significant difference.
Fact Checker Results:
- The report that Apple is making iPadOS more like macOS is backed by industry rumors and early leaks, though it’s still speculative at this stage.
- The feature requests outlined are based on user feedback and are not confirmed by Apple.
- While macOS-like features may be coming, itās unlikely that iPadOS will fully emulate macOS in terms of functionality or performance anytime soon.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
Extra Source Hub:
https://www.pinterest.com
Wikipedia
Undercode AI
Image Source:
Unsplash
Undercode AI DI v2
