As we approach the unveiling of iPadOS 18 at WWDC 2024, it’s clear that there are several areas where iPadOS could still be enhanced. Despite being a dedicated Mac user, I often find myself reaching for my iPad Pro for certain tasks. Yet, the experience could be vastly improved with a few key updates.
Improving Stage Manager
Originally, iPads could only handle one app at a time. This changed with the introduction of the iPad Pro, which brought enhanced multitasking abilities. Stage Manager, introduced in iPadOS 16, allowed users to open multiple app windows simultaneously, providing greater flexibility in app management.
However, after two years, Stage Manager’s restrictions remain frustrating. It limits users to having just four apps open at once. Open a fifth, and one of the existing windows will vanish. This limitation is understandable on a smaller device but becomes nonsensical when using an external display.
Given the hardware similarities between modern iPads and Macs, it’s reasonable to expect that iPads could handle more simultaneous applications. Alongside this, a resizable Dock would be a welcome improvement, offering users more screen real…
