iPadOS 16: Here’s what we know so far about new features, supported devices, and more
WWDC 2022 will start in a few weeks. On June 6, Apple will announce iPadOS 16, which will mark the next major release of Apple’s software platform for the iPad. Head below to recap all the latest rumors and expectations for iOS 16 this year, including new features, release info, and more.
When will iPadOS 16 be announced?
iPadOS 16 will likely be announced on June 6 during the WWDC 2022 keynote. The event will take place online, although some students and developers will be able to attend the keynote in person at Apple Park.
Following the announcement, Apple will test the operating system for a few months until it is released for all users around September, as the company has done for the past few years.
Recently, BloombergMark Gurman said the iOS 16 beta release schedule is a bit different this year. According to the reporter, Apple plans to introduce the first public beta of iOS 16 as well as the third developer beta in July.
The reason, according to Gurman, is that current internal builds are “a bit buggy.” As a result, Apple engineers will need more time to make the iOS 16 beta stable enough before letting anyone install it on iPhone and iPad devices.
iPadOS 16 Supported Devices
One of the biggest questions people ask every year is whether or not Apple will drop support for any older iPad model. With the release of iPadOS 15 last year, Apple maintained compatibility with all iPadOS 14 supported devices, while limiting many functions.
An early rumor indicates that Apple plans to drop support for the original iPhone 6s and iPhone SE. If so, iPadOS 16 might be incompatible with iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, iPad (fifth generation), and original iPad Pro models.
With that in mind, here’s what iPads could possibly receive iPadOS 16:
New features with iPadOS 16
Currently, two main features are expected for iPadOS 16: a new multitasking interface and a revamped appearance for notifications.
The rumored focus on notifications is interesting because Apple has made a lot of changes to the iOS notification system over the past two years, introducing features like notification summary and focus modes. It seems, however, that Apple is still not happy with the implementation of notifications in iOS and is planning more changes for this year.
Additionally, iPadOS users have been asking Apple year after year to bring a better multitasking interface to Pro users. Windows, for example, would be the safest bet to really improve the iPad experience with larger screens. Although the company has made it easier to use Slide Over and Split View, the operating system is still not there.
Pro apps, such as Final Cut Pro, and the ability to have different accounts for the same iPad – just like on macOS and tvOS – have also been requested by users for years.
The 9to5Mac take
We expect more details on iPadOS 16 to emerge closer to WWDC 2022 which kicks off on June 6. Although Apple will announce tons of new features, if iPadOS 16 finally gets a proper multitasking interface, it will be a huge improvement for the operating system.
Personally, I hope to see Apple’s redesigned notifications in a way that makes it much clearer and easier to see your latest notifications without annoying clustering. I’m also hoping for updates to the home screen widgets, especially with regards to interactivity, and major updates to the Home app and HomeKit in general.
What are you hoping to see in iPadOS 16? What’s at the top of your wish list? Let us know in the comments!
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