Apple Unveils iPadOS 16... Enhanced Multitasking with M1 Chip Utilization

Announced at WWDC 2022

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] Apple has unveiled the latest version of the iPad operating system (OS), specialized for multitasking and collaborative work.

On the morning of the 7th (local time), Apple revealed 'iPadOS 16' at the 'Worldwide Developers Conference 2022 (WWDC2022)', held both online and offline. WWDC is an annual event where Apple unveils its latest operating systems and new technologies, raising anticipation in advance.

With this iPadOS 16, Apple has upgraded Stage Manager to leverage the performance of the M1 chip. Stage Manager automatically organizes applications (apps) and windows, allowing users to switch between multiple tasks quickly. It is a tool that offers a new multitasking method through support for multiple overlapping windows and external displays. For the first time on iPad, users can stack windows of different sizes to view them all at once, and drag and drop windows opened on both sides of the screen. Apps can also be neatly arranged in groups.

Collaborative work also becomes easier. Using the Messages app, users can start working with others in a new way across the system, and the new Freeform app provides a shared canvas. Mail tools enhance user productivity, and Safari enables web browsing together with others through shared tab groups. Passkeys make the browsing experience more secure. New professional features such as Reference Mode and display zoom in/out are also available.

Craig Federighi, Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, said, "The iPad is the most versatile device Apple has ever created," adding, "We are excited to expand the possibilities of the iPad with the iPadOS 16 update."

Members of the Apple Developer Program can access the iPadOS 16 developer preview on the Apple developer website starting today. The public beta program will be available next month exclusively for iPadOS users. The new features will be provided as a free software update this fall for iPad 5th generation and later models, iPad mini 5th generation and later models, iPad Air 3rd generation and later models, and all iPad Pro models. However, some features may not be available depending on region and language.