According to people with knowledge of the situation, Apple anticipates delaying the release of its next significant iPad software upgrade by approximately a month and making the rare decision to hold off on releasing it at the same time as the new iPhone software.
The tech company has delivered significant iOS and iPadOS software updates at the same time every September for the past few years. According to the people, who requested anonymity since the discussions are private, Apple this time around intends to release iOS 16 around the typical timeframe but not iPad OS 16 until October.
The software's delay is, at least in part, a result of an ambitious project to revamp the iPad's multitasking features. The update features a function called Stage Manager that enables users to switch between different groups of apps, handle multiple tasks at once, and resize windows.
The system has received negative feedback from certain users and developers during beta testing due to issues, an unclear user interface, and incompatibility with the majority of iPads. The release timetable will be spaced out, allowing Apple to devote more engineering time to finishing iOS 16, the operating system that will ship with the iPhone 14 in September.
The modification would also speed up the delivery of iPadOS 16 before the introduction of new iPad hardware. According to Bloomberg, the company intends to release an updated iPad Pro with an M2 chip and a quicker entry-level iPad with a USB-C connector.
The intentions, which could alter as the Cupertino, California-based company approaches its fall product launch cycle, were not addressed by an Apple spokeswoman, who also declined to comment.
Apple's software updates have lagged behind schedule this year even without the added delay, with the public beta testing of the updates beginning later than usual. However, the company has previously dealt with issues of this nature. In 2019, Apple had considerable difficulties with iOS 13, which had an impact on the release of the iPhone 11. As a result, Apple changed how it manages software updates.
The same Stage Manager functionality is coming to the Mac as part of macOS Ventura, although that iteration of the operating system hasn't generated as much controversy. The Mac update will debut in October, the same month that Apple usually releases significant Mac software updates. Additionally, the release of the iPhone in September is still planned, along with watchOS 9.
A built-in weather app, enhanced support for external screens, and new Mac-like controls for productivity apps are among the new features in the iPadOS 16 upgrade. A new lock screen, the option to retract iMessage messages, and an updated Home app for managing accessories are all part of the iOS 16 release.
