iPadOS 16: Evidence of the original window exposed

Even with the first iPad, both the press and customers were unanimous: basically, the device is a big-screen iPhone. The iPad’s hardware has become more powerful over the years, but the limitations of iOS (or later iPadOS) remain largely the same. Although Apple is marketing the iPad as a tool for creative people and “content creators,” the reality is different: many face the limitations of iPadOS even with “normal” tasks.

One of the weaknesses of iPadOS is the lack of flexibility to work with multiple apps. Although two apps can be placed next to each other, the process is cumbersome and is intended for only two programs regardless of screen size.

Notes on “Multitasking Mode”
Steve Troughton-Smith discovered a very interesting hint about a feature coming to the public WebKit repository: Apple developers adapted WebKit to a new “multitasking mode” in the operating system.

Webkit is the framework that enables websites to be displayed in macOS, iOS, iPadOS and watchOS and is used in Safari as well as third party apps.

Maybe Introduced in iPadOS 16
It looks like Apple will probably introduce a special mode in iPadOS 16 to allow for floating and larger windows on the desktop – similar to macOS. It’s still not entirely clear how this function will be implemented in concrete terms, but freeing iPadOS from one of iOS’s limitations could be a step in the right direction. Especially on larger iPad models or when external screens are connected, such a feature can be a significant improvement.

iPadOS 16 at WWDC 2022
Hardly any valid information has been revealed about the upcoming iOS and iPadOS versions. Apple will first show iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 to the public on June 6 at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2022. The main event of WWDC 2022 will take place at 10 a.m. local time (7 p.m. German time) and as always, MacTechNews.de will report on all innovations.