This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET’s complete coverage from and about Apple’s annual developers conference.
What’s happening
iPadOS, the software that runs on Apple tablets, will reportedly get a significant overhaul to make iPads more capable when it comes to serious business.
Why it matters
iPads have been powerful enough for most office tasks for years, but their software has somewhat hindered their versatility.
What’s next
We should find out more on Monday at the company’s software conference, WWDC.
Apple reportedly has some big updates in store for the iPad. At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference next week, Apple plans to announce significant changes to its iPad software, Bloomberg reports, citing people with knowledge of the matter.
The iPad’s next software update, likely to be called iPadOS 16, will reportedly make it function more like a laptop than a phone. The iPad will also get a redesigned interface that makes it easier to switch between tasks and see which apps are open, according to Bloomberg.
iPad users will also reportedly be able to resize app windows and handle multiple apps at once. Currently iPads can run apps in full-screen mode — like on iPhones — or run two apps side-by-side. A scaled-down version of a third app can be slid in from the side, too.
Apple is also expected to announce the iPhone’s next software update, likely iOS 16, at WWDC. The changes expected for the iPhone operating system include the addition of smaller apps, called widgets, to the phone’s lock screen. Apple might also announce an always-on display for the iPhone 14.
While the software updates are expected to be announced next week, these updates aren’t typically available to the public until the fall.
Apple’s mostly online WWDC begins June 6 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. BST).
Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
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