This appears to be a long-term ambition for
Apple, not to mention a long-held desire for iPad
users. Last year, CEO Tim Cook had referred to
the iPad as “the most popular computer in the
world,” rather than the most popular tablet or
mobile device. iPadOS is consequently designed
to enhance productivity, giving owners more
multitasking and viewing options, including
side-by-side apps and widgets pinned to the
home screen.
To further the iPad’s evolution, App Expose will
also soon work on the iPad. This feature, taken
from macOS, allows for a similar navigation
to the home screen of a Mac, with the ‘Files’
app essentially functioning as ‘Finder’ does for
Mac users. ‘Files’ will also be compatible with
external drives and devices; for instance, a
USB-C memory stick, which can be inserted
into the bottom of the iPad. This also means
that a camera can be connected, and images
transferred directly into an editing app without
the need to import into Photos first.
Other key features of iPadOS include
compatible mouse support to make the
transition from desktop or Mac to iPad more
seamless, and a ‘Sidecar’ option for people who
use both a Mac and an iPad. Sidecar effectively
turns the iPad into a second screen for the
Mac, either mirroring what’s on screen or
extending the content for additional viewing.
For this feature to be used, compatible Macs and
iPads must be owned, and both macOS Catalina
(more on this to come!) and iPadOS must be
running simultaneously.
Like iOS13, which we covered last week, iPadOS
will feature Dark Mode, providing a viewing