Is iPad's "productivity gap" finally set to close?

As a devoted Apple enthusiast, Lei eagerly anticipates Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This year, Apple has announced WWDC25 early, promising to unveil new systems such as iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and watchOS 12.

Today, let's delve into iPadOS 19.

Source: Internet

Lei has always believed that using an iPad solely as a productivity tool leaves something to be desired. Isn't there a popular joke circulating online, "Buying an iPad is either for watching iQIYI or covering instant noodles"? While some argue that connecting a keyboard transforms it into a MacBook Pro, the truth is not quite so simple.

Source: Internet

Why not? For instance, while the iPad supports the Magic Keyboard, the touchpad gestures are limited. When tackling tasks like video editing that require multi-track operations, it becomes cumbersome and inefficient.

However, according to esteemed Apple journalist Mark Gurman, Apple will prioritize "productivity, multitasking, and app window management" in iPadOS 19. Is Apple deliberately bringing iPadOS closer to macOS?

Lei, however, doesn't believe iPadOS can fully supplant macOS. Apple still needs to maintain distinct ecological differences between the two platforms. Nevertheless, if iPadOS 19 begins to support multitasking scenarios, it could indeed replace the MacBook as a "productivity" tool for some users.

It's worth noting that besides functional enhancements, the UI style of iPadOS 19 will also undergo a transformation. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 might adopt a glass texture design akin to visionOS.

Source: Internet

Apple will round out the icon outlines. However, according to Prosser, in beta versions, this rounded icon is hidden by default and can only be activated via a long press. Intriguingly, when the phone is locked, the flashlight and camera buttons will produce highlights that reflect the phone's tilt angle.

Beyond icons, the system interaction method has been revamped. The bottom navigation bar will transform into a translucent "floating capsule" that expands elastically upon clicking.

South Korean media outlet The Elec previously reported that Apple has ordered M5 chips from TSMC, suggesting that a new iPad Pro equipped with the M5 chip could arrive as early as the third or fourth quarter of this year. Given that last year's iPad Pro upgrades were seen as "squeezing out the last drop," Lei speculates that Apple might focus on the M5 chip and system optimization this year.

As iPad performance gradually increases, if the system and applications fail to keep pace, few users will be inclined to invest. The sluggish pace of iPadOS updates in recent years has driven many productivity users towards Macs. If Mark Gurman's insights are accurate, and iPadOS 19 places greater emphasis on enhancing productivity features, many consumers may be more willing to spend on the iPad.

After all, in Lei's opinion, the iPad's greatest strength lies in its portability. If the user experience improves, who wouldn't want to buy one?

As an Apple iPad user, Lei is thrilled about the highlights iPadOS 19 promises to bring. With Apple's WWDC just around the corner in June, stay tuned for more updates.

Source: Lei Technology