iPadOS 16: Here’s what we know so far about new features, supported devices, and more

WWDC 2022 will start a couple of weeks from now. On June 6, Apple will announce iPadOS 16, which will mark the next major release of Apple’s software platform for the iPad. Head below as we recap all of the latest rumors and expectations for iOS 16 this year, including new features, release info, and more.

When will iPadOS 16 be announced?

iPadOS 16 will likely be announced on June 6, during WWDC 2022’s keynote. The event will be online, although some students and developers will be able to attend the keynote in person at Apple Park.

Apple will continue to test its operating system until September. This is similar to what it has done in the past.

Recently, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said that the iOS 16 beta build release schedule is a bit different this year. According to the journalist, Apple has plans to introduce the first public beta of iOS 16 along with the third developer beta in July.

The reason, according to Gurman, is that the current internal builds are “a bit buggy.” As a result, Apple engineers will need more time to make the iOS 16 beta stable enough before letting anyone install it on iPhone and iPad devices.

iPadOS 16 supported devices

One of the biggest questions people have every year is whether or not Apple will drop support for any older iPad model. With last year’s release of iPadOS 15, Apple maintained compatibility with all of the devices that were supported by iPadOS 14, although limiting many functions.

An early rumor indicates that Apple plans to drop support for the iPhone 6s and the original iPhone SE. If that’s the case, iPadOS 16 could be incompatible with iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, iPad (fifth generation), and the original iPad Pro models.

With that in mind, here’s what iPads could possibly receive iPadOS 16:

• iPad Pro 12. 9 (5th gen);
• iPad Pro 11 (3rd gen);
• iPad Pro 12. 9 (4th gen);
• iPad Pro 11 (2nd gen);
• iPad Pro 12. 9 (3rd gen);
• iPad Pro 11 (1st gen);
• iPad Pro 12. 9 (2nd gen);
• iPad Pro 10. 5 (2nd gen);
• iPad Air (5th gen);
• iPad Air (4th gen);
• iPad Air (3rd gen);
• iPad mini (6th gen);
• iPad mini (5th gen);
• iPad (9th gen);
• iPad (8th gen);
• iPad (7th gen);
• iPad (6th gen);

New features with iPadOS 16

As of now, there are two main features expected for iPadOS 16: a new multitasking interface and revamped look for notifications.

The rumored emphasis on notifications is intriguing because Apple made many changes to its iOS notification system in the past two years with features such as Notification Summary, Focus Modes and Notification Summary. Apple seems to be unhappy with iOS’s implementation of notifications and plans more improvements for next year.

Additionally, iPadOS users have been asking year after year for Apple to bring a better multitasking interface for Pro users. Windows, for example, would be the safest bet to really improve the iPad experience with bigger screens. The company has made Slide Over and Split View easier, but the OS is not yet ready for prime time.

Pro apps, such as Final Cut Pro, and the ability to have different accounts for the same iPad – just like on macOS and tvOS – have been feature requests from users for years as well.

9to5Mac’s Take

We expect more details on iPadOS 16 to emerge as we approach WWDC 2022 kicking off June 6. Although Apple will announce tons of new features, if iPadOS 16 finally gets a proper multitasking interface, this will be a huge improvement for the operating system.

Personally, I would like to see Apple make notifications more clear and easy to find without having to sort them. I’m also hoping for some updates to home screen widgets, particularly in regards to interactivity, and major updates to the Home app and HomeKit in general.

What do you hope to see in iPadOS 16? What’s on the top of your wishlist? Let us know down in the comments!

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