Apple Inc will announce vital modifications to the iPad’s software program subsequent week at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, in accordance to folks with information of the matter, a part of a push to make the gadget more like a laptop and less like a phone.
The iPad’s subsequent main software program replace, iPadOS 16, could have a redesigned multitasking interface that makes it simpler to see what apps are open and swap between duties, stated the folks, who requested not to be recognized as a result of the modifications aren’t but public. It additionally will let customers resize app home windows and supply new methods for customers to deal with a number of apps without delay.
The iPad accounts for practically 9% of annual Apple’s gross sales, and that proportion has inched up lately. But skilled customers of the gadget have clamoured for an interface that feels more like a laptop expertise. The iPad’s {hardware}, which now consists of the identical M1 chip as a few of Apple’s laptops, has grown more and more highly effective, and in some methods the software program hasn’t stored up.
A spokesperson for the Cupertino, California-based firm declined to remark.
The new iPad interface will likely be one in all the largest upgrades introduced at the convention, which will even embody software program updates for the iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. The tech large holds the convention annually to exhibit new options and gadget enhancements that builders can harness with their apps.
Currently, iPad customers can both run apps in a full-screen view like on an iPhone or run two apps facet by facet. The firm additionally lets customers add a scaled-down model of a third app by sliding it over from the facet. The modifications will increase upon that interface.
Apple is estimated to generate more than US$20bil (RM87.76bil) per yr from the App Store, and the WWDC occasion helps hold that juggernaut going. New software program options assist spur builders to create new apps that in flip improve income.
For iOS 16, the subsequent model of the iPhone’s software program, Apple is planning a number of modifications, together with a new lock display screen that includes widgets, Bloomberg has reported. The firm additionally will refresh the Health app and add new audio and social-networking options to Messages. Redesigned apps for macOS are coming as nicely, together with a revamp to System Preferences, its app for managing a Mac’s settings.
For the Apple Watch, the firm is planning modifications to watch faces, system navigation and a number of of the gadget’s apps, together with a notable replace to the fitness-tracking options. The firm can be planning a new low-power mode that can let customers function the gadget when battery life is operating brief. The present low-power mode can solely present the time.
The software program updates will assist propel Apple’s future {hardware}. The firm is planning 4 new iPhone 14 fashions for the fall, an up to date iPad Pro, three new Apple Watches and a number of Macs with next-generation M2 chips. For the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple is planning an always-on show choice that will likely be powered by iOS 16.
While the new software program is being introduced on June 6, the firm sometimes doesn’t launch the updates to customers till the fall – round the identical time that it ships new units. However, Apple will launch preliminary beta variations to builders subsequent week. Public beta exams for more customers will start someday subsequent month. – Bloomberg
