By Mark Gurman | Bloomberg
Apple Inc. will announce important modifications to the iPad’s software program subsequent week at its annual Worldwide Builders Convention, based on folks with data of the matter, a part of a push to make the machine extra like a laptop computer and fewer like a telephone.
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 to not 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 directly.
The iPad accounts for almost 9% of annual Apple’s gross sales, and that share has inched up in recent times. However skilled customers of the machine have clamored for an interface that feels extra like a laptop computer expertise. The iPad’s hardware, which now contains 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 brand new iPad interface can be one of many largest upgrades introduced on 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 point out off new options and machine enhancements that builders can harness with their apps.
At the moment, iPad customers can both run apps in a full-screen view like on an iPhone or run two apps aspect by aspect. The corporate additionally lets customers add a scaled-down model of a 3rd app by sliding it over from the aspect. The modifications will increase upon that interface.
Apple is estimated to generate greater than $20 billion per 12 months from the App Retailer, 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 brand new lock display screen that includes widgets, Bloomberg has reported. The corporate additionally will refresh the Well being 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 corporate is planning modifications to observe faces, system navigation and a number of other of the machine’s apps, together with a notable replace to the fitness-tracking options. The corporate can be planning a brand new low-power mode that can let customers function the machine when battery life is working brief. The present low-power mode can solely present the time.
The software program updates will assist propel Apple’s future hardware. The corporate is planning 4 new iPhone 14 fashions for the autumn, an up to date iPad Professional, three new Apple Watches and a number of other Macs with next-generation M2 chips. For the iPhone 14 Professional, Apple is planning an always-on show choice that can be powered by iOS 16.
Whereas the brand new software program is being introduced on June 6, the corporate usually doesn’t launch the updates to customers till the autumn — across the similar time that it ships new gadgets. Nevertheless, Apple will launch preliminary beta variations to builders subsequent week. Public beta checks for extra customers will start someday subsequent month.
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