iPadOS 15 Announced: Multitasking & Swift Playgrounds Updates

Apple Unveils iPadOS 15 with Enhanced Multitasking and Widgets

Apple has revealed the next iteration of iPadOS, introducing expanded widget capabilities and a refined multitasking experience. The announcement was delivered by Apple Senior Vice President Craig Federighi during the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 21). While these updates are welcome additions, they don’t represent the substantial overhaul that many iPad users have been anticipating.

A Vision for iPadOS

“With iPadOS, we aim to develop unique functionalities, enabling the iPad to adapt to whatever your needs may be,” stated Craig Federighi in a pre-recorded presentation.

Updates to Multitasking and User Experience

iPadOS 15 largely maintains the established visual style of the current iPad operating system. The primary focus of the updates centers around improvements to multitasking functionality. The iPad’s support for widgets receives a significant enhancement in iPadOS 15.

These widgets are now larger, offering a more immersive and dynamic experience. Furthermore, the iOS App Library is now accessible on the iPad, subtly altering the overall user experience. Introduced on the iPhone in 2020, this feature provides users with an organized overview of their installed applications.

Introducing Split View and the Shelf

A new multitasking system, known as Split View, has been incorporated into iPadOS 15. A drop-down menu located at the screen’s top provides access to various multi-window options. This system appears more streamlined than the current iPadOS multi-screen functionality, which can be cumbersome and difficult to locate.

The Shelf feature, integrated within Split View, simplifies switching between different screens and screen groupings.

“These new multitasking features will empower our users to be more productive and accomplish even more on their iPad,” Federighi explained. “Moreover, we’ve introduced a new set of keyboard shortcuts that allow users to perform these actions without lifting a finger.”

Enhanced Note-Taking and App Development

Apple has also refined the note-taking experience within iPadOS to better utilize the device’s larger screen. The new Quick Notes feature enables users to float a note-taking window over any other application. This allows for note-taking without requiring a switch between apps. This addition indicates Apple is gradually embracing a more desktop-like experience.

Furthermore, iPadOS 15 includes an updated version of Swift Playgrounds, allowing users to learn, create, and submit apps for both iPad and iPhone to the App Store. This represents a significant advancement in Apple’s app development ecosystem, enabling users to learn Swift and submit applications without the necessity of a Mac.

These updates arrive shortly after the release of Apple’s more powerful iPad models. While many industry observers have called for a more substantial update to the iPad’s operating system to fully leverage the new hardware’s capabilities, iPadOS 15 represents an evolution of the platform, rather than the revolution some had hoped for.