On June 7th, Apple will present iPadOS 15 at WWDC 2021. The major iPad software update of 2021 appears to be receiving several major improvements. In this article, we look ahead to our iPadOS 15 expectations.
iPadOS 15 expectations: you can look forward to this
Apple has not treated the iPad as the iPhone’s big brother for two years: since the arrival of iPadOS, the tablet has its own software system, which has already paid off. We have now arrived at iPadOS 15.
The iPad update has not yet been announced, but thanks to rumors, we already know a thing or two about the new features. In this article, we therefore look ahead to our expectations for iPadOS 15.
1. Improved widgets all over the screen
Hopefully, Apple will let iPadOS 15 mainly focus on improving widgets. Last year, the company took the first step by allowing widgets in the left column of the iPad homescreen. Users soon found out that its functionality was still somewhat limited.
The biggest annoyance is the lack of space: unlike the iPhone, you can’t put widgets all over the screen. That is strange, because the larger screen of the iPad lends itself to give widgets all the space. Rumor has it that this would change from iPadOS 15 onwards.
Widgets also become more interactive: instead of displaying information, you could also interact more with a widget. Think of writing a short note in the Notes widget, without opening the corresponding app.
2. Smarter notifications
Consider, for example, a ‘work mode’ that blocks all notifications from apps that can cause distraction, or a ‘relax mode’ that blocks notifications from all your work in the evenings. IOS 15 would also get these options, so you can put all your devices in a specific mode and only be kept informed of the apps that are relevant to you at the time.
The iPad is increasingly becoming a full-fledged Mac alternative. Good news, therefore, that iPadOS 15 handles notifications in a different way. Users are given more options to customize notifications based on what you are doing.
3. Collaborate better with external screens
Now that more and more iPads are getting a USB-C port, more and more models can also be connected to an external screen. A great advantage for people who use the tablet as a laptop alternative, but its effect leaves something to be desired.
For example, you can now only mirror the screen of your iPad and large black edges are visible on the sides. If the iPad starts to behave more like a Mac, the option to actually use external monitors as a second screen would be a big improvement. With mouse and trackpad support, an iPad really turns into a laptop-like device.
4. App library
It was one of the big additions to iOS 14, the 2020 iPhone software update. This App Library collects your favorite apps by category so you can quickly find and open them. For example, all social media apps and games are neatly in a folder.
It is expected that Apple will also bring the App Library to iPadOS 15. That way you can find and open apps very easily and quickly.
5. More focus on privacy
Apple has increasingly focused on privacy in recent years. In fact, it has since become a sales outlet for the Cupertino company. We therefore expect Apple to take advantage of the opportunity to add new privacy features.
Which functions is still a bit of a question. The company may choose to release the iCloud Keychain as a standalone app. In this way, Apple can compete with parties such as 1Password and Bitwarden and strengthen its position as a privacy-friendly telephone manufacturer.
It is clear that Apple is interested in its own password service. The company appears to have seriously considered acquiring 1Password a few years ago.
6. New menu for professionals
This is not a concrete rumor, but mainly a function that we hope for. Designer Parker Ortolani showed in his iPadOS 15 concept what the addition of a special ‘Pro Menu’ could look like.
You can open this menu by tapping the time in the top right of the screen. You will then get an overview of your current settings, app updates that are ready and which notifications you have recently received. This addition brings the iPad closer to the Mac, something Apple has been working towards for years.
→ Also read: Concept: iPadOS 15 with new home screen, better widgets and more
7. Support: which iPads will get the update?
Is your iPad currently running on iPadOS 14? According to a recent rumor, you are not necessarily assured of the update to iPadOS 15. Apple would in fact delete from the list of supported models by dropping iPads with an A9 chip. If this rumor is true, it is bad news for owners of an iPad 2017, for example.
We expect the following iPads to be able to update to iPadOS 15:
- iPad Pro 2021
- iPad 2020
- iPad Air 2020
- iPad Pro 2020
- iPad 2019
- iPad Air 2019
- iPad mini 5 (iPad mini 2019)
- iPad 2018
- iPad Pro 2018
- iPad Pro 2017
Of course, new, unannounced tablets can also handle iPadOS 15. For example, we expect to see the iPad 2021, iPad Air 2021, iPad Pro 2021 and iPad mini 2021 this year.
8. iPadOS 15 release date will be announced soon
June 7 is the day, because then WWDC 2021 will start. Just like in 2020, the annual conference for app developers will take place completely digitally and will kick off with a keynote.
Traditionally, this is the time when Apple announces updates for all its software versions. In addition to iPadOS 15, we also get to see iOS 15 and watchOS 8 that day. All new software versions will then be available for download in the autumn of 2021.
It is still unclear what time the WWDC keynote will start. That is certain iPhone than reporting live. Don’t want to miss anything? Sign up for our newsletter, or download the free iPhoned app.