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The iPad needs a big software refresh at WWDC 2022
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OPINION: We’re just days away from Apple’s 2022 WWDC opening keynote and most of the murmurings about what we might see revolve around theMacBook Air M2and possibly an early look at theApple Mixed Reality Headset.
Of course, I would be intrigued if either of those devices make an appearance – but the joy ofWWDCis, for me, the announcement and detailing of new software updates. New versions of iOS, watchOS and macOS should all be revealed during Monday’s keynote address and these should be the highlights.
Software updates are great as they bring features and tricks to devices people already own, rather than making them fork out hundreds, or thousands, for new tech. They can add new functionality, correct mistakes and open doors to expanded possibilities.
For me, the one device in Apple’s range that needs a big software refresh is the iPad. Apple’s slate is comfortably thebest tabletaround – whichever model you plump for – but it’s currently suffering something of an identity crisis. The top-end Pro is as powerful as many of thebest laptopson the market, blowing out benchmark tests and toting up to 16GB of memory and Apple’s supremely capableM1chip.
It’s a powerful beast, yet it doesn’t utilise much of that grunt. Apple hasn’t ported any of its Pro apps to the device, and the speed of even the cheapest iPad makes that still a good pick to take advantage of some of the more capable apps on the App Store.
With so much to offer, theiPad Procould easily be a true laptop replacement. And for this to happen we don’t need a new model – we just need software and specially developed apps that can put that power to use. It seems so simple.
I feel like I say this every year, but the next version of iPadOS could change the direction of the iPad forever with just a few tweaks and by allowing the Pro iPad to offer something different to the otherbest iPads.
There are so many features I would love to see make their way over to iPadOS. The ability to have multiple users on each device, allowing families to share an iPad easily without faffing around with logging in and out all the time should be a basic feature but it remains absent.
Multitasking on the iPad remains a fiddly experience and this becomes even more obvious when you’re trying to use an iPad Pro as a laptop replacement. Apps that can be manually resized should at least be an option for those who would utilise them.
But the real key is giving the iPad Pro a reason for existing. The hardware upgrades over the Air aren’t currently enough, and Apple needs to focus on a software update that can finally unleash the power on these high-end iPads and make them the true MacBook rival they should be.
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Max is the Editor of Trusted Reviews, and has been a mobile phone and technology specialist for over nine years. Max started his career at T3 straight after graduating from Kingston University. Max ha…
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Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
