iPads could get more Mac-like features soon

The Verge - Apr 13th, 2025
Open on The Verge

Apple is planning significant updates to iPadOS aimed at making its M5-powered iPads feel more like working on a Mac, according to Mark Gurman. These updates, expected to focus on productivity, multitasking, and app window management, are set to arrive about a year after the release of the M4 iPad Pro. While Gurman suggests these changes will satisfy users desiring a more Mac-like experience, he advises caution until more details are revealed. Previously, Apple introduced Stage Manager for windowing and app grouping, but it was considered a half-hearted step towards a desktop-like operating system.

The implications of these updates are significant for users who wish to replace their MacBooks with iPads, as they promise to bridge the gap between the two devices' functionalities. However, the extent of these changes remains to be seen, as Apple has historically maintained a distinct separation between macOS and iPadOS. The move reflects Apple's ongoing effort to enhance iPad productivity without fully converging its tablet and desktop ecosystems. This development could also impact Apple's competitive positioning in the hybrid device market, where the demand for versatile, powerful tablets continues to grow.

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RATING

5.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely discussion on the potential updates to iPadOS and the introduction of M5-powered iPads, topics of interest to Apple users and tech enthusiasts. Its strengths lie in its clarity, timeliness, and public interest, offering a straightforward presentation of anticipated changes. However, the article could improve in several areas, including source quality, transparency, and balance. It relies heavily on a single source without detailed attribution and lacks diverse perspectives or detailed explanations of the claims. While it has the potential to engage readers and spark discussions, the absence of specific details and broader viewpoints limits its overall impact and accuracy. Enhancing these aspects would provide a more comprehensive and reliable analysis of the topic.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article makes several factual claims, primarily centered around anticipated updates to iPadOS and the introduction of M5-powered iPads. The assertion that iPadOS updates will focus on productivity, multitasking, and app window management aligns with industry expectations and recent trends in Apple's software development. However, specific details about these updates are not provided, leaving some claims less verifiable. The mention of past features like Stage Manager is accurate, though the article does not specify the exact nature of future enhancements. The claim about the M5 chip's introduction is speculative, as official confirmation from Apple is lacking. Overall, the article's factual accuracy is moderate, but it would benefit from more precise details and clearer source citations.

6
Balance

The article presents a single perspective, primarily focusing on the potential benefits of upcoming iPadOS updates and the new M5 chip. It lacks a broader range of viewpoints, such as potential drawbacks or criticisms from industry experts or users. The article could be more balanced by including opinions from users who may prefer the current iPadOS setup or those skeptical of the changes. Additionally, the piece might have explored the implications of these updates on Apple's overall product strategy. The lack of diverse perspectives slightly skews the article towards a more positive outlook on the anticipated changes.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, with a straightforward presentation of the main claims. However, the absence of specific details about the anticipated updates and the M5 chip's impact may leave readers with unanswered questions. The language is accessible, but the article could improve clarity by providing more context and background information on the current state of iPadOS and how the proposed changes compare. While the article maintains a neutral tone, the lack of detailed information slightly hampers comprehension.

5
Source quality

The article references Mark Gurman, a reputable source known for accurate Apple-related predictions. However, it lacks direct quotes or detailed attributions, weakening the credibility of the claims. The absence of multiple sources or corroborating evidence diminishes the article's reliability. Incorporating insights from other industry analysts or official Apple statements would enhance source quality and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. The reliance on a single source without detailed attribution limits the article's authority.

4
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in several areas. It does not clearly disclose the basis for its claims, such as whether they are based on leaks, insider information, or speculation. There is no explanation of the methodology behind the predictions or any potential conflicts of interest. The article would benefit from clearer context regarding how the information was obtained and any factors that might influence the impartiality of the reporting. Greater transparency would help readers assess the trustworthiness of the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/04/13/ipados-19-rumored-to-get-more-mac-like-in-productivity-push
  2. https://talk.tidbits.com/t/first-impressions-stage-manager-on-the-ipad-and-mac/19553
  3. https://www.macrumors.com/2025/04/13/ipados-19-more-like-macos/
  4. https://support.apple.com/en-my/guide/ipad/ipad1240f36f/ipados
  5. https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/ipads/apple-to-reportedly-overhaul-ipados-19-to-make-it-more-like-macos-what-we-know