Stage Manager on iPad: Expectations vs. Reality
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Stage Manager
In the WWDC 2022 keynote, Apple unveiled Stage Manager for iPadOS, which aims to enhance multitasking and productivity for users. As is common with Apple’s announcements, this feature exceeded many expectations—including my own.
However, let’s be candid: this is not the multitasking solution we anticipated.
"Expectations can often lead to disappointment when reality diverges from our hopes."
Section 1.1: Our Anticipations
The Apple community has long awaited a robust multitasking feature for the iPad, particularly after the emergence of Apple patent number 11,320,869, which depicted a traditional macOS-like interface.
As I noted in my previous piece, macOS on iPad Pro? It’s Complicated, this patent clearly illustrated a familiar macOS desktop, complete with standard windows and a menu bar. The patent suggested that attaching a Magic Keyboard with Trackpad would enable this “macOS mode.” Connect it, and voilà! You’d have macOS-like applications on an M1-powered iPad Pro.
Yet, I also highlighted a lingering concern: what happens to these applications when the keyboard is removed? Moreover, the fundamental question remains: are we truly dealing with macOS applications or something entirely different?
I previously posited that we would not see existing macOS applications on the iPad. Apple has consistently maintained that desktop applications with small touch targets are impractical on a device designed for touch input. So, what occurs to an app when we disconnect the keyboard? Does it struggle to function or vanish entirely until the keyboard is reattached?
Both scenarios offer a less-than-ideal user experience, which is not characteristic of Apple.
Section 1.2: The Reality Check
After much speculation, WWDC arrived, and Apple introduced Stage Manager. Unfortunately, it was not the multitasking interface we had envisioned.
But is it the interface we truly need?
Chapter 2: A Closer Look at Stage Manager
Stage Manager does provide multiple resizable windows, a consistently accessible dock, and a new method for switching between apps or groups of apps through the “stage” displayed on the left side of the screen.
With Stage Manager, users can create various app groups tailored to specific tasks or projects, arranging and resizing them in unique layouts. However, these are not the traditional macOS windows of the past. Moving one window causes the others to rearrange, and we lack the familiar window title bars.
Additionally, we can connect an external monitor that does more than simply mirror the iPad’s display. While we expected macOS-style windows and a traditional menu bar, what we received was different.
And you know what? I’m beginning to appreciate it.
Section 2.1: Apple’s Innovative Approach
There’s a famous saying attributed to Henry Ford: if he had asked people what they wanted before introducing the Model T, they would have asked for faster horses. This situation feels similar; we desired macOS-style windows because we were accustomed to them.
Instead of simply catering to our expectations, Apple took a step back and asked, "How can we improve the experience of working with multiple applications?" This is the result of that inquiry.
While I’m not entirely convinced yet—I want to assess how my workflows adapt to this interface—I remain intrigued. I admire Apple’s willingness to question the status quo and innovate.
Chapter 3: The Future of Applications on iPad
Ultimately, our desire for macOS-style windows stems from our craving for macOS-like applications. We want to fully utilize the M1 chip on the iPad, yet we still lack powerful tools like Final Cut or a tablet-based version of Xcode… at least for now.
But this is just the beginning.
Completion Block
These are my reflections on the matter. What are your thoughts? Do you like Stage Manager, or do you find it lacking? Share your opinions in the comments below.
The first video provides a guide on how to use Stage Manager on the iPad, offering insights into its functionality and benefits.
The second video explains multitasking on the iPad, focusing on the Stage Manager feature and how it enhances user experience.