Explained: What is Stage Manager, the feature that may be delaying the rollout of big software updates for iPad, Mac – Times of India

Every year the WorldWide Developer Conference — better known as WWDC — is an event for Apple to flex its software muscles. Apple gives a glimpse of all the major new features that come to devices later in the year — traditionally in September. However, this year, there has been a delay in rolling out two important OS updates — macOS Ventura and iPadOS 16. While iOS 16 and watchOS 9 are being used by people across the globe, there’s no word from Apple on the rollout of macOS Ventura or iPadOS 16. Rumours suggest that both the OS upgrades will arrive later this month. But why the delay? Again, rumour mill is rife that the cause of delay is one important feature called Stage Manager. Here we explain what is Stage Manager, why it is important for Apple, and why the delay in users getting macOS Ventura and iPadOS 16.

What is Stage Manager

It was the headline act for iPadOS 16 at WWDC. The one standout feature among the many that Apple showcased. Apple says that Stage Manager is “an entirely new multitasking experience that automatically organizes apps and windows, making it quick and easy to switch between tasks.” In other words, a big deal for iPad and an important step in the evolution of iPadOS. With Stage Manager, users on iPad will have the option to create overlapping windows of different sizes in a single view, drag and drop windows from the side. Further, users will be able to open apps from the Dock to create groups of apps for faster, more flexible multitasking. “The window of the app users are working on is displayed prominently in the center, and other open apps and windows are arranged on the left-hand side in order of recency,” said Apple while unveiling iPadOS 16.

Why is Stage Manager important for Apple and iPad?

For the last four years — ever since the pivot from iOS to iPadOS on the iPad — Apple has been belligerently pushing the iPad as a laptop replacement. While the iPad — across models — remains the tablet par excellence, a laptop replacement it hasn’t become in the true sense. A case can be made for the iPad Pro but multitasking is just not as good as it is on a PC or a Mac, for that matter.
Stage Manager is supposed to set the stage (pardon the pun) to take the iPad experience on a more laptop like level. Users will be able to use as many as eight apps together with Stage Manager on the iPad. Apple did roll out Stage Manager in the beta versions of iPadOS 16 but there were reports of crashes, too many bugs and hence the delay in rollout. It is critical for Apple to get Stage Manager right as it could be a big moment for the iPad.
Apple had earlier said that only M1-powered iPads — iPad Pro (2021) and iPad Air (2021) — will be able to get Stage Manager. However, later the company said that the feature will be rolled out to older-generation iPad Pro models as well. Apple has always been cautious — better to be safe than sorry mantra — when it comes to rolling out a new feature, more so when it’s an important one like the Stage Manager.

Will Stage Manager work only on the iPad?

No, Stage Manager will also roll out on Mac devices with macOS Ventura. On the Mac, Stage Manager on Mac will automatically organise open apps and windows so users can concentrate on their work and still see everything in a single glance. The current window users are working in is displayed prominently in the centre, and other open windows appear on the left-hand side so they can quickly and easily switch between tasks, said Apple. Further, users can also group windows together when working on specific tasks or projects that require different apps.