What features can we possibly expect from the iPadOS 16?

WWDC 2022 will begin in a few weeks from now on. Apple is likely to announce its iPadOS 16 on 6 June 2022 and it will mark the next major release of Apple’s software platform for the iPad.

Keynotes from WWDC 2022

The iPadOS 16 will likely be announced on June 6, during WWDC 2022’s keynote. Although the event will be online, some students and developers will be able to attend the keynote in person at Apple Park. Following the announcement, Apple will test the operating system for a few months until it’s released for all users around September, as the company has done over the past years.

Every year during the launch event of any Apple product, the major concern for people is whether or not Apple will drop support for any older iPad model. With 2021’s release of iPadOS 15, Apple maintained compatibility with all of the devices that were supported by iPadOS 14, although limiting many functions.

Compatibility of iPadOS 16

According to an early rumour, Apple plans to drop support for the iPhone 6s and the original iPhone SE. If that is the case, iPadOS 16 could be incompatible with iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, iPad (fifth-generation), and the original iPad Pro models. Below is a list of iPads that could possible receive the iPadOS 16:

iPad Pro 12.9 (5th gen)
iPad Pro 11 (3rd gen)
iPad Pro 12.9 (4th gen)
iPad Pro 11 (2nd gen)
iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd gen)
iPad Pro 11 (1st gen)
iPad Pro 12.9 (2nd gen)
iPad Pro 10.5 (2nd gen)
iPad Air (5th gen)
iPad Air (4th gen)
iPad Air (3rd gen)
iPad mini (6th gen)
iPad mini (5th gen)
iPad (9th gen)
iPad (8th gen)
iPad (7th gen)
iPad (6th gen)

Expected Features for iPadOS 16

As of now, there are two main features expected for iPadOS 16. Firstly, a new multitasking interface and revamped look for notifications. The rumored focus on notifications is interesting since Apple has made numerous changes to the iOS notifications system over the last two years, with the introduction of features like Notification Summary and Focus Modes. However, Apple does not seem satisfied with the implementation of notifications throughout iOS, and is planning more changes for 2022.

Additionally, iPadOS users have been asking year after year for Apple to bring a better multitasking interface for Pro users. Windows, for example, would be the safest bet to really improve the iPad experience with bigger screens. Although the company made it easier to use Slide Over and Split View, the operating system is still not there yet. Pro apps, such as Final Cut Pro, and the ability to have different accounts for the same iPad–just like on macOS and tvOS – are feature requests from users for years as well.