8 expectations for the big iPad update

On June 7, Apple will present iPadOS 15 at WWDC 2021. The major iPad software update of 2021 appears to be receiving several major improvements. In this article, we look ahead at our iPadOS 15 expectations.

iPadOS 15 expectations: here’s what to look forward to

Apple has stopped treating the iPad as the iPhone’s big brother for two years: since the arrival of iPadOS, the tablet has its own software system, which has already borne its first fruit. We have now arrived at iPadOS 15.

The iPad update hasn’t been announced yet, but thanks to rumors, we already know a thing or two about the new features. In this article, we therefore look ahead to our expectations for iPadOS 15.

1. Improved widgets, anywhere on the screen

Hopefully Apple will run iPadOS 15 mainly for improving widgets. Last year, the company took the first step by allowing widgets in the left column of the iPad home screen. Users soon found out that its functionality was still somewhat limited.

The biggest annoyance is the lack of space: unlike the iPhone, you can’t put widgets all over the screen. That’s crazy, because the larger screen of the iPad lends itself to giving widgets all the space. Rumor has it that this will change from iPadOS 15 onwards.

Widgets are also becoming more interactive: instead of displaying information, you could also interact more with a widget. Think of writing a short note in the Note widget, without opening the corresponding app.

2. Smarter Notifications

Think, for example, of a ‘work mode’ that blocks all notifications from apps that can cause distraction, or a ‘relax mode’ that blocks the notifications of all your work in the evenings. iOS 15 would also get these options, so you can put all your devices in a specific mode and only be informed about the apps that are relevant to you at that moment.

The iPad is increasingly becoming a full-fledged Mac alternative. Good news, then, that iPadOS 15 handles notifications in a different way. Users are given more options to customize notifications based on what you are doing.

3. Better collaboration with external screens

Now that more and more iPads are getting a USB-C port, you can also connect more and more models to an external screen. A big advantage for people who use the tablet as a laptop alternative, but the implementation leaves something to be desired.

For example, you can now only mirror the screen of your iPad and large black edges are visible on the sides. If the iPad starts to behave more like a Mac, the option to actually use external monitors as a second screen would be a big improvement. With the mouse and trackpad support, an iPad really turns into a laptop-like device.

4. App library

It was one of the great additions to iOS 14, the iPhone software update of 2020. This App Library collects your favorite apps by category so that you can quickly find and access them. For example, all social media apps and games are neatly placed in a folder.

Apple is expected to bring the App Library to iPadOS 15 as well. That way you can find and open apps very easily and quickly.

5. More focus on privacy

Apple has increasingly focused on privacy in recent years. In fact, it has now become a sales point of the Cupertino company. We therefore expect Apple to take advantage of the opportunity to add new privacy features.

Which functions is still a bit of a question. The company may choose to release the iCloud Keychain as a standalone app. In this way, Apple can compete with parties such as 1Password and Bitwarden and strengthen its position as a privacy-friendly telephone manufacturer.

It is clear that Apple is interested in its own password service. The company appears to have seriously considered acquiring 1Password a few years ago.

This is not a concrete rumor, but mainly a function that we hope for. Designer Parker Ortolani showed in his iPadOS 15 concept what the addition of a special ‘Pro Menu’ could look like.

You open this menu by tapping the time at the top right of the screen. You will then receive an overview of your current settings, app updates that are ready and which notifications you have recently received. This addition brings the iPad closer to the Mac, something Apple has been working towards for years.

→ Also read: Draft: iPadOS 15 with new home screen, better widgets and more

7. Support: Which iPads will get the update?

Is your iPad currently running on iPadOS 14? According to a recent rumor, you are not necessarily assured of the update to iPadOS 15. Apple would remove it from the list of supported models by dropping iPads with an A9 chip. If true, this rumor is bad news for 2017 iPad owners, for example.

We expect the following iPads to be able to update to iPadOS 15:

Of course, new, unannounced tablets can also handle iPadOS 15. For example, we expect to see the iPad 2021, iPad Air 2021, iPad Pro 2021 and iPad mini 2021 this year.

8. iPadOS 15 release date to be announced soon

June 7 is the day, because then WWDC 2021 will break loose. Just like in 2020, the annual conference for app developers will take place completely digitally and will be kicked off with a keynote.

Traditionally, this is the time when Apple announces updates for all its software versions. In addition to iPadOS 15, we will also see iOS 15 and watchOS 8 that day. All new software versions will then be available for download in the autumn of 2021.

It is not yet clear what time the WWDC keynote will start. It is certain that iPhoned then reports live. Don’t want to miss anything? Then sign up for our newsletter, or download the free iPhoned app.