Craig Federighi on iPad’s Journey to Mac-Like Multitasking
▼ Summary
– Craig Federighi introduced iPadOS 26’s new multitasking UI with sarcasm, similar to past presentations, mocking the long-standing requests for Mac-like features.
– The audience, including developers and media, laughed as Federighi acknowledged years of demands for iPad to function more like a traditional computer.
– Apple has finally delivered Mac-like multitasking, an improved file manager, and better background task support after incremental updates and past missteps like Stage Manager.
– Federighi and Greg Joswiak discussed why it took so long to implement these seemingly obvious improvements during a post-keynote interview.
– Hardware limitations initially prevented iPads from functioning as “real computers,” despite user demands since their launch 15 years ago.
Apple’s iPad has long been positioned as a revolutionary device, but users have consistently pushed for more traditional computing capabilities. During this year’s WWDC keynote, Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, showcased iPadOS 26’s new multitasking features with his signature dry humor. His playful jab at the audience, many of whom have demanded Mac-like functionality for years, highlighted a turning point in the iPad’s evolution.
The latest update introduces window management, a refined pointer, and a menu bar, elements that finally bridge the gap between iPad and Mac workflows. This comes after years of incremental improvements, including the ambitious but flawed Stage Manager in previous releases. Now, with enhanced file management and background task support, the iPad inches closer to fulfilling its potential as a productivity powerhouse.
So why did it take so long? Federighi and Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing, shed light on this during a post-keynote discussion. Early hardware limitations played a significant role, the original iPad simply lacked the processing power and memory to handle complex multitasking efficiently. Over time, advancements in Apple’s custom silicon, particularly the M-series chips, removed those barriers, allowing software to catch up to user expectations.
The journey hasn’t been straightforward. Initial attempts to mimic desktop functionality often felt half-baked, frustrating professionals who saw the iPad’s potential but found its execution lacking. Now, with more powerful hardware and refined software, Apple seems ready to deliver the seamless experience users have wanted all along. The company’s gradual approach reflects its philosophy of prioritizing stability over rushing features, even if that meant enduring years of criticism from power users.
While the new multitasking tools may seem overdue, their implementation suggests careful consideration rather than reluctance. Federighi’s on-stage quips underscore Apple’s awareness of its audience’s desires while signaling confidence in finally meeting them. The iPad’s transformation from consumption device to legitimate work machine appears nearly complete, just don’t expect Apple to admit it was obvious all along.
(Source: Ars Technica)
