iPadOS 19 to Feel More Like macOS, Lighter And Cheaper Vision Pro in the Works: Gurman

Highlights

• Apple plans to make iPadOS 19 more like macOS, enhancing productivity, multitasking and app window management.
• Apple is also developing two new Vision Pro versions – a lighter, more affordable model and a version designed to connect to a Mac for professional use.
• Along with iPadOS 19, iOS 19 and Mac are set for major design updates with the lighter Vision Pro aiming to reduce weight and cost.

It appears Apple is gearing up for a big software revamp with iPadOS 19 and we might also get a lighter, more affordable Vision Pro. Here’s a quick update on Apple’s future plans based on recent rumours.

iPadOS 19 To Be More Like macOS

Caption – Recent reports share new updates on iPadOS 19. (Image credit – 9to5Mac)

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPadOS 19 is going to feel “more like macOS.” After years of users asking for more powerful features on the iPad, it looks like Apple is finally making a move in that direction.

Gurman says the update will focus on improving productivity, multitasking, and managing app windows, making the iPad behave more like a Mac.

“I’m told that this year’s upgrade will focus on productivity, multitasking and app window management — with an eye on the device operating more like a Mac. It’s been a long time coming, with iPad power users pleading with Apple to make the tablet more powerful,” he shared.

This change is part of a bigger shift across Apple’s lineup. Along with iPadOS 19, we’re expecting a major redesign of the iPhone with iOS 19, and the Mac is also set to get its first design refresh in five years.

For a while now, the iPad’s hardware has been more advanced than its software, which has been a common frustration among users. While this new update won’t turn iPadOS into macOS, it sounds like a solid step in the right direction.

Apple Working On Lighter and More Affordable Vision Pro

Caption – Apple is developing new Vision Pro models. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple is also working on two new versions of its Vision Pro headset. One is a lighter and more affordable model, and the other is a new version aimed at enterprise users, designed to work with a Mac.

Originally, Apple had planned a simple upgrade from an M2 chip to an M5 chip for the Vision Pro, without any major design changes. But now, that plan has changed. The new Vision Pro will connect directly to a Mac, targeting professional use cases where wireless latency is a problem like during surgery or in flight simulators.

As Gurman puts it, “Instead, it’s now working on a Vision Pro that plugs into a Mac. The difference between the two ideas is the level of immersion.” This version will still use pass-through visuals, just like the current model, rather than transparent lenses.

Meanwhile, the lighter and cheaper version of the Vision Pro is still very much in development. There had been some confusion over whether the project was delayed, but Gurman says it’s still a high priority for Apple.

Right now, the Vision Pro weighs nearly 1.5 pounds, which can lead to neck and head strain. It’s also seven times more expensive than Meta’s Quest 3. Apple reportedly wants this new model to tackle both those issues.

There aren’t many details yet on how exactly Apple will achieve the lighter and more affordable design, but this could be a big step toward CEO Tim Cook’s long-term goal of sleek AR glasses.

FAQs

Q1. How will iPadOS 19 be different from previous versions?

Answer. iPadOS 19 is set to focus on productivity, multitasking, and app window management, making it operate more like macOS and addressing user requests for more powerful software.

Q2. What are Apple’s plans for the Vision Pro headset?

Answer. Apple is working on two new versions, a lighter, more affordable model and a version designed for enterprise users that connects directly to a Mac.

Q3. Why is Apple redesigning the Vision Pro?

Answer. The current Vision Pro weighs nearly 1.5 pounds, causing neck and head strain, and is significantly more expensive than competitors. The redesign aims to address these concerns with a lighter and more affordable model.

Also Read: Apple Might Be Planning a New iPhone 19 Pro Design for iPhone’s 20th Anniversary in 2027

Also Read: iOS 19 May Drop Support for Three iPhone Models, Gurman Reveals Redesign Details