Starting with iOS 9, the iPad has a basic multitasking system that allows users to split the screen between two apps. But with iPadOS 16, Apple finally allows some models of iPad to run apps on Windows using Stage Manager. Stage Manager’s main requirement was RAM, and the iPad mini 7 has even more RAM, so I think Apple should introduce Stage Manager in some way.
Current stage manager requirements
When Stage Manager was first announced in the iPadOS 16 beta, it was only compatible with the M1 iPad. According to Apple, this was because at the time only these iPads had 8GB of RAM. With iPadOS 16.1, the company extended Stage Manager to older iPad Pros with A12X and A12Z chips, both with 6GB of RAM. For these models, Stage Manager only works on devices that do not support external displays.
Apple has tried many times to explain Stage Manager’s requirements, but none of them seem very reasonable. At the time, we also posted a concept showing what Stage Manager would look like on the iPad mini. I agree that opening multiple windows on the iPad mini may not be ideal for most people, but there are other things Apple can do.
iPad mini 7 should have a stage manager
The new iPad mini 7 is powered by the A17 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM, which is enough to run multiple apps simultaneously. Additionally, the A17 Pro chip’s performance is slightly slower than the M1 chip, but much faster than the A12Z chip, which can run a limited version of Stage Manager.
So my point here is that Apple should at least enable Stage Manager on the iPad mini 7 when it’s connected to an external display with a keyboard and mouse. Imagine how great it would be to have a device like the iPad mini that’s portable yet can be connected to a monitor and used as a desktop?
In a dream world, you could even use your iPad as a virtual keyboard or trackpad for Stage Manager (Samsung offers similar functionality on its phones).
Apple didn’t mention Stage Manager in the iPad mini 7 press release, so I’m sure it’s not available for now, but who knows when iPadOS 19 is released next year. Not only does the iPad mini 7 have the RAM you need, it also comes with a high-speed USB-C port at up to 10 Gbps. This is the same port on the latest iPad Air that can output 4K 60Hz video.
what about you? Do you think it would be useful to have a Stage Manager on your iPad mini? Let us know in the comments section below.
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