What to know

  • iPadOS 19 rumored to introduce a macOS-style menu bar when paired with Magic Keyboard.
  • Stage Manager 2.0 to enhance multitasking on iPads, auto-activating with keyboard.
  • iOS 19 may bring Stage Manager to USB-C iPhones for external display multitasking.
  • Features expected at WWDC 2025, aiming to boost iPad and iPhone productivity.

Apple’s iPadOS 19 is shaping up to be a significant step toward bridging the gap between iPads and Macs, with rumors suggesting a macOS-style menu bar and enhanced multitasking features. According to leaks from industry insider Majin Bu, the upcoming operating system could transform the iPad into a more laptop-like experience when paired with a Magic Keyboard, while iOS 19 may extend Stage Manager multitasking to USB-C iPhones.

A Mac-Like Menu Bar for iPadOS 19

One of the most exciting rumors is the introduction of a macOS-inspired menu bar that appears at the top of the iPad screen when connected to a Magic Keyboard. This feature, long requested by power users, aims to make the iPad feel more like a traditional laptop, streamlining access to app controls and system functions. The menu bar is said to activate only when the Magic Keyboard is attached, preserving the touch-first iPad experience for users without accessories.

This move aligns with Apple’s broader push to enhance productivity on iPads. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that iPadOS 19 would focus on “productivity, multitasking, and app window management,” and the menu bar seems to be a key part of that vision. For professionals who rely on iPads for work, this could make the tablet a more viable MacBook alternative, especially when paired with the Magic Keyboard’s trackpad and keys.

However, some skepticism surrounds the leak. Critics, including AppleInsider, argue that Apple has historically prioritized touch-optimized interfaces for iPadOS, as seen in its decision to avoid traditional menu bars since the iPad’s debut. The company’s Newton, a touchscreen device with a bottom menu bar, flopped in the 1990s, which may inform Apple’s reluctance. Still, if implemented thoughtfully, a context-sensitive menu bar could enhance the iPad’s versatility without compromising its touch-first roots.

Stage Manager 2.0: Smoother Multitasking on iPads

Alongside the menu bar, iPadOS 19 is rumored to introduce “Stage Manager 2.0,” an upgraded version of Apple’s multitasking system. Stage Manager, first launched in iPadOS 16, allows users to work with resizable, overlapping app windows, mimicking a desktop-like environment. The new version is expected to activate automatically when a Magic Keyboard is connected, offering smoother app and window management.

While specific improvements remain unclear, leaks suggest Stage Manager 2.0 will address user complaints about the feature’s clunky interface and limited app flexibility. For instance, iPadOS 17 improved window resizing, but users still find switching between apps cumbersome, especially on smaller 11-inch iPads. A more refined Stage Manager could make multitasking feel more intuitive, particularly for users juggling multiple apps on an external display, where Stage Manager supports up to four additional apps.

Stage Manager Comes to USB-C iPhones

In a surprising twist, iOS 19 may bring a basic version of Stage Manager to iPhones with USB-C ports, such as the iPhone 15 and 16 series. This feature would allow iPhones to extend their workspace to an external display, moving beyond simple mirroring to a more robust multitasking interface. Users could connect their iPhone to a monitor via USB-C and manage multiple apps simultaneously, potentially with resizable windows.

While this sounds promising, the practicality is debated. AppleInsider notes that iPhone users may find external display multitasking less useful without accessories like a Bluetooth keyboard, and resolution or app limitations could hinder the experience. Still, for professionals who want to use their iPhone as a lightweight productivity hub, this could be a game-changer, especially for on-the-go workflows.

What This Means for Apple’s Ecosystem

These rumored features reflect Apple’s ongoing effort to make its devices more versatile while maintaining distinct identities for iPads, iPhones, and Macs. The iPad, in particular, has struggled to balance simplicity for casual users with the demands of power users who want Mac-like functionality. By tying advanced features like the menu bar and Stage Manager 2.0 to the Magic Keyboard, Apple seems to be addressing both audiences—keeping iPadOS touch-friendly by default but unlocking pro-level tools for those with accessories.

The potential addition of Stage Manager to iPhones further showcases Apple’s ambition to unify its ecosystem. With USB-C enabling new possibilities for connectivity, iPhones could become more than just communication devices, serving as compact workstations for specific use cases.

Looking Ahead to WWDC 2025

Apple is expected to unveil iPadOS 19 and iOS 19 at WWDC 2025, with the first betas likely available after the June 9 keynote. Some features, like the menu bar or Stage Manager enhancements, may not appear until later betas, as Apple often refines major updates over time. While Majin Bu’s track record is mixed, the rumors align with Gurman’s earlier reports, lending some credibility.

As the iPad continues to evolve, these changes could make it a stronger contender in the productivity space, challenging the notion that a MacBook is always the better choice for work. For iPhone users, Stage Manager support could unlock new creative and professional possibilities, even if it’s a niche feature.

What do you think of these rumored updates? Would a Mac-like menu bar make you use your iPad differently? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates as WWDC approaches.

Sources: 9to5Mac, MacRumors, AppleInsider