Apple Rumored to Equip iPadOS 19 with MacOS Features and iPhone Display Extension
April 24, 2025
Overall, the updates in iPadOS 19 and related enhancements across Apple's ecosystem are poised to significantly impact user productivity and device usability.
Apple is set to introduce significant updates in iPadOS 19, including macOS-like features such as a menu bar and an enhanced multitasking interface dubbed 'Stage Manager 2.0.'
Additionally, iPhone users will benefit from the ability to connect their devices to Macs via USB-C, enabling the iPhone to serve as an extended display.
In anticipation of the upcoming WWDC, these features could position the iPad as a viable laptop alternative, challenging the dominance of MacBooks in professional environments.
This update aims to improve user productivity by allowing iPad users to perform tasks like document editing and media consumption on larger screens, although full desktop functionality will not be available.
However, the functionality may only appeal to a niche market, as it is speculated that it will only be available when an external display is connected.
Despite these enhancements, Apple has historically resisted merging iPadOS and macOS, believing it would compromise the strengths of both systems.
The new menu bar will help users easily identify the active application, addressing a common frustration with keyboard shortcuts in multitasking scenarios.
The proposed updates are still speculative and should be approached with caution, as the reliability of the sources remains uncertain.
Apple's focus on integrating advanced AI capabilities through 'Apple Intelligence' is also expected to enhance user experiences across its devices.
As Apple prepares for these updates, it faces the challenge of balancing the needs of both budget-conscious users and power users seeking advanced functionalities.
Summary based on 34 sources
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Sources

9to5Mac • Apr 25, 2025
iPadOS 19’s menu bar will fix a key productivity problem for me - 9to5Mac
9to5Mac • Apr 24, 2025
Rumor: iPadOS 19 will add Mac-like Menu Bar and Stage Manager 2.0 - 9to5Mac