Apple suddenly chose to change its location: Older iPad Pro models still get Stage Manager.
The iPad Pro of 2018 got Stage Manager
The change is effective starting today with the launch of iPadOS 16.1 beta 3 (the company has released new betas for all of its beta operating systems).
Perhaps that’s one of the reasons Apple chose not to launch iPadOS 16 at the same time as iOS 16 — macOS Ventura has also been delayed until next month.
Engadget notes that iPad Pro models equipped with the A12X (2018) and A12Z (2020) chipsets will be able to take advantage of Stage Manager. Thus, the functionality is not exclusive to M1 iPad devices.
But you should be aware of this limitation
Note that there’s one major limitation: You won’t be able to use Stage Manager with external displays like you can if you have an M1 model, or shop one of the new iPad Pro models launching next month with the M2 chipset. There is also maximum support for four apps at the same time and not as eight as possible if you connect the M1 iPad Pro to an external display.
Apple developers also know that the M1 will lose this functionality starting with iPadOS 16.1 beta 5, but the option will be activated again at a later time.
These are the models that still get Stage Manager support:
- iPad Pro 11 first generation and newer
- iPad Pro 12.9 3rd generation and later
Here’s what Apple says about the change
“We introduced Stage Manager as an all-new way to multitask with nested resizable windows, either on an iPad screen or a separate external display, with the ability to run up to eight apps on the screen at the same time. This multiplayer support Screens only with the full power of the M1-powered iPad.
However, customers using the 3rd and 4th generation iPad Pro have expressed keen interest in being able to experience Phase Manager on their iPads. In response, our teams are working hard to find a way to offer a single screen version of these systems, while supporting up to four apps directly on the iPad screen at the same time.
Stage Manager remote viewing support will be available on M1 iPads in a software update later this year. “
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