iPadOS 19 rumoured to bring Mac-style menu bar and smarter multitasking

Apple’s WWDC event always sees new updates being announced for all of the company’s major software. This year too WWDC will see new features coming to Apple’s devices. A new report suggests that Apple’s next major update for the iPad could make it feel even closer to a MacBook.

According to leaker Majin Bu, iPadOS 19 will introduce a dynamic menu bar that appears at the top of the screen when a Magic Keyboard is attached, offering a more traditional laptop-like experience.

Bu, who recently also tipped a new Sky Blue color for the iPhone 17 Pro, claims that iPadOS 19 will focus heavily on boosting productivity. Another highlight is said to be “Stage Manager 2.0,” an upgraded multitasking system that automatically kicks in when a keyboard is connected. The improved Stage Manager will reportedly make it easier than ever to juggle multiple apps and windows fluidly.

These rumored changes align with earlier reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who noted that Apple is aiming to significantly enhance productivity, multitasking, and window management with iPadOS 19. If true, the update could finally bridge the gap between the iPad and a full-fledged laptop, giving power users more reason to choose an iPad over a MacBook.