Apple fans continue to eagerly await the upcoming WWDC 2025 presentation, where the world will see fresh updates to the Apple OS. This is not surprising: Apple’s innovations in design often become a trend and are picked up by other companies for their own products.
Among the expected updates will be iPadOS 19—firmware for tablets. Apple balances between iOS and macOS year after year, trying to make the iPad more useful than the iPhone, but not allowing it to steal Mac sales. The next episode of this exciting process will be revealed on June 9, 2025.
As always, the interest around Apple’s ecosystem upgrades goes beyond mere curiosity—users are eager to understand how their workflow, devices, and interfaces might evolve. WWDC typically provides major insight into that, and this year looks to be no exception.
Supported Devices and System Redesign
Apple is known for long-term support of its devices, but from time to time older iPads still “fly off” the list and remain on previous OS versions. This happened last year: the rather successful and popular iPad Pro 12.9 (2017), iPad 6 (2018), and iPad Pro 10.5 (2017) were left without iPadOS 18.
Fortunately, this year no one will be left behind. Insiders say that iPadOS 19 will be received by all tablets currently compatible with iPadOS 18. Here they are:
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iPad Pro 2018 and newer
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iPad Air 3 (2019) and newer
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iPad mini 5 (2019) and newer
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iPad 7 (2019) and newer
Interestingly, the iPad 7 (2019) runs on the Apple A10 chip—the same chip that powered the iPhone 7, which has not been supported for quite some time. In this regard, Apple has strange logic, but on the other hand, it’s fortunate that a tablet with such dated hardware will still receive a fresh OS. It seems Apple is drawing a different support line for tablets than it does for phones.
In terms of appearance, insiders predict a large-scale redesign of the system’s visual layout. The system is expected to mirror visionOS aesthetics, with translucent matte “floating” panels, rounded icons for applications and menus, and a lower navigation panel shaped like an elongated “island” with soft corners.
These upcoming changes are described as “fundamental” and “the most extensive since iOS 7.” This means that after the update, users might not recognize their iPads. However, major visual overhauls can sometimes bring bugs and performance issues. We’ll keep you updated as more details surface and as Apple approaches the expected iPadOS 19 release window in September–October 2025.
Additionally, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has noted that Apple plans to “simplify settings and navigation” within the system. The exact changes remain unclear, but it’s a welcome note for users. Currently, iPadOS settings still include several illogical and legacy items that make navigation cumbersome. If Apple follows through on this, usability could benefit significantly.
Functional Additions and Workflow Improvements
In terms of functionality, there haven’t been any official announcements about major feature additions. However, several insider leaks offer insight into some of the improvements we might see with iPadOS 19.
Battery Management:
One of the key features may be an advanced neural network-based system that analyzes user behavior and optimizes battery usage accordingly. The goal is to help increase autonomy and reduce the number of charges needed. Over time, this could extend the life of the battery before a replacement is needed—something frequent users would certainly appreciate.
Productivity Enhancements:
Mark Gurman has also stated that “iPadOS 19 will become more like macOS in three ways”: increased productivity, improved multitasking, and refined window management. This is not the first time Apple has tried to boost the iPad’s multitasking capabilities—the previous “Stage Manager” feature received mixed feedback due to its complexity and niche appeal. In iPadOS 19, we may see a more intuitive implementation of multi-window usage, perhaps similar to the effective split-screen models seen in Samsung’s One UI on Galaxy tablets.
Apple Pencil and Input Improvements:
A new virtual calligraphy tool referred to as a “reed pen” is said to be coming for Apple Pencil users. In addition, a bidirectional keyboard will enable easier switching between Arabic and English languages. These features appear to be part of Apple’s push to enhance iPad sales in the UAE and Indian markets, where such tools could see more frequent use.
Magic Keyboard and Interface Crossover:
Another change involves the Magic Keyboard, adds NIX Solutions. When connected to an iPad running iPadOS 19, the system is expected to display a macOS-like menu bar. This further blurs the line between iPads and Macs and could significantly shift how users perceive the iPad—as a more viable productivity device rather than just a content consumption tool.
While these updates are still unofficial, they hint at a continued push to bring the iPad closer to being a full-fledged hybrid device. For now, many users continue to hope for better file handling, improved external monitor support, and more consistent software behavior across devices.
We’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available and Apple makes official announcements during or after the WWDC event.