Bloomberg reports that Apple is planning on delaying the public release of iPadOS 16 until October, instead of launching alongside iOS 16 in September, as it traditionally does.
The delayed launch of iPadOS 16 is said to be partly due to the implementation of Stage Manager as Apple is still working out bugs. Stage Manager is a new multitasking feature for the M1 iPad Pro and iPad Air models that is designed to provide a more Mac-like multi-window multitasking experience on the tablet. A delayed launch will allow Apple to devote more time to put the finishing touches on iOS 16, allowing it to then shift its efforts to putting the final touches on iPadOS 16.
During beta testing, the system has been ridden with bugs, has a confusing interface, and it lacks compatibility with most iPads.
While the delayed launch of iPadOS 16 will mark a departure from Apple’s standard release plans, it could allow them to release it alongside the iPad Pro with M2 chip, which is expected to debut late this year.