iPadOS 14 wish list: Plenty of room for improvement

The iPad is Apple’s platform with the most room to grow. Let’s hope WWDC shows it continuing to move forward.

- JASON SNELL

It’s been a big few months for the iPad. Apple didn’t just release a (mildly updated) iPad Pro (see page 89), but a whole new accessory, the Magic Keyboard (see page 55). And surprise— tossed into a minor mid-cycle software update, iPadOS was updated to support pointer support, an upgrade many iPad users have been wanting for years.

But as Apple’s annual developer conference looms, what’s next for the iPad? Last year (go.macworld.com/lsyr), Apple introduced the concept of iPadOS as a separate variation of iOS devoted just to the iPad. This year at WWDC, that bill comes due: Apple could once hide a lack of iPad updates inside a larger iOS release, but this year we’ll all be wondering what’s new in iPadOS.

With the pointing device stuff taken care of, what are the biggest gaps left in iPadOS, and what’s likely to be announced next month at WWDC? Here’s a list of some of the most glaring deficiencies in Apple’s tablet operating system.

A FOCUS ON THE KEYBOARD

While iPadOS 13.4 (go.macworld.com/i134) introduced pointer support, an even more important optional input device on iPad is the keyboard. And the iPad’s keyboard support deserves an upgrade.

Neither of Apple’s iPad keyboards—the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard— offer a row of function keys above the number row. Which, fair enough. Years ago, Apple cleverly remapped those keys to be dedicated to media and device control by default—and if you use an iPad with a keyboard that has function keys, they’ll work to play and pause media, raise and lower volume, move between audio tracks, and adjust screen brightness.