What Is Stage Manager?
Stage Manager is a new multitasking interface for the iPad and the Mac that automatically groups together your recently used apps into stacks of windows that become pinned to the left side of the display. Users can customize each of the stacked window groups to create their own customized workflows. Stage Manager is definitely an acquired taste for a special breed of multitaskers that favor multitasking continuity. These users prefer to see all of their most recent apps at a glance instead of bouncing between windows or fullscreen apps and hiding open apps behind other windows in the foreground.
Stage Manager Pros
Less confusing multitasking options with minimal limitations.Makes inactive windows more visible and accessible throughout the system.
Toggle between routine workflows instantly by launching up to four apps.
Stage Manager Cons
Default Stage Manager layout reduces screen real estate for active apps.
Unlike macOS, the app windows in iPadOS 16 are not infinitely resizable.Window snapping in iPadOS makes referencing foreground information more difficult.
Using Stage Manager on an iPad
Stage Manager enables multi-window support for the first time on iPad models powered by the M1 chip, including the iPad Air (5th Generation) and the latest iPad Pro (12.9-inch and 11-inch). While previous versions of iPadOS limited users to running no more than two apps side-by-side in addition to a Slide Over window or Picture-In-Picture video, the new Stage Manager system allows up to four overlapping and resizable windows on an iPad. iPadOS 16 also allows external display support. While previously external displays only worked with screen mirroring, now they can act as a true secondary display, and you can open an additional four windows on the display, allowing for up to eight all at once. You can even move back and forth between a window on your iPad to a window on your external display and vice versa.
How to Enable Stage Manager on an iPad
To use Stage Manager on compatible iPad Air and iPad Pro models, follow the steps below:
Customize Stage Manager on an iPad
After enabling Stage Manger on an iPad, your most recent apps will be accessible from the left side of the screen, while apps you tap will instantly launch into the foreground as standalone windows. Users can resize windows by dragging with one finger on the angled ellipse icon at the bottom-right corner of each window. To add additional apps to an open stack of windows, simply drag recent windows from the left side of the display or from the dock. Long-press on the Stage Manager icon in Control Center with one finger to reveal Stage Manager preferences. Under the new menu, uncheck the respective checkmarks to hide recent apps and/or hide the dock. Alternatively, users can access the same customization options for Stage Manager by visiting the Settings app and navigating to “Home Screen and Dock” and selecting “Stage Manager.”
Using Stage Manager on a Mac
On Mac desktops and laptops compatible with macOS Ventura, Stage Manager bypasses the need for traditional multitasking gestures and keyboard shortcuts, including Mission Control and the classic app switcher by leaving grouped apps accessible.
How to Enable Stage Manager on a Mac
- Click the “Stage Manager” button beneath the Focus toggle. Open apps as you normally would from the dock, through Finder or the Launchpad. Apps you just launched will appear in the foreground as standalone windows.
Customize Stage Manager on a Mac
How to Get Stage Manager
Developer betas of macOS Ventura and iPadOS 16 are available for Apple developers and mobile device enthusiasts to test. An active Apple Developer account is required to access developer beta software through Apple. It is not recommended that you install beta software on your primary device(s). Apple is expected to release public betas for macOS Ventura and iPadOS 16 in July 2022. These versions are expected to feature enhanced stability improvements. Regardless of which beta versions you decide to upload, it would be wise to back up your device to your computer or via iCloud before installing beta software. Image credit: Apple. All screenshots taken by Brahm Shank.
