How to use the new polarizing feature in iPadOS 16

Apple launched its new Stage Manager feature with iPadOS 16.1 for select iPads and with macOS Ventura on Macs to preemptively focus on tasks and move between apps and Windows. It can be made much easier and faster. Follow along for how to turn on Stage Manager on iPad. How it works. Which iPads are supported, and how to use the polarizing feature.

Landing as a headline – and controversial – new feature for compatible iPads and Macs in iPadOS 16.1 and macOS Ventura, here’s Apple’s description of how Stage Manager works:

“Stage Manager automatically organizes open apps and windows, so users can focus on their work and still see everything at a glance. The window the current user is working in is displayed prominently in the center. Is and other open windows appear on the left, so they can quickly and easily switch between tasks. Users can also group windows together when working on specific tasks or projects that require different apps.

It’s been a polarizing feature from a few angles, including how it works (and doesn’t) bugs and quirks. And which iPads are supported. Apple eventually extended the feature to older iPad Pro models. But has removed full-screen external display support from all iPads for now. But nevertheless, here’s how to try it.

Stage Manager on iPad: How it works in iPadOS 16 (polarizing feature)

Turn on Stage Manager on iPad

1. Running iPadOS 16.1 on an M1, A12Z, or A12X iPad, open Control Center (pull down from the top right corner of your screen or click in the top right corner)
2. Tap the Stage Manager button (3 little and 1 big square icon near the bottom right corner)
3. The first time you enable Stage Manager you should see a splash screen with a brief explanation and a button to Turn on Stage Manager
4. After the first time you turn on Stage Manager, you can quickly toggle it on and off with one tap in Control Center
5. Stage Manager is automatically added to Control Center on compatible iPads with iPadOS 16.1, but you can also reorder where the button sits by heading to Settings > Control Center

Here’s how the process looks on iPad: (polarizing feature)

In use

• Once Stage Manager is turned on, and you’ve launched an app, look for the curved black line in the bottom right corner of a window to resize it
  • If you switch to an app, and it’s full screen, resize with the bottom right corner
• You should see your other open apps on the left-hand side – move your iPad cursor to the far left edge if your other apps are hidden
• You can drag multiple apps into one Stage Manager space
• Tap the three-dot icon in the top-center of an app to close, minimize, and get other options
• For now, Stage Manager full-screen external display support has been pulled
  • Coming later to M1 and M2 iPads, but not older iPad Pro models

See Videos

And for super in-depth coverage, check out Federico Viticci’s full review of Stage Manager on iPad at MacStories:

How do you feel about Stage Manager on the iPad? Is this something you are using or excited to use? Or does it feel like a disappointment? Share your thoughts in the comments!