ipads: This is Apple’s next step at making iPads more like desktop

Apple announced its next-generation operating systems for iPhone, iPad, Watch, TV and Mac at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2022 earlier this week. While each operating system is set to bring something new to the tablet, it’s the iPadOS which is getting bigger improvements both in terms of features giving a glimpse into future prospects.
The iPadOS 16 brings real-time multitasking capabilities to the M1-powered iPads and also introduces external display support.
Apart from that, iPadOS 16 also allows developers to create drivers for iPad with the new DriverKit API. This is the first time iPadOS will allow developers to create something like this.
It is also important to note that the DriverKit API was first introduced with macOS Catalina. It was meant as the replacement for the kernel extensions. Also, the new API is an app extension that doesn’t require any additional permission which ensures maximum security for developers and users.
How DriverKit API will give iPads desktop-grade capabilities
Adding driver support on iPad via iPadOS will make it easier for developers to make compatible accessories and devices. They can now design specific drivers for their devices especially to make them compatible with iPads.
The iPadOS 16 is the first step in that direction and for now, it only supports PCI, USB and audio devices.
But the entire idea is much bigger than just making devices compatible with iPads. As mentioned, DriverKit API is also available on macOS and developers have been creating drivers for macOS for a while now. That means, that if a driver and the device are compatible with Apple’s silicon, it is also ready for iPads and developers can easily port them for iPad.
This will also allow Apple to offer a desktop-level experience right on the iPad.
As per reports, the iPad drivers can be distributed via App Store. However, users will need to enable them manually from Settings. Also, downloaded drivers will only work when a compatible external device is connected to the iPad.