iPadOS 17 misses just one critical Stage Manager fix

Early releases of iPadOS 17 shows Apple refining Stage Manager, which has been the most important usability update to the iPad since Apple decided to make it more capable of running as a mainstream computer and not just a tablet.

Apple has fixed two of the three biggest bugbears with the display manager which allows iPad users to have a more traditional multitasking experience on the tablet. Firstly, positioning and sizing of application windows is a lot less restrictive. Whilst still not the complete free-for-all that Mac, Windows and Samsung Dex users enjoy, it is now close enough to be acceptable.

Secondly, shift-clicking an application will open it on the current stage, rather than creating a whole new one with just that application open, making it far easier to get applications grouped to fit your workflow.

Which leaves only one flaw remaining to be addressed. Apple does not allow you to choose the iPad's internal speakers as the audio output when connecting to an external display. That's a painful decision for users. Even if their monitors have speakers - which isn't guaranteed - none match the iPad's own fur audio performance.

The iPad Pro has become an almost complete user experience in the five years since Apple introduced the revised design with USB-C. If Apple continues to fix these niggles, the iPad Pro will really fill that role as the only computer you need.