With Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 just weeks away, scheduled to kick off on June 9th, anticipation is building for the next generation of Apple’s operating systems. Fresh rumors have surfaced, offering specific details about potential macOS-like upgrades coming to iPadOS 19.
Serial leaker Majin Bu has shared information from a source pointing towards significant changes aimed at boosting iPad productivity, focusing on features like a menu bar and an updated Stage Manager.
One of the standout rumors for iPadOS 19 involves the introduction of a Mac-style menu bar. According to the leak, this menu bar would appear at the top of the screen specifically when an accessory like the Magic Keyboard is connected to the iPad. The goal seems clear: to transform the iPad into a more capable, laptop-like device for users who rely on keyboard accessories for productivity tasks, bringing a familiar macOS element to the tablet interface.
Complementing the potential menu bar is a rumored update to Apple’s multitasking feature, dubbed ‘Stage Manager 2.0’. This enhanced version would reportedly activate automatically when the Magic Keyboard is attached, aiming to provide a smoother and more efficient experience for managing multiple apps and windows. While details are scarce on exactly how it improves upon the current system, this rumor aligns with previous reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who indicated Apple plans to focus iPadOS 19 on improving productivity, multitasking, and app window management, making the iPad operate more like a Mac.
The recent leaks also touched upon potential upgrades for iOS 19, suggesting the productivity push extends beyond the iPad. Specifically, iPhones equipped with a USB-C port might gain significantly enhanced external display support. Instead of simply mirroring the iPhone screen, iOS 19 could introduce a Stage Manager-like interface when connected to an external monitor, allowing users to genuinely extend their workspace onto a second screen, though potential limitations on resolution or app compatibility were noted by the leaker.
However, it’s important to approach these specific leaks from Majin Bu’s source with a healthy dose of skepticism. Bu’s track record isn’t flawless, and some question the plausibility of these claims. Apple has historically maintained that the iPad and Mac offer distinct computing experiences, making the sudden addition of a core macOS element like the menu bar seem somewhat improbable as a native OS feature. Additionally, the practical benefit of extending an iPhone’s display in such a manner without dedicated accessories like a keyboard and mouse is also debatable.
Despite the doubts surrounding this particular leak’s specifics, the underlying idea that Apple is looking to enhance iPadOS productivity isn’t new. Previous reports have hinted at interface elements potentially migrating from visionOS, and the desire among power users for a more capable, Mac-like iPad experience is well-documented. Whether iPadOS 19 will feature a menu bar and Stage Manager 2.0 exactly as described remains uncertain, but we’ll get the official answers directly from Apple during the WWDC 2025 keynote in June.
