Stage Manager is the intriguing multitasking interface that allows for multiple app windows to be open at the same time on iPad. It’s an optional multitasking experience that some iPad users may really like and appreciate, but to make that determination you will need to turn Stage Manager on and see if you like it.
iPad Stage Manager System Requirements & Supported Devices
It’s important to remember that Stage Manager has some strict system specs, and it requires iPadOS 16.1 or newer, as well as a 2018 iPad Pro model or newer, or any iPad with an M1 CPU or better.
Specifically, Stage Manager is supported by the following iPad models or newer: iPad Pro (2018 and newer), iPad Air (M1 series and newer). Earlier devices do not support Stage Manager.
Also, while not necessary, Stage Manager works best for many users when used with the iPad Magic Keyboard and it’s built-in trackpad, but you can use the feature with your fingers, stylus, or Apple Pencil too.
How to Turn On Stage Manager on iPad
Here’s how you can turn on Stage Manager at any time on iPad:
- Open Control Center on iPad by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen
- Tap on the Stage Manager button
- If you haven’t used or enabled Stage Manager yet you’ll see a splash screen, choose to turn it on here
Opened apps will now enter into Stage Manager automatically, placing them in windowed versions of the app.
You can resize the windowed apps, or have multiple apps or app windows open on screen at the same time in Stage Manager.
Stage Manager can be disabled at any time by toggling it off through Settings or from Control Center in the same way that you turned the feature on.
If you want to turn Stage Manager on or off through Settings rather than Control Center, you can do that through Settings > Home Screen & Multitasking > Stage Manager.
What do you think of the Stage Manager feature on iPad? Do you use it for multitasking on the iPad? Do you find it useful or gimmicky? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
