Apple iPadOS 16 official release delayed to October, iOS 16 official release still for September launch

Apple is delaying the release of the next major update to its iPad software by about a month, a departure from its previous practice of releasing it along with new iPhone software.

In past years, the company has released major software updates for both iPad and iPhone in September, for iPadOS and iOS respectively. this time, Apple plans to release iOS 16 at the same time as in previous years, and is delaying the release of iPadOS 16 until October.

The delay is due, at least in part, to Apple's ambitious attempt to revamp the iPad's multitasking capabilities. The update includes a feature called Stage Manager that lets users run multiple tasks at once, resize windows, and more.

During beta testing, the system had been criticized by some developers and users for program bugs, a confusing interface and incompatibility with most iPads. The staggered release also allows Apple to devote more resources to iOS 16, the latest version of the software that will be released in September along with iPhone 14.

The change will also bring the release of iPadOS 16 closer to the launch of new iPad hardware. Previously, the company was said to be planning a new version of the iPad Pro with the M2 chip, as well as a faster entry-level iPad with a USB-C port.

An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment on those plans. That plan may be adjusted as the fall product launch season approaches.