What is Stage Manager on iPadOS?
For years, the iPad was primarily a single-app device. While Apple eventually introduced Split View and Slide Over, they remained rigid. Stage Manager is a massive leap forward for iPad multitasking. It brings a more traditional, desktop-like windowing system to iPadOS, allowing you to resize overlapping windows, group different apps together, and quickly switch between workspaces.
Why You Should Enable Stage Manager
If you use your iPad for serious productivity, researching across multiple documents, or connecting to an external monitor, Stage Manager is essential. It allows you to:
- View up to four overlapping application windows on your iPad screen simultaneously.
- Connect an external display and run an additional four apps on the second screen.
- Drag and drop files seamlessly between floating windows.
- Keep your most important recent apps visible on the left side of the screen for instant access.
Hardware Requirements
Stage Manager requires significant processing power and is only available on specific iPad models:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (5th generation and later)
Note: Full external display support requires an iPad with an M1 chip or newer.
How to Turn On Stage Manager
Stage Manager is not enabled by default. You can toggle it on quickly through the Control Centre.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPad screen to open the Control Centre.
- Look for the icon featuring a rectangle with three small squares on its left side.
- Tap the icon to enable Stage Manager.
- To disable it, simply tap the icon again.
Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures and select Stage Manager.
How to Use Stage Manager Workflows
Resizing Windows
When you open an app with Stage Manager active, it will appear as a floating window.
- Look for the small, curved indicator in the bottom corner of the window.
- Tap and drag this indicator to resize the window to your preferred dimensions. The window will snap to predefined aspect ratios.
Grouping Multiple Apps
You can create a workspace containing multiple apps (e.g., Safari, Notes, and Mail).
- Open your first app.
- To add a second app, you can drag its icon from the Dock at the bottom of the screen into the centre of your workspace.
- Alternatively, tap the three dots (…) at the top of the current window and select Add Another Window.
- Choose the next app from your App Library or Home Screen.
Using the Recent Apps Strip
On the left side of the screen, you will see thumbnails of your recently used apps and groups. Tapping one of these thumbnails will instantly swap your entire current workspace with the one you selected. You can also drag an app from this left strip directly into your current workspace.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to use an external keyboard and mouse: While Stage Manager works with touch, it is significantly faster and more intuitive when paired with a Magic Keyboard or an external Bluetooth mouse and trackpad.
- Overcrowding the screen: Even on a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, four windows can feel cramped. Stick to two or three windows per group for optimal productivity.
Next Steps
To unlock the true potential of Stage Manager, plug your iPad into an external monitor using a USB-C cable or hub. Your iPad will not just mirror its screen; it will extend your workspace, giving you a full desktop experience powered by iPadOS.