# The Future of Multitasking on iPad: Stage Manager and the iPad Mini 7
Since the launch of iOS 9, iPads have featured a fundamental multitasking capability that enables users to divide the screen between two apps. However, with the arrival of iPadOS 16, Apple made a substantial advancement by introducing Stage Manager, a feature that allows running several applications in overlapping windows. This innovation has unlocked new avenues for productivity on the iPad, especially for users who depend on multitasking for their everyday tasks.
## Current Stage Manager Requirements
Upon its initial reveal during the iPadOS 16 beta, Stage Manager’s compatibility was confined to iPads equipped with the M1 chip. This limitation was primarily due to RAM needs; only M1 iPads were outfitted with 8GB of RAM, considered essential for smoothly managing multiple windows. However, following the launch of iPadOS 16.1, Apple broadened Stage Manager’s access to older iPad Pro models featuring the A12X and A12Z chips, both with 6GB of RAM. On these versions, Stage Manager functions solely on the device without support for external displays.
Despite Apple’s justifications concerning the requirements for Stage Manager, many users found this reasoning unpersuasive. The constraints ignited discussions and even prompted conceptual designs illustrating how Stage Manager could potentially work on smaller devices, such as the iPad Mini.
## iPad Mini 7: A Case for Stage Manager
The newly launched [iPad Mini 7](https://amzn.to/3NxIocQ) is driven by the A17 Pro chip, which includes 8GB of RAM—adequate for simultaneously operating multiple applications. Although the performance of the A17 Pro chip is marginally less than that of the M1 chip, it still surpasses that of the A12Z chip, which can only support a limited version of Stage Manager.
Considering these specifications, there is a strong case for Apple to activate Stage Manager on the iPad Mini 7, particularly when it is connected to an external display, keyboard, and mouse. The idea of utilizing a compact device like the iPad Mini as a portable workstation when connected to a monitor is extremely enticing. This flexibility could revolutionize how users engage with their devices, facilitating a smooth transition from mobile to desktop contexts.
In an ideal situation, the iPad Mini could even serve as a virtual keyboard and trackpad for Stage Manager, akin to functionalities offered by competitors like Samsung. This would further enrich the user experience, boosting multitasking efficiency.
## The Road Ahead
Although Apple did not reference Stage Manager in the iPad Mini 7’s announcement, there remains hope for future enhancements. With the rollout of iPadOS 19 next year, it is plausible that Apple might rethink its position and authorize Stage Manager for the iPad Mini 7. The device not only satisfies the RAM requirements but also boasts a faster USB-C port capable of 10 Gbps, aligning with the features of the most recent iPad Air models, which can output 4K video at 60Hz.
## Conclusion
The launch of Stage Manager has considerably improved the multitasking functions of iPads, yet the omission of the iPad Mini 7 from this capability raises inquiries about Apple’s forthcoming strategies. As users are progressively searching for devices that can adjust to their diverse needs, the potential to operate multiple applications in a windowed format on the iPad Mini could be transformative.
What are your thoughts? Would having Stage Manager on the iPad Mini be advantageous for you? Share your views in the comments section below.
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