Apple is reportedly planning to introduce more Mac-like features to its iPads with an upcoming update to iPadOS, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The update, expected to be released later this year, will focus on productivity, multitasking, and app window management, making the iPad experience more similar to working on a Mac.

The news comes as Apple prepares to release M5-powered iPads, which are expected to have significant performance upgrades. Gurman suggests that the new features will be substantial enough to satisfy users who want a more Mac-like experience on their iPads. However, it's essential to note that the update will not bring macOS to iPads, but rather enhance the existing iPadOS to make it more capable and efficient.

The move is seen as a significant step towards bridging the gap between iPads and Macs, making the former more appealing to users who want a more desktop-like experience on their tablets. Apple has been iterating on its multitasking features in recent years, including the introduction of Stage Manager in iPadOS 16, which allows for windowing and grouping app windows together in a dock-like collection. However, the feature was met with mixed reviews, with some users finding it too limited to be useful.

Since then, Apple has made improvements to Stage Manager, such as allowing users to resize windows more freely in iPadOS 17. However, the approach remains more iPad-centric than Mac-like. The upcoming update is expected to address this, although details on what the new multitasking features will look like are scarce. Gurman's report suggests that the changes will be significant, but it's best to reserve judgment until more information is available.

The implications of this update are significant, particularly for users who want to use their iPads as a replacement for their MacBooks. If Apple can deliver a more seamless and efficient multitasking experience, it could potentially attract more users to the iPad platform. Additionally, the update could also have implications for the broader tablet market, as other manufacturers may be forced to respond to Apple's moves.

Apple is expected to unveil iPadOS 19 in June, which will likely provide more insight into the company's plans for the iPad platform. Until then, users will have to wait and see how the company plans to execute its vision for a more Mac-like iPad experience.

In the meantime, users can expect more rumors and speculation about the upcoming update. As more information becomes available, it will be interesting to see how Apple's plans for the iPad platform unfold and what it means for the future of personal computing.