The iPad is ideal, apart from this one lacking Android characteristic

Over the previous couple of years, Apple has significantly improved the iPad’s performance by means of regularly-scheduled software program updates. With (most) PC working system necessities now current and accounted for inside iPadOS– together with resizable home windows, a cursor, and desktop-class file administration — the common iPad can now assume the position of miniature pc with relative ease.

In fact, not every part is sunshine and rainbows in iPad land, and there are nonetheless a number of software-based points that Apple wants to handle if it needs its flagship pill to compete within the large leagues with Macs and Home windows PCs. Multi-app audio, external monitor support whereas in clamshell mode, and multi-user account entry are all lacking options that instantly spring to thoughts as large fish in want of frying.

Then, there’s the minutia. Over time, I’ve seen small quirks throughout the iPad’s software program stream that create pointless friction throughout day-to-day use. As somebody who feels most at house on Android, there’s one challenge particularly that frustrates me to no finish when switching over to an iPad: the automated pausing of on-screen content material each time the iPadOS fast settings panel is invoked.

It would not must be this manner

Apple might remedy this Fast Settings challenge in a jiffy

Within the evenings, I are inclined to unwind by throwing the Portal app onto my iPad’s display screen for some digital ambiance. Nevertheless, the second I swipe all the way down to set off the fast settings panel, which I usually do to regulate quantity and brightness ranges, Portal’s audio and video feed freezes till I dismiss the interface. That is jarring, and it occurs throughout many different apps I exploit frequently.

Apparently, not all apps behave persistently on this method. For instance, YouTube and Netflix each proceed to play within the background even when I’ve fast settings triggered within the foreground, indicating an opt-out conduct for some streaming platforms and adjoining companies. I am unsure whether or not there is a devoted API that builders can use for his or her apps, however, both approach, I would a lot favor it if background content material continued to play throughout the system by default.

On my Android gadgets, in contrast, the fast settings pane by no means takes me out of my aspect. I will toggle choices and make changes on-the-fly with out my films, TV reveals, video games, and different media apps being impacted, and that simply looks like the logical strategy to UI design for my part.

The irritating a part of all that is that Apple might rework fast settings to rectify this downside with out all that a lot effort. Quite than counting on third-party builders to faucet into APIs, the corporate might flip a proverbial swap throughout the iPadOS code base to brute drive a extra Android-like strategy.

The short settings pane on iPadOS is due for a refresh

Apple actually should benefit from the iPad’s bigger show canvas

Apart from fixing this longstanding content-pausing quirk, I reckon Apple might go a step additional by increasing the scope of fast settings on iPadOS. Because it at the moment stands, the iPad’s fast settings panel is functionally equivalent to that of the iPhone, all the way down to the slender format and the restricted 8 x 4 grid of shortcut slots.

Why not make the iPad’s model a dual-column design to higher benefit from accessible display screen actual property? And, higher but, why not discontinue the observe of blurring all the display screen when the panel is triggered? Obfuscating all the show would possibly make sense on the iPhone, however it definitely would not on the iPad’s bigger canvas.

In any case, Apple’s annual World Vast Builders Convention (WWDC) for 2026 is predicted to happen in June of this 12 months, the place the corporate is more likely to announce its next-generation working system upgrades to the general public. Maybe, if I cross my fingers tight sufficient, iPadOS 27 would possibly simply be unveiled with a reworked fast settings pane that behaves extra in keeping with the one I am accustomed to on the Android platform.