iOS 19 should revolutionize external display use

Will iPhones soon become small macs? With iOS 19, USB-C models are intended to better support external displays including multitasking. At the same time, the iPad is increasingly approaching the Mac with a new menu bar and Stage Manager 2.0. We show you the planned changes.

External displays for USB-C-IPHONES

With iOS 19, Apple apparently is planning a large leap of productivity for its smartphones. According to several sources, iPhones with USB -C connection – i.e. the iPhone 15 and newer models – should receive improved support for external displays. In contrast to the previous simple screen mirroring, a stage manager-like user interface is to be used, which can display several apps on the external screen at the same time.

This function would significantly expand the possible uses of the iPhone. This innovation could be particularly advantageous for presentations, image processing or working with larger documents. However, this is still not a full desktop mode, as can be found in Samsung’s Dex function, for example. Instead, Apple seems to go a middle ground that makes the iPhone more productive without putting it too much in competition with the Mac or iPad (Pro).

iPad with improved multitasking

The iPad is also said to be significantly more productive with iPados 19. The well -known leaker Majin Bu reports that Apple is planning a revised user interface that is more oriented towards MacOS. When using a keyboard – especially the Magic Keyboard – the iPad should in future display a menu bar on the upper edge of the screen, similar to the Mac.

At the same time, an improved version of the multitasking mode is to be introduced under the name “Stage Manager 2.0”. This is likely to be activated automatically as soon as a keyboard is recognized to simplify the window management on the tablet. Apple seems to try again to position the iPad as a serious alternative to the MacBook.

More uniform Apple ecosystem

The planned changes could be part of a higher-level strategy to further standardize the interaction within the Apple ecosystem. By taking over the Mac functions and preparing the iPhone more for external output devices, the user experience approaches at least easily across all devices.

This development is not surprising. Since the introduction of Apple Silicon in Macs and the use of powerful chips in iPads and iPhones, the technical differences between the devices have become increasingly smaller. The software adjustments now seem to follow up to create a more consistent use experience.

Presentation on the WWDC 2025

The presentation of the new operating systems is expected at the next WWDC developer conference, which is scheduled for June 9. The first developer beta of iOS 19 and iPados 19 should be available immediately after the keynote, while the final versions are expected to be released in September 2025.