iPadOS 16 Expected to Launch in Final Week of October

Apple plans to release iPadOS 16.1 in the final week of October, barring any new software bugs or issues, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

iPadOS 16 Header
In a tweet today, Gurman said iPadOS 16.1 is on track to be released the week of October 24. Apple will likely release iOS 16.1 at the same time as iPadOS 16.1 given that the latest beta of each update have the same build number.

Given the delay, iPadOS 16 will be released as iPadOS 16.1 instead. The update is compatible with all iPad Pro models, the third-generation iPad Air and later, the fifth-generation iPad mini and later, and the fifth-generation iPad and later.


Apple previously said iPadOS 16 would be released in October, but the company did not provide a specific release date.

iPadOS 16 was initially expected to be released alongside iOS 16 in September, but Apple delayed the update after some users criticized the new Stage Manager feature that allows for multiple apps to be used in overlapping windows.

Apple recently expanded Stage Manager to older iPad Pro models with A12X and A12Z chips released in 2018 and 2020, albeit without external display support, which limits the feature to four apps on the built-in display on these models. Apple also delayed external display support for iPad models with the M1 chip until later this year.

Apple has improved Stage Manager in recent weeks, but some users said the feature still has several issues in the latest iPadOS 16 beta.

macOS Ventura will also be released in October — potentially alongside iPadOS 16.1.

Related Forum: iOS 16

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Top Rated Comments

Kierkegaarden Avatar
36 months ago
I don’t think iPadOS 16.1 was delayed because of any feature not working out — they could easily just remove it from that version and release later. It seems more likely that macOS and iPadOS is being released to coincide with new hardware. I still think there could be an event.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr. Dee Avatar
36 months ago
This is probably the most controversial iPadOS release in history. I think they need to just do a PSA and tell people, stop expecting more from this device. "We have this ****ing product line called the Mac, if you want to multitask, go there. This is for YouTube and browsing Macrumors, stop!"
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fel10 Avatar
36 months ago

Wow! Amazing stuff. Let’s get this iPad OS out Apple. Big month for all the software updates. ?
This has to be Tim Cook’s account
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Justin Cymbal Avatar
36 months ago
Looking forward to getting this for my iPad Pro

I hope Apple adds HealthKit to iPadOS next year - I was hoping that they would this year but didn’t :/
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
36 months ago
Wow! Amazing stuff. Let’s get this iPad OS out Apple. Big month for all the software updates. ?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
drew0020 Avatar
36 months ago
First thing you should do is turn stage manager off. That way iPad OS 16.1 (at least the beta builds) is usable. You’re welcome!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)