Earlier, Apple’s head of software engineering, Craig Federighi, explained why the feature was limited to the M1 iPad. But this week, we saw yet another article related to Stage Manager. It is known that an “internal mode” mentioned in the iPadOS 16 code allows non-M1 iPads to get this multitasking/stacked window experience.
9to5Mac discovered that the code references an internal setting called “Legacy Devices” that enables the “Chamois” feature (codename for Stage Manager) for older devices. Sadly, according to Craig Federighi – Apple tested more iPad models before launching Stage Manager, and ultimately determined that only the M1 iPad could ensure an ideal experience.
Even so, interested developers can still try to open this hidden option in the first Dev test version of iPadOS 16 (may encounter unexpected problems such as stuttering). In addition, Craig Federighi said in an earlier interview that virtual memory swapping is critical to the build of the Stage Manager experience – because the feature supports up to eight application windows (4 on the main screen + 4 on the external monitor) open at the same time.
Paradoxically, we later found out that the 64GB entry-level iPad Air 5 on the support list itself lacked memory swap (via 9to5Mac). The executive also pointed out that the Stage Manager is also more demanding on hardware due to its smooth animations and nice shadows. But this claim is equally controversial, as the 2017 Intel Mac with macOS Ventura upgradability also supports it.
While it’s unclear if Apple will redraw the line for iPadOS 16 / Stage Manager. However, the macOS Monterey / Live Text function, which was limited to the M1 Mac last year, was finally put on the Intel Mac under the criticism of the majority of users.
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