iPadOS 16 Expected to Launch in Final Week of October - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

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

Popular Stories

MacBook Pro Low Angle Wide Lens

macOS 27: Two More Changes Leaked Ahead of WWDC Next Month

Sunday May 10, 2026 9:45 am PDT by
macOS 27 will have a "slight redesign" compared to macOS Tahoe, according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the design changes will help to improve the readability of macOS Tahoe's Liquid Glass interface:If you've used Tahoe, you're likely familiar with some of the quirks — particularly the transparency effects and shadows that...
M5 Vision Pro Thumb 2

Gurman: New Apple Vision Pro Won't Arrive for at Least Two Years

Monday May 11, 2026 5:16 am PDT by
Apple hasn't fully abandoned the Vision Pro, but anyone hoping for a successor will be waiting at least two more years, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman resisted suggestions that Apple has walked away from the headset entirely. The well-connected reporter says the company continues to develop new technologies and materials behind the...
iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 to Bring Customizable Camera App, Tweaks to Weather, Safari and Liquid Glass

Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:12 pm PDT by
Apple plans to make the Camera app more customizable in iOS 27, reports Bloomberg. Users will be able to select the features they want to see in the Camera app, like flash, exposure, timer, depth of field, photo styles, and resolution. Camera controls, labeled as widgets, will be able to be placed at the top of the Camera interface in any order. Users will be able to select widgets from a...

Top Rated Comments

48 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
48 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
48 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
48 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
48 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
48 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)