Multitask on one iPad isn’t the most intuitive experience. Even with features like Split View and Slide Over, which let you work with multiple apps at once, it’s not immediately obvious how to activate these tools, much less how to maximize their capabilities. That’s partly why Apple introduced Stage Manager in iPadOS 16 last year, a new multitasking feature that mimics the experience of a desktop operating system.
Stage Manager organizes your open apps on the left side of the screen, where you can see them at a glance. You can also group apps and even resize and overlap windows. It makes a lot of sense for the iPad, but it’s also available on MacBooks running MacOS Ventura – useful if you often have a bunch of apps open and need some organizational help. While it is easy to use once you get the hang of it, there is a learning curve. To help you, here’s how you can use Stage Manager on your iPad and Mac.
Is your device compatible?
Apple originally announced that Stage Manager would only work with M1-powered iPad Pro models and newer models. But the company expanded support later to iPad Pro models also featuring the A12X AND A12Z chips. The following iPads support Stage Manager:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (all generations)
- iPad Air (5th generation)
There is one caveat. The ability to move apps and windows between iPad and an external display through Stage Manager only works with the following models:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Air (5th generation)
Go to to check the specific model of your iPad Settings > General > About and look for the section titled Model name.
As for Macs, Stage Manager supports any model running MacOS Ventura. The following Macs support the latest version of the operating system:
- MacBook: 2017 and later
- MacBook Air: 2018 and beyond
- MacBook Pro: 2017 and later
- Macmini: 2018 and beyond
- iMac: 2017 and later
- iMac Pro: 2017 and later
- Macpro: 2019 and beyond
- MacStudio: 2022
To check which specific Mac model you own, click the Apple icon in the menu bar at the top left corner of the screen and choose About this Mac.
Update your iPad and Mac
If your device supports Stage Manager, the next step is to make sure it’s running the latest version of iPadOS or MacOS. Before updating, we strongly recommend that you back up your files. Tap to see the exact software version of your iPad Settings > General > Software Update. Tap the latest version (iPadOS 16.2) and choose Download and install. For Mac, click the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen, then click About this Mac to make sure you’re running MacOS Ventura. If you’re not, go to System Preferences > Software Update and click Update now (or Upgrade now). From there, the download and installation process will begin.
Enable Stage Manager
Photo: Apple
Enable Stage Manager on your iPad:
