Last week, Apple held its annual WWDC where it announced the next version of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS. The Cupertino-based giant is aiming to bridge the gap between iPads and laptops with the iPadOS 16.
The next-version iPadOS 16 software will enable iPads to support external hardware via the DriverKit API support. This will also enable device manufacturers to build more accessories for the tablet.
The DriverKit API is a framework originally created for Macs in 2019. It will allow developers to write specialised drivers for iPads and make their products compatible with the tablet. Currently, the API in iPadOS 16 supports USB, PCI, and audio devices. Since it is also available on Mac, developers who have created macOS drivers can easily port them to the iPad. Apple says that the device drivers can also be distributed from the App Store.
There’s one caveat with the DriverKit API – it works only on devices powered by Apple’ in-house silicone i.e. M1 and M2 processor. So the capability is only limited to the iPad Pro 2021 and iPad Air 2022. However, this is still a great news for iPad users as they now have access to a range of accessories that weren’t compatible with iPadOS before.
The iPadOS 16 will be available as a public beta next month. It will officially release this fall.
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