Apple iOS 14 new mouse feature brings iPad closer to Mac

Foreign media reported that according to the iOS 14 code, iOS 14 / iPadOS 14 ’s mouse support will be significantly improved, which once again triggered discussions on the integration of iPad and Mac.

According to the iOS 14 code obtained by foreign media, Apple will launch rich system-wide mouse cursor support in iOS 14. Earlier, Apple has added basic compatibility for the external mouse in the auxiliary settings of the iOS 13 system, but this feature will become mainstream in iOS 14 / iPadOS 14.

iPadOS 13 brings mouse support to the iPad for the first time, but this is a very cumbersome experience. It can only be activated through accessibility settings, and the “cursor” is large, and many users don’t like this experience.

IOS 14 is different, it will provide a much more mature experience. First, it will be a normal-sized pointer that can be adapted to the context. This includes supporting multiple pointers based on what you hover, such as switching from a “standard arrow” pointer to a “pointing hand” when hovering over a link.

Second, the pointer may disappear when the trackpad or mouse is not used, which will solve one of the important shortcomings of the iPadOS 13 mouse experience.

If polls can be used as a yardstick, improved mouse and touchpad support may be disruptive for some users. More than 10% said that this would allow them to completely replace the MacBook with the iPad, while nearly half said they would choose to use the iPad instead of the Mac to complete more tasks.

But for others, replacing the Mac with an iPad still has a long way to go. For example, those who rely on professional applications, because no one might switch from Final Cut Pro X on the big screen to less powerful apps on the much smaller iPad screen.

Of course, some professionals may also do some instant editing on an iPad or iPhone for rough edits or quick social media sharing, but in the end, they will still use a Mac for real work.

In addition, compared with Mac OS’s easy window method, multitasking on the iPad is still awkwardly cumbersome, I believe that anyone who uses multiple applications at the same time may stick to the Mac.

Finally, Apple has repeatedly stated that it has no plans to integrate the Mac and iPad product lines.

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