Apple is adding support for trackpads to iPads with its new iPadOS 13.4 software update, starting with its newly announced iPad Pro model and its accompanying “Magic Keyboard” accessory. It’ll work on all iPad Pro models, iPad Air 2 and later, the 5th-generation iPad and later, and the iPad mini 4 and later. Basically, if you’ve bought an iPad in the last four or five years, it should be supported.
Apple says it didn’t just replicate the cursor and mouse experience that you get on a Mac. Instead, the cursor is similar to the circular one that has worked as an accessibility feature since iPad OS was released last fall. It sounds like the circle will morph and change shape to highlight different user interface options as you move around the display, highlighting different UI elements as well as text to make it clear what things you can click on and manipulate. While the basic design is similar to that accessibility mouse support, the way the circular cursor transitions to work with other elements is definitely new.
The trackpad will also support plenty of gestures, including access to the control center, dock and multitasking options like Slide Over view. It’ll work with all of Apple’s built-in apps, but the company says most third-party apps will work without any change from their developers.
iPadOS 13.4 will be available on March 24th.
