Apple held its annual WWDC conference last week, where it unveiled the next versions of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS. With the iPadOS 16, the Cupertino-based company hopes to bridge the gap between iPads and laptops.
The DriverKit API support in the next-generation iPadOS 16 software will allow iPads to support external hardware. This will also allow device manufacturers to create more tablet accessories.
In 2019, the DriverKit API was created as a framework for Macs. It will enable developers to create iPad-specific drivers and make their products iPad-compatible. The API in iPadOS 16 currently supports USB, PCI, and audio devices. Developers who have created macOS drivers can easily port them to the iPad because it is also available on the Mac. The device drivers can also be downloaded from the App Store, according to Apple.
The DriverKit API has one caveat: it only works on devices that use Apple's in-house silicone, i.e. the M1 and M2 processors. As a result, only the iPad Pro 2021 and iPad Air 2022 have this capability. However, this is still good news for iPad users because they can now use a variety of accessories that previously weren't compatible with iPadOS.
The public beta of iPadOS 16 will be available next month. It will be released in the fall.
