Apple is working on providing mouse cursor support on their upcoming iOS 14 update, based on the code of an early version of the software.
Apple was first reported to be releasing an iPad keyboard and trackpad accessory alongside their 2020 iPad(s), and now that there’s code for mouse cursor support for iOS, this seems to be in the right direction.
Apple’s current iOS does have an accessibility option to enable a Bluetooth mouse to work on an iPad, though it acts more like a Bluetooth connected finger rather than an actual mouse.
With this new code revealed, however, that can soon change and will definitely make the iPad appeal more as a laptop alternative.
Apart from just being able to point and click more efficiently, knowing Apple, they’re likely to add the ability to use gestures, to go hand in hand with their keyboard and trackpad accessory (that’s how they make more money out of its users).
Based on the early codes, the way it currently works now is that the pointer will function just like how any would. You could hover over links, pictures, right-click on them, possibly even drag and drop, etc., though we’ll have to wait and see if that is truly the case when it’s officially revealed.
What’s different, though, is that the cursor could momentarily disappear if it isn’t in use for a while. This feature is on the Mac as well, though it’s only applicable when typing.
I’ve already expected them to develop mouse cursor support when it was first revealed they were working on the keyboard and trackpad accessory for iPad. Now that it’s probably confirmed though, I can’t help but think it’s ironic for them to provide this kind of user experience on their iPad when they initially wanted to provide distinct experiences between their laptops and tablets.
Is it a bad thing? Not necessarily. I mean, yes, it’s ironic, but companies adapt. They have to follow the trend of what consumers are looking to have on their products.
Sure, it’s not the most innovative, with Microsoft already having multiple products that function as both PC and tablet. But I do think it’s still unique in its own way as the iPad isn’t, well, a Microsoft Surface. It works more like a tablet turned into a laptop and not the other way around, and I think that’s distinct enough from other PC convertibles currently out in the market.
