Stage Manager on the iPad Pro utilizes virtual RAM through a feature called Virtual Memory Swap, which is exclusive to iPads equipped with the M1 chip. This technology allows the iPad to convert a portion of its storage into makeshift RAM, effectively expanding the available memory for apps. Here's how it works and why it's crucial for Stage Manager:
Virtual Memory Swap and Stage Manager
- Memory Expansion: Virtual Memory Swap enables the iPad to use its onboard storage as additional RAM. This is particularly important for Stage Manager, which allows users to run up to eight apps simultaneously across the iPad and an external display. Each app can potentially demand a significant amount of memory, and without this feature, the iPad would quickly run out of physical RAM[1][3][6].
- Performance Requirements: Stage Manager is designed to provide a seamless multitasking experience, similar to what users expect from laptops and desktops. It requires fast memory swap to ensure that apps remain responsive even when multiple apps are open. The M1 chip's ability to handle this memory swap efficiently is crucial for maintaining performance[2][4].
- External Display Support: Stage Manager also supports connecting to external displays up to 6K resolution, which demands high graphics performance and fast I/O capabilities. The M1 chip's support for driving large displays at scaled resolutions is another reason why Stage Manager is limited to M1 iPads[1][2].
- Memory Management: In traditional systems, when physical RAM is exhausted, apps may be closed or become unresponsive. Virtual Memory Swap helps mitigate this by allowing the iPad to temporarily use storage as RAM, ensuring that apps remain open and responsive even when physical RAM is fully utilized[3][6].
Why M1 iPads Are Required
The M1 chip is essential for Stage Manager due to its combination of high DRAM capacity, fast NAND storage, and advanced I/O capabilities. These features allow for the efficient use of virtual memory, ensuring that Stage Manager can handle multiple apps without significant performance degradation[1][2]. While older iPads could potentially support some multitasking features, they lack the necessary hardware to deliver the seamless experience that Stage Manager provides[3][9].
In summary, Stage Manager's reliance on virtual RAM through Virtual Memory Swap is a key factor in its limitation to M1 iPads. This technology ensures that users can multitask efficiently with multiple apps open, both on the iPad and on external displays, without experiencing the performance issues that would arise from insufficient physical RAM.
Citations:[1] https://birchtree.me/blog/stage-manager-is-only-for-m1-ipads-and-no-its-not-because-apple-hates-you-yes-you/
[2] https://forums.appleinsider.com/discussion/227814/stage-manager-for-ipados-16-limited-to-m1-over-memory-storage-speed-requirements
[3] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ipados-16-stage-manager-compatible-m1-why/
[4] https://screenrant.com/apple-stage-manager-more-ipad-pro-models-ipados-16-beta/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/iPadPro/comments/10k6vee/a_question_about_the_performance_with_stage/
[6] https://forums.appleinsider.com/discussion/227785/ipados-16-stage-manager-needs-enhanced-virtual-memory-that-only-m1-supports
[7] https://forums.playbackplayer.com/topic/184354-ipads-stage-manager-and-virtual-memory/
[8] https://support.apple.com/en-my/guide/ipad/ipad1240f36f/ipados
[9] https://9to5mac.com/2022/06/08/stage-manager-ipad-m1/