The RAM limitation on the iPad Pro significantly impacts multitasking capabilities, particularly in how multiple apps can be managed simultaneously. Here's a detailed breakdown:
RAM Limitations for Apps
- Per-App RAM Limit: iPadOS imposes a per-app RAM limit of approximately 5 GB, regardless of the total RAM available on the device. This means that even on models with 16 GB of RAM, individual apps cannot utilize more than 5 GB. This limitation is particularly noticeable for professional apps like Procreate, which benefit from additional layers and thus require more memory[3][6].- Impact on Multitasking: While the 5 GB limit may not be a significant issue for most users, it restricts the performance of resource-intensive apps. However, the overall RAM capacity (8 GB or 16 GB) allows for more apps to remain active in memory, enhancing multitasking by reducing the need for apps to reload when switching between them[3][7].
Multitasking Features and Limitations
- Stage Manager: iPadOS 17 introduces Stage Manager, which allows users to have multiple apps open simultaneously. However, it limits the number of apps that can be open in a single stage to four, which can feel restrictive, especially when using an external display[2].- External Display Support: Connecting an external display doubles the number of active apps or windows that can be used simultaneously, allowing for up to eight apps across both the iPad and the external display. This setup enables more efficient multitasking by keeping all apps live and active[8].
User Experience and Workarounds
- Performance and Lag: Despite the RAM limitations, users often report smooth performance with multiple apps open, thanks to efficient memory management by iPadOS. However, apps that require more than 5 GB of RAM may not perform optimally[4][6].- Workarounds and Future Developments: Apple occasionally introduces entitlements that allow specific apps to request additional memory under certain conditions. Users hoping for more robust multitasking capabilities often suggest adopting macOS-like features or increasing the per-app RAM limit[6].
In summary, while the RAM limitations on the iPad Pro impose constraints on multitasking, particularly for resource-intensive apps, the overall RAM capacity and efficient memory management enable smooth performance for most users. However, for those requiring more advanced multitasking capabilities, these limitations can be restrictive.
Citations:[1] https://www.anandtech.com/show/9605/the-ios-9-review/8
[2] https://www.theverge.com/23787477/apple-ipados-17-stage-manager-ipad-multitasking
[3] https://9to5mac.com/2021/05/28/ipad-pro-ram-limits/
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26PDQCW3k80
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/ipad/comments/120iwmd/how_can_ipados_ever_be_a_multitasker_if_apps_cant/
[6] https://reneritchie.net/why-the-ipad-pro-has-a-5gb-ram-limit/
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/ipad/comments/1cqvmve/ipad_pro_owners_who_opted_for_larger_ram_did_it/
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zEptjKIeBQ