Multiple Accounts on one iPad?

[DaBrain]

I saw a lot of hype on Apple IOS 9 will have the ability for multiple users on a single iPad. Yet I saw no mention of that in the latest news from the latest Keynote.

Did Apple drop this feature? Wouldn't surprise me! Anyone know?

Looks like split screen is only available on the ipad Air 2. Bummer!

 

[ardchoille50]

Was Apple even working on bringing multi-user functionality to iOS, or was this just some analysts assumption?

 

[C DM]

Can't say there was much hype about it. Various wishful thinking type of posts here and there but nothing beyond that and not much even in that respect.

Even the split-screen multitasking didn't seem to be getting that much hype beyond wishful thinking posts/articles, but thankfully that finally became a reality.

 

[Sharkey311]

It was just a desired feature by the community. There was no call for it from any Analysts.

Also, Split Screen being exclusive to iPad Air 2 is due to RAM. So, no bummer there.

 

[C DM]

It was just a desired feature by the community. There was no call for it from any Analysts.

Also, Split Screen being exclusive to iPad Air 2 is due to RAM. So, no bummer there.

Could very well be due to CPU/GPU in addition to RAM.

 

[Sharkey311]

Could very well be due to CPU/GPU in addition to RAM.

Yep. In other words, iPad Air 2 is the only one that can handle it.

 

[ardchoille50]

Can you imagine the planning required for a true multi-user system on iOS? Keeping files, data, Apple ID, etc. separate for each user would likely require a bump up with regard to available memory and system resources. Users would have to remember a username and password instead of a simple PIN to unlock the device, otherwise the system wouldn't know which account is to be used. Share sheet, system preferences, wallpaper, backlight intensity.. there is quite a bit to consider here and I'm not sure our current devices are up to the task as far as hardware is concerned.

 

[bigjnyc]

Can you imagine the planning required for a true multi-user system on iOS? Keeping files, data, Apple ID, etc. separate for each user would likely require a bump up with regard to available memory and system resources. Users would have to remember a username and password instead of a simple PIN to unlock the device, otherwise the system wouldn't know which account is to be used. Share sheet, system preferences, wallpaper, backlight intensity.. there is quite a bit to consider here and I'm not sure our current devices are up to the task as far as hardware is concerned.

But most importantly Apple would sell less devices because a lot of households which had 2 iPads will now only need 1. I know for sure it would be the case in my house, my wife and I don't really need 2 iPads we would be perfectly fine with 1 if we could have seperate user accounts.

 

[ardchoille50]

But most importantly Apple would sell less devices because a lot of households which had 2 iPads will now only need 1. I know for sure it would be the case in my house, my wife and I don't really need 2 iPads we would be perfectly fine with 1 if we could have seperate user accounts.

That's another good point, I have a feeling this would be the case with many households.

Also, what would happen if one person damaged the device beyond repair? You can't simply pull the hard drive out and place into another iOS device to retrieve the data for all of the affected users.

 

[FSMBP]

But most importantly Apple would sell less devices because a lot of households which had 2 iPads will now only need 1. I know for sure it would be the case in my house, my wife and I don't really need 2 iPads we would be perfectly fine with 1 if we could have seperate user accounts.

Apple has Macs with multi-users...Not sure how big of sales would be lost with the iPad having multi-user functionality. I know more families that share one iPad than with ones that each member has an iPad. Apple would even gain an additional sale if they added this feature - I would actually buy a high-end iPad for my family.

 

[ardchoille50]

Apple has Macs with multi-users...Not sure how big of sales would be lost with the iPad having multi-user functionality. I know more families that share one iPad than with ones that each member has an iPad. Apple would even gain an additional sale if they added this feature - I would actually buy a high-end iPad for my family.

A Mac is considered a desktop computer, and that type of computer has typically been designed for multi-user functionality. iOS devices, on the other hand, are more personal devices and not considered "desktop grade", for the most part. Though I don't have the numbers, I have a feeling that MacBooks aren't used as multi-user systems as often as are the iMac or Mac Pro.

 

[FSMBP]

A Mac is considered a desktop computer, and that type of computer has typically been designed for multi-user functionality. iOS devices, on the other hand, are more personal devices and not considered "desktop grade", for the most part. Though I don't have the numbers, I have a feeling that MacBooks aren't used as multi-user systems as often as are the iMac or Mac Pro.

That's true...However, I can't imagine one of the biggest tech companies (with tens of billions in the bank) won't be able to make iOS multi-user. iOS was built off OS X and Apple already did this for OS X. I guess we'll see if they actually want to do it this fall, as I imagine they would do it with the iPad Pro immediately or not do it at all.

 

[Razeus]

They can barely sell iPads now.

I doubt they'd let more than one person use an iPad at a time.

 

[ardchoille50]

That's true...However, I can't imagine one of the biggest tech companies (with tens of billions in the bank) won't be able to make iOS multi-user. iOS was built off OS X and Apple already did this for OS X. I guess we'll see if they actually want to do it this fall, as I imagine they would do it with the iPad Pro immediately or not do it at all.

Oh, I have no doubt that Apple could add multi-user functionality to iOS. However, I think in doing so they would need to increase the price point of iOS devices (can you imagine the uproar this would cause?) due to the increase in hardware and system resources.

Apple also need to come up with a way to avoid alienating current device owners, I seriously doubt any current iOS device could stand up to multi-user functionality without some kind of degradation in user experience. New multi-user devices will also be scrutinized by the various mobile carriers for security reasons.

And, as bigjnyc pointed out, this would likely result in lost sales as relative users migrate to multiple users on a single device.

As far as the iPad Pro, I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon. Designing a larger iPad is going to bring with it a need for new materials/manufacturing methods. It's going to be quite difficult to design a larger iPad, say 12 inch, without also increasing its thickness and weight. Otherwise we'll be staring another round of bendgate square in the eyes.

 

[applesith]

Apple doesn't want to encourage people sharing iPads; they want everyone to buy their own.

I can't imagine there is much of a demand for people who share iPads in general.

 

[Serelus]

Could very well be due to CPU/GPU in addition to RAM.

Hahah.

 

[GreyOS]

Can't say there was much hype about it. Various wishful thinking type of posts here and there but nothing beyond that and not much even in that respect.

Even the split-screen multitasking didn't seem to be getting that much hype beyond wishful thinking posts/articles, but thankfully that finally became a reality.

If you go back and read this article by 9to5mac you will find they were bang on about many of the features in iOS 9 and El Capitan. More than just wishful thinking - solid rumours and leaks from a reputable person.

Notice that multi-user is discussed and that it was delayed?

I think it is definitely coming.

Also notice how they say it's probably aimed for work and schools environments. What device would especially suit that? The rumoured iPad Pro, all but confirmed with the larger keyboard that's on the MacRumors front page right now.

I'd say there's a strong chance a multi-user feature will launch alongside the iPad Pro (at the end of this year?). I just hope it's also available on the Air series!

 

[FSMBP]

Apple doesn't want to encourage people sharing iPads; they want everyone to buy their own.

I can't imagine there is much of a demand for people who share iPads in general.

I have yet to see a family that doesn't share an iPad. I have a few tech geek friends that have their own. But for the most part, I see couples sharing iPads constantly and I only ever see families with communal iPads.

I would buy a new iPad instantly if it significantly increased functionality (ex. multi-users), but I'll stick with my iPad 2 til then.