This brilliant new iPadOS concept imagines a spectacular “main menu” concept that would change the way we interact with iPad apps.
The feature, designed by Alexander Käßner, would allow for cleaner apps and a standardized method of accessing common functions. It works much like the toolbar every Mac user is familiar with.
We’re expecting major interface changes in iOS and iPadOS 14 that could make iPhone and iPad more powerful than ever — including an overhauled Home screen with support for widgets.
One thing we haven’t seen from the leaks, however, is a fix for the complicated and messy Share menus that have only gotten worse in iOS and iPadOS in recent years.
That’s why Apple should steal this terrific “main menu” concept — or at least hire Käßner to help create it.
iPadOS ‘main menu’ concept
The concept imagines a new icon that would appear on the left side of the iPad’s Dock whenever the user is inside an app. Tapping it would present a menu that includes buttons for common actions.
The menu includes things like cut, copy, and paste — as well as Shortcuts and preferences options. It also imagines File, Edit, View, and other submenus similar to those in a Mac’s toolbar.
Inside those, you’ll find app-specific actions and shortcuts, like the ability to export in an image and video editing apps, or text formatting options in a word processing app like Pages.
Käßner also outlines how the system would adapt to accommodate two apps being used side-by-side in Split View — and how menus could be pulled away to “float” above an app for easy access.
Better control, better apps
A “main menu” system like this wouldn’t just make it easier to interact with iPad apps; it would also allow for cleaner, simpler interfaces. Developers wouldn’t need to put so many buttons everywhere.
It could also standardize app interactions, so users don’t have to learn a new way of doing things every time they download a new app. They will already know where to find common functions.
Sadly, this is just a concept — not a sneak peek at things to come. Based on the iOS 14 leaks we’ve seen so far, this is not something Apple is exploring for iPhone and iPad, but we hope that changes.
