Previously, DriverKit was used exclusively on Apple Mac products and was introduced in 2019. It was developed to provide a more reliable and secure method of delivering drivers to Mac users. With the iPadOS 16, Apple offers the same reliability and security, only on a different platform. If there is one warning about the system, it is that it currently only applies to iPads powered by Apple’s own silicon. For now, that means the iPads are running an M1 chip.
New hardware support for M1 powered iPads thanks to DriverKit
As for the other benefits, developers who have previously created drivers for Mac using DriverKit will be able to use the same drivers on iPadOS without the need for conversion. In addition, using the multi-platform application feature in Xcode 14, developers will be able to create an application that can be delivered to both Mac and iPad. In addition to the gateway, DriverKit for iPadOS will offer support for USB, audio and PCI devices – that means support for Thunderbolt devices. If this sounds tempting, you can try the developer version of iPadOS 16. However, this is probably not recommended for a device that is used on a daily basis. A more stable version of the operating system will reach the public beta next month. Apple will officially release the iPadOS 16, providing other enhancements, such as a new multitasking experience and support for external screens in the fall of 2022. Source: AppleVia: 9to5Mac
