Both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) support Stage Manager with windows on an external display when running iPadOS 26. Connect a compatible screen, turn on Stage Manager, then open apps on that screen or move windows between it and the iPad. Apple lists USB-C display support up to 6K and Thunderbolt display support for iPad Pro M4; actual output depends on the display, cable, adapter, and connection used.
What you need
- An 11-inch or 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) running iPadOS 26. Apple lists both models as supporting Stage Manager and moving apps and windows to an external display: iPadOS 26 iPad User Guide.
- A compatible external display, such as a monitor, TV, or projector, and a cable or adapter that matches its available input.
- If you want high-resolution output, a USB-C cable that supports high-bandwidth connections. Not every USB-C cable supports the same display capabilities.
Connect the iPad Pro to the display
Check the display’s input ports first. If it accepts USB-C or Thunderbolt, connect it with a compatible high-bandwidth cable. Apple says iPad Pro M4 supports USB-C displays up to 6K and Thunderbolt displays. For an HDMI screen, use a compatible USB-C-to-HDMI adapter and HDMI cable. Apple says an HDMI 2.0 adapter can output up to 4K at 60 Hz from iPad Pro. Connection details and limits are in Apple’s guide to connecting iPad to displays and other devices.
With Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, the Home Screen and apps appear at 1080p/60 Hz. Video can switch to as much as 4K/60 Hz when Match Content is enabled. This behavior applies to that adapter, not every HDMI adapter. Apple also notes that HDMI can carry Dolby Digital Plus but not Dolby Atmos.
Turn on Stage Manager
- Open Settings on the iPad.
- Tap Multitasking & Gestures.
- Select Stage Manager.
You can also swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Centre and tap the Stage Manager control. Apple’s iPadOS 26 user guide lists the supported M4 models and describes the control.
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Arrange apps and windows
Stage Manager lets you resize and overlap app windows, and group windows for a task. Drag an app window from the recent-apps list or an app icon from the Dock into the workspace to add it to a group. When Stage Manager is on, the active apps come forward while other open apps appear in a recent-apps list along the left side of the screen. See Apple’s instructions for organizing windows with Stage Manager on iPad.
Move an app window to the external display
Once the display is connected and Stage Manager is enabled, use any of these methods:
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- Drag the window: With a cursor, drag the top of the app window to the other display.
- Open the app on the display: Use the Dock or App Library on the external display to launch the app there.
- Use the Multitasking menu: Open the app’s Multitasking menu and choose Move to Display or Move to iPad, depending on where you want the window.
Apple documents these options in Move an app to a display with iPad. The M4 iPad Pro’s external Stage Manager support means you can use the second screen as workspace for app windows, rather than only duplicating the iPad screen.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the right connection
| Connection | What Apple documents for iPad Pro M4 | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C display | Displays up to 6K | Use a compatible high-bandwidth USB-C cable and confirm the display’s USB-C input supports video. |
| Thunderbolt display | Thunderbolt display support | Confirm the display, cable, and any dock in the chain support the required Thunderbolt connection. |
| HDMI through an adapter | Up to 4K at 60 Hz with an HDMI 2.0 adapter | Check the adapter’s supported resolution and refresh rate as well as the monitor’s HDMI input. |
These are connection capabilities, not a guarantee that every display setup will reach the maximum resolution or refresh rate. The screen, adapter, cable, and content can affect the result. If charging the iPad through a display or dock matters, check that accessory’s power-delivery capability separately.
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If the display does not show a picture
- Make sure the cable and adapter match the ports on both the iPad and display.
- On the display, select the input connected to the iPad.
- Disconnect and reconnect the iPad.
- If the display still does not turn on, power-cycle it, as Apple recommends in its display connection guidance.
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