iPadOS 26 marks a significant leap forward in Apple's quest to transform the iPad into a true productivity powerhouse, primarily through an enhanced multitasking experience and a more streamlined user interface. This latest iteration of the operating system introduces a completely revamped windowing system, drawing inspiration from macOS to provide users with unprecedented control over their app workspaces.
One of the most notable changes in iPadOS 26 is the introduction of a "Mac-like" windowing system. Users can now freely resize and position app windows anywhere on the screen, just like on a traditional desktop. This eliminates the constraints of previous multitasking paradigms like Split View and Slide Over, offering a more flexible and intuitive way to manage multiple apps simultaneously. Stage Manager is still available as an option as well. The new windowing system lets users fluidly resize app windows, place them exactly where they want and open even more windows at once.
Adding to the desktop-like experience, iPadOS 26 incorporates familiar window controls, including the "traffic light" buttons in the top-left corner of each window. These controls allow users to easily close, minimize, and tile windows, providing a consistent and intuitive way to manage their app layouts. Furthermore, the new Exposé feature lets users view all open windows with a simple gesture, making it easier to switch between tasks.
iPadOS 26 also introduces a menu bar, similar to the one found on macOS. This menu bar provides quick access to app-specific commands and features, making it easier for users to find the tools they need without having to dig through menus or settings. The menu bar is always available with a swipe down from the top of the screen.
Beyond the windowing system, iPadOS 26 brings several other enhancements that contribute to a more productive user experience. The Files app receives a major upgrade, with features like customizable folder colors and icons, resizable columns, and collapsible folders. These enhancements make it easier to organize and manage files, turning the iPad into a more capable file management device. Users can also drag any folder from the Files app right into the Dock for quicker access. In addition, users can now set a default app for opening specific files or file types.
Another key improvement in iPadOS 26 is the introduction of Background Tasks. This feature allows apps to run intensive processes in the background, such as exporting videos or rendering 3D models, without interrupting the user's workflow. Background Tasks will show that app’s progress at the top of your iPad’s display via a Live Activity.
In addition to productivity enhancements, iPadOS 26 features a new "Liquid Glass" design. This design overhaul brings a fresh, modern look to the iPad's user interface, with updated app icons, translucent interface elements, and a greater emphasis on content. The Liquid Glass design extends to controls, navigation, app icons, menus, buttons and widgets.
iPadOS 26 also includes several new and updated apps, such as Journal, Apple Games, Preview, and Phone. The Preview app, in particular, brings powerful PDF viewing and editing capabilities to the iPad, including Apple Pencil Markup and AutoFill.
Overall, iPadOS 26 represents a significant step forward for the iPad as a productivity tool. The enhanced multitasking capabilities, streamlined user interface, and new features make it easier than ever for users to get things done on their iPads. While some users may miss features like Slide Over, the improvements in windowing and file management are likely to be welcomed by those who want to use their iPads for more demanding tasks.
