Among all the iPads I've tried, the standard model continues to impress me.For the last five years, I’ve made it a point to test this entry-level version priced at $350 to see if it can handle everyday tasks.
This device has managed my workflow quite well, especially after investing in a keyboard case that costs over a hundred dollars. It has tackled various applications like WordPress, Asana, Teams, Photoshop, Adobe Express, and Canva without breaking a sweat. I even attempted some sketching—though those efforts were less than stellar!
However, as time has passed, the gap between the basic iPad and its Pro and Air counterparts has widened significantly. Features such as Stage Manager and ProRes video capture have created a noticeable difference in user experience.
Exciting Updates with iPadOS 26
The latest update for iPadOS 26 brings some fantastic news for users of the most affordable iPad model. One of the first things you’ll notice is its new design style called Liquid Glass. While it's not my favorite look it does appear quite appealing against darker wallpapers with openness effects.
The real highlight of this update is how it enhances productivity. With iPadOS 26's introduction of a more macOS-like interface for app functionalities, users can now access tools directly from an app’s menu bar at the top instead of sifting through settings or intricate menus.
This new layout closely resembles what you find on macOS but features distinct differences like a solid color bar on Macs versus an adjustable menu bar on iPads that can hide items when not in use. Some apps still show controls both at the top and below this menu bar; however, I believe developers will soon streamline their designs to reduce clutter and focus more on functionality.
While some developers may hesitate to adopt these changes—especially those aiming for consistency across Android and desktop versions—the shift will be beneficial for Apple users who rely heavily on their devices for work or leisure activities.
Enhanced Multi-Tasking Capabilities
A lesser-known yet valuable addition is the three-button window sizing feature borrowed from macOS. This tool comes in handy when I need to quickly search Google or respond to messages while watching videos or working on other tasks together.
The preset tiling options are much easier than trying to resize windows manually—a process that often feels clunky on an iPad! Plus, adjusting split-screen views using flick gestures works seamlessly now too!
When I switched over to beta testing iPadOS 26 on my 11th Gen device recently; I was pleasantly surprised by how well Stage Manager functioned alongside this new window system that allows viewing multiple apps together easily—similar to Expose view found in macOS environments.
Previously limited mainly to higher-end models like Pro or Air equipped with M-series chips; it's impressive Apple quietly rolled out Stage Manager support even for entry-level devices despite their lower CPU capabilities!
This means you can switch between different views effortlessly right from your Control Center! Thanks again due largely as of improvements made possible through updates within this software release—you’re finally able resize application windows freely while saving them into clusters without crashing issues arising during background activity either!
A game-Changer for Everyday Users
If you've hesitated about getting an entry-level model due its previous limitations regarding multitasking features such as Stage Manager—now’s definitely time reconsider! The entire workflow experience feels smooth when paired up nicely together—even if screen size hovers around just eleven inches wide!
the only downside? Unlike pricier models (like Pro/air), external display support isn’t available here: plugging into monitors results merely mirroring screens rather than offering extended control options which could enhance usability further down line too…
While dark mode helps blend black letterboxing nicely into backgrounds—it still leaves unused space behind which could otherwise accommodate larger app windows/instances instead…
I’m genuinely thrilled about how much better everything looks/functionality-wise thanks largely due recent advancements brought forth via latest iteration released under name “iPad OS twenty-six.” Delays were frustrating but ultimately worth waiting since they’ve transformed budget-kind tablets into powerful tools capable handling demanding workloads efficiently now!
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