iPadOS 26: A Game-Changer for Apple's Tablet
For a long time, iPadOS faced criticism for being just an extended version of the iPhone's operating system, wiht only a few advanced apps and games added. However, with the release of iPadOS 26, Apple is finally changing that perception.
This update is so critically important that it makes iPadOS feel more like macOS than its mobile counterpart. Personally, I find the new Liquid Glass design to be much more appealing on the iPad compared to the iPhone.
Beyond aesthetics, this latest version takes many cues from macOS tahoe and even surpasses it in some areas. Notably, even the entry-level iPad has received remarkable functional enhancements.
A Revolutionary Multitasking Experience
When Apple first introduced Stage Manager for multitasking on its higher-end Air and Pro models, it was limited in scope. Now with iPadOS 26, this feature is available on even the most basic $349 model—and I couldn't be happier about it!
The update also brings a brand-new windowed app system that allows users to run multiple applications concurrently. You can easily resize app windows and access all your open apps through an Expose view by swiping up from below.
This feature works across all models of the iPad; when connected to an external display,it truly shines.
The New Menu Bar: Familiar Yet Fresh
One of the standout features in iPadOS 26 is how closely it resembles macOS. the introduction of a dedicated menu bar at the top mirrors what you find on Mac computers.
no longer do users have to sift through crowded drop-down menus or slide-out folders; now tools and settings are neatly organized along the top bar. This change not only streamlines user experience but also gives developers a chance to create consistent interfaces across both desktop and tablet applications.
This layout makes finding tools easier while maximizing screen space for core functions—plus we’ve bid farewell to that awkward round cursor! Instead, we now have a familiar arrowhead cursor that's easy to locate—even if you're using multiple screens—by simply moving your finger or mouse quickly over it!
Simplified App Tiling at Last
I’ve often found fault with how rigidly app resizing worked in previous versions of iPadOS. Even after Stage Manager was introduced, there were still issues with window management. Thankfully, these concerns have been addressed in this latest update.
The new version adopts a three-button layout similar to macOS for closing, maximizing, and minimizing windows. The green maximize button now includes essential tiling controls along with eight presets for resizing and positioning your apps as you see fit.
You no longer need to struggle when adjusting each window size either; by default you can easily fit four equally sized windows onto your screen! Plus there's now an intuitive flick gesture allowing you split-screen effortlessly by dragging an app window toward either edge!
Preview Makes its Debut on Your Tablet
An exciting addition borrowed from macOS is none other than Preview—a tool I’ve wondered why took so long to arrive given how well-suited tablets are for document handling!
The Preview app allows users full access: open files or images while editing them as needed! Whether dealing with PDFs or pictures alike—it’s all covered here!
You can also customize your dock by adding any folder you'd like! And speaking of institution—you can color-code folders too while adding emojis making identification super simple!
Your Phone App Has Arrived on Your Tablet
It’s quite surprising that despite offering cellular-enabled models over several years—Apple never included their phone application until now! But finally—the wait ends here as Phone lands onto our beloved tablets complete with upgrades seen previously only available via smartphones themselves!
This means features such as call screening hold assist live translation—all make their way into our hands via this newly integrated application alongside recording calls directly importing them into Notes seamlessly too!
If you're someone who relies heavily upon their tablet whether working remotely or casually—the inclusion of Phone proves invaluable allowing one focus solely upon tasks without worrying about missing significant messages/calls anymore!!
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