iPadOS 26 Transforms iPads: Now More Mac-Like for Ultimate Productivity!

The latest version of iPadOS, version 26, is now up for grabs and it’s considered a milestone in the evolution of iPad software. Similar to its counterparts, iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26, iPadOS 26 adopts the Liquid Glass aesthetic, bringing a cohesive visual experience across various Apple devices. This update particularly enhances the iPads by introducing a new flexible windowing system, allowing users to adjust and move applications freely. Additionally, there’s a slight improvement to Apple Intelligence for iPad users.

Having tested iPadOS 26 on the iPad Pro M4 throughout the summer through both developer and public betas, my overall impression is positive. The update doesn’t introduce groundbreaking changes but does make the iPad interface more akin to a MacBook in terms of its functionality. The Liquid Glass design, although somewhat contentious, appeals to me as it clearly sets iPadOS 26 apart from earlier versions.

For those who were not fans of the previous iPadOS 18, the enhancements in iPadOS 26 might be appealing. It raises the question: Are iPads now a suitable replacement for MacBooks? How does the new design influence iPad usability? These questions and more are addressed in my comprehensive review of iPadOS 26.

First, let’s look at the iPads that are compatible with iPadOS 26:

• iPad Pro (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
• iPad Air (M2 and later)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (A16)
• iPad (8th generation and later)
• iPad mini (A17 Pro)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

The 7th-generation iPad, which could run iPadOS 18, is no longer supported with this new update.

One of the first things you’ll notice with iPadOS 26 is the Liquid Glass design language. It’s subtly integrated, mainly noticeable on the lock/unlock screen and within the app folder interface. The slight glossy effect around app borders is particularly striking, and I appreciate the blurring effect on elements behind open apps. You can opt out of this transparency, but I find that less visually engaging.

Over time, the new Liquid Glass design becomes almost second nature, blending seamlessly, particularly if you use multiple Apple devices. The uniform design across devices like the MacBook, iPhone, and iPad enhances the user experience for those of us who use these devices on a daily basis.

The revamped windowing system of iPadOS 26 significantly improves how you manage app windows on your device. It allows for easier resizing, movement, and organization of windows, and facilitates multitasking with multiple windows. Although reminiscent of macOS’s windowing capabilities, it’s well-adapted to the touch interface of the iPad.

New window controls include options to close, minimize, resize, and tile windows, with the latter making it easy to snap windows into place. Apps remember their size and position upon reopening, which is a convenient feature. The macOS-style menu bar and the pointer-like cursor enhance the desktop feel on the iPad. A built-in search feature and an Exposé function, which displays all open apps at once, are also noteworthy additions.

Productivity on iPads is boosted with the updated Files app, which now features a List view with resizable columns and collapsible folders. Folder customization options are expanded to include color adjustments, icon changes, and the addition of emojis for easier identification. Important folders can be dragged to the Dock for quick access, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Apple Intelligence has also been enhanced, offering better personalization for Genmoji and Image Playground, along with new intelligent actions that simplify tasks like summarizing text or creating images. Live Translations in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages provide real-time translations in your preferred language, which is a boon for multilingual interactions.

After extensive use, I can affirm that iPadOS 26 is my favorite update thus far. The Liquid Glass design gives a fresh and unique look to the interface while maintaining the system’s responsiveness and user-friendliness. The update brings iPads closer to offering a MacBook-like work experience, although the distinctive iPad touch experience remains prominent.

In conclusion, iPadOS 26 is a robust update that enhances iPad functionality and lays a strong foundation for future improvements, making it a significant upgrade for iPad users looking to boost their productivity.