The boundaries are becoming increasingly indistinct
One of the standout moments at WWDC 2025 occurred during the unveiling of iPadOS 26. As an attendee at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, the enthusiastic response from the audience was palpable, particularly for features that further diminish the distinctions between iPads and Macs.
Despite the high performance of the best iPads powered by Apple Silicon, many users have hesitated to replace their Mac with an iPad for their primary computing needs. However, iPadOS 26 seems to have addressed these reservations effectively.
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The new update introduces an enhanced windowing system that simplifies multitasking, with Mac-inspired window controls and even a genuine menu bar, just to start.
I had the opportunity to speak with Apple’s Craig Federighi and Greg Joswiak (Joz) at WWDC to discuss the implications of the new iPadOS 26 for users, and how they might choose between an iPad or a new MacBook.
Spoiler alert: Joz’s advice was straightforward: “I recommend buying both.”
Has iPadOS 26 Mastered Multitasking?
Apple has previously attempted to enhance multitasking on the iPad with features like slide over, split view, and Stage Manager, but none have been universally acclaimed. With iPadOS 26, the fully realized windowing system facilitates working with multiple apps simultaneously more efficiently.
The iPad is ideally the perfect touch device you can have in your hands, yet these two products increasingly complement each other.
— Craig Federighi, Apple
By default, apps still launch in full-screen, but now a small grab bar appears in the bottom right corner. Dragging it diagonally switches you to windowed mode. You can still arrange windows as desired, but the system continues to respect the touch interface, allowing for intuitive gestures like flicking windows to the sides of the screen.
“I’ve had people ask if it was a case of ‘fourth time’s the charm,’ or if we were just guessing before,” Federighi commented. “But really, it’s been a deliberate evolution.”
“You have people connecting iPads to external displays, using keyboards and trackpads with their iPads, and engaging in more complex productivity tasks. The iPad has evolved, as has the hardware and the way we interact with it.”
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Moreover, familiar controls for managing windows are now integrated, including options to close, maximize, and minimize applications—yes, using the three dots. Apple has effectively incorporated Mac-like UI elements into iPadOS to enhance its functionality.
“The iPad remains the ultimate touch device that you can hold in your hands, yet these two products now have more flexibility to work together,” explained Federighi.
What Should Consumers Purchase Now: Mac or iPad?
With iPadOS now mirroring many features found on the Mac, such as a desktop-like Files app and a File menu, consumers might wonder whether to opt for an iPad or a MacBook. Apple emphasizes that despite these similarities, the two devices continue to serve distinct purposes.
Joswiak offers a straightforward solution.
“I recommend buying both,”
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Tobias Nguyen covers mobile technology and social media trends. He combines a background in digital marketing with a passion for emerging tech to provide readers with data-driven insights and practical tech usage tips.