The Upcoming iPadOS Features Will Ultimately Establish Your iPad as Your Primary Device

Your iPad is about to become far more powerful and functional, resembling a MacBook more closely. iPadOS 26 is replete with functional features that Apple previously reserved for its Mac series.

What are the new features in iPadOS 26?

iPadOS 26, the forthcoming software upgrade for iPad, was unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2025) in conjunction with iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, and further software updates. Each is equipped with beneficial new features, including a novel design language termed Liquid Glass. As is frequently the case, iOS is acquiring capabilities that Android has possessed for years.

The most notable new features for the iPad are to its revamped windowing system, which introduces Mac-like multitasking capabilities to the tablet for the first time. I am excited about the future possibilities of the tablet.

Enhanced Fluidity in Window Sizing

For an extended period, a notable deficiency of iPadOS has been the inadequate management of application windows. Recent enhancements such as Split View and Slide Over enable the simultaneous display of two applications or the overlay of one window atop another. Nevertheless, they nevertheless appear cumbersome in comparison to the management of application windows on macOS.

In iPadOS 26, Apple is introducing a more fluid window scaling framework that closely resembles that of macOS. This begins with the incorporation of a "traffic light" button in the top-left corner of each application window, which should be recognizable to any Mac user. This three-button device enables you to effortlessly close or reduce windows, maximize them to full-screen, or organize windows into more manageable patterns.

These new layouts are improved by the capability to swipe left or right to organize windows. For the first time, you may organize your iPad screen into thirds or quarters.

In iPadOS 26, you can simultaneously open multiple windows, resize them, and arrange them according to your preferences. This is attributed to a new "grab handle" located in the bottom-right corner of every open application. This allows you to resize a window in any direction.

A Novel Menu Bar

Locating commands and choices for iPad applications can occasionally be difficult, as they are frequently concealed by default. With the introduction of iPadOS 26, the tablet acquires a new Menu Bar. The Menu Bar, situated at the top of applications, closely resembles the tool present in macOS and becomes visible upon swiping down on the screen. This will facilitate the identification of application-specific features. For instance, on the Menu Bar, you will readily locate the Edit, Insert, and Format tools.

After experimenting with the new Menu Bar in a pre-release version of iPadOS 26, I am persuaded that it has the potential to revolutionize the experience for individuals contemplating the substitution of their PC with an iPad. The new tool promptly instills familiarity and is expected to enhance productivity and efficiency. Incorporating a mouse or trackpad could further optimize the workflow due to this new, but familiar, capability.

Rapid Application Transition Utilizing Exposé

One of my preferred new windowing functionalities in iPadOS 26 is Exposé. This app switcher, which replaces the Show All Windows option on iPad, functions similarly to the Mission Control tool on Mac. It facilitates the visibility of presently open applications on your tablet and enables swifter transitions between them.

To access Exposé, swipe up and hold your finger to see all windows, then select the desired window to bring it to the forefront. My experience with the iPadOS 26 beta shown it to be an efficient and rapid process.

This modification introduces macOS features to the iPad, enhancing its familiarity.

Folders in the Dock

Another significant alteration in iPadOS 26 pertains to the method of accessing your downloads, documents, and various folders. You may now add these file types to your tablet's Dock, similar to the functionality seen on macOS. By dragging a folder to your iPad’s Dock, you gain immediate access to vital documents and projects, much to a desktop experience.

iPadOS 26 enhances the Folders in Dock feature by allowing customization of folder icons with various colors. This will enhance your productivity as enhanced visual recognition facilitates document retrieval.

A Pointer for iPad

If you seek additional windowing controls for the iPad, you will be pleased to know that iPadOS 26 includes them. The update introduces a functional pointer for the iPad, which is ideal for anyone employing a keyboard, trackpad, or mouse.

We are merely beginning to explore this topic. The implementation of these features for the majority will be delayed, as iPadOS 26 is presently accessible solely via beta. The official launch is scheduled for this fall.

The new features substantially improve multitasking efficiency on the iPad for those who often engage with many applications and windows, making it more akin to a desktop experience. Ultimately, it may enable the substitution of your Mac with an iPad, a transition that numerous individuals have attempted with less success previously.