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Apple announces iPadOS 26 with macOS-like features

Apple was rumored to be working on making iPadOS similar to macOS. Those rumors were true, here are the new features in iPadOS 26.

iPadOS 26 also uses the Liquid Design like iOS 26, but Apple has focused on multitasking for iPads, and not just with Stage Manager. The update introduces a new windowing system with minimize, maximize, close buttons that are similar to the ones in macOS. When you open an app, it switches to full screen mode as before. But now, apps can be resized by tapping on the rectangle button in the bottom right-hand corner, and these become a window. You can rearrange the windows as you want them, and iPadOS apps will remember the size and position they were previously in, before they were minimized. Swipe up to see all open windows, and tap the one you want to use.

iPadOS 26 multitasking

Want to quickly tile a window? Flick the window towards the edges to automatically snap them. Hover over the expand icon in the top left to see options to auto arrange apps. iPadOS 26 has a menu bar at the top of the screen, just like macOS. It remains hidden when unused, but is always there for quick access.

iPadOS 26 menu bar

Apple has revamped the Files app, it now has a redesigned list view with resizable columns. You can set custom colors for icons, and choose which app you want to open a file with. Folders can be placed on the dock directly, it was about time! iPadOS 26 comes with a notable quality of life improvement called Background Tasks, you can export or download large files and run other heavy tasks in the background while working on other things. The Phone app is now available on iPad, with all features from iPhone, including Call Screening, Hold Assist, and Live Translation.

iPadOS 26 files app

macOS' Preview app is now available on iPadOS 26, open PDF files and edit them, supports Apple Pencil marker, autofill, fill in, highlight. It also lets you edit images and export them into various formats and sizes.

iPadOS 26 is compatible with the following tablets:

  • iPad Pro (M4)
  • iPad Pro 12.9?inch (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 11?inch (1st generation and later)
  • iPad Air (M3)
  • iPad Air (M2)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (A16)
  • iPad (8th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (A17 Pro)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)

Apple will release iPadOS 26 in Fall 2025, you can install the beta version on your iPad from Settings > General > Software Update, and selecting the iPadOS 26 beta.

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