At this year’s WWDC, Apple unveiled iPadOS 26, describing it as the most significant update yet to the iPad operating system. Far from mere marketing hype, the advancements introduced truly represent a major shift in how users can approach the device—a substantial upgrade to a gadget that, for fifteen years, often seemed more like an oversized iPhone than a serious productivity tool.
Key productivity updates, such as enhanced multitasking capabilities, are taking centerstage. Previously, the iPad limited users to having only two windows open simultaneously, an arrangement that made switching between tasks cumbersome and inefficient. For instance, anyone trying to compose an email while referencing an appointment in their calendar faced the frustrating constant switching between apps, significantly slowing workflow.
The updated windowing system in iPadOS 26 addresses exactly these limitations. Users will now be able to open and manage multiple windows at once, intuitively arranging them to best suit their workflow. The new multitasking controls integrated with Apple’s previously existing Stage Manager functionality promise a much smoother and streamlined experience. As a consequence, Apple has decided to retire older multitasking features like Split View and Slide Over.
Another welcome addition is the new Preview app, bringing advanced PDF handling directly to the iPad. Features like AutoFill for forms, document editing, and native support for the Apple Pencil make document handling tasks more seamless. Additionally, the introduction of customizable menu bars, similar to those already familiar to Mac users, offers developers the freedom to tailor user interfaces in their apps—further blurring the functional lines between iPad and laptop.
Beyond productivity improvements, the Files app received a needed enhancement: users will soon be able to pin specific folders directly to the dock, significantly simplifying file navigation. Under the hood, improvements also leverage Apple’s silicon chips by enabling powerful background operations such as video exporting without interrupting active workloads.
Content creators—especially podcasters, video editors, and multimedia specialists—will find particular benefit. New audio input selection capabilities provide users control over their recording sources, while the “Local Capture” feature allows recording video calls directly from conferencing software, giving users convenient access to video and audio files later.
Though it may not entirely eliminate the need for a traditional laptop, the improvements in iPadOS 26 are meaningful for anyone regularly on the move. For instance, frequent travelers tasked with covering conferences might find the enhanced iPad experience a preferable alternative to lugging around heavy laptops. In these scenarios, Apple’s significant software advance truly transforms the iPad from a merely supplemental device into a genuinely functional computing solution—one that is finally delivering on the promise of practical, everyday productivity.
