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The introduction of iPadOS 26 marks a monumental shift in the evolution of iPads, making them far more powerful and versatile—closer to being a Mac alternative than ever before. For years, iPads were restricted by their hardware and software limitations, but with the release of iPadOS 26, Apple has finally closed that gap. Now, with the capability to run multiple apps with flexible window management, iPads can perform many of the same tasks as traditional computers. However, the question remains: why did it take so long for Apple to bring these features to iPads, despite the fact that the devices have been using similar chips to Macs since 2021?
Major Changes with iPadOS 26: Full Windowing and Menubar
iPadOS 26 introduces what is arguably the most significant upgrade to the iPad. The device now supports full windowing, allowing users to interact with multiple apps at once in a flexible and intuitive way. The iPad has come a long way from its single-tasking roots, where only one app could be open at a time. Over time, Apple introduced features like Split View and Slide Over, which allowed for multitasking, but these solutions were clunky and not always seamless.
With iPadOS 26, Apple has essentially transformed the iPad into a device capable of multitasking like a Mac. You can now open multiple apps, resize windows, and position them in any way you like. For the first time, the iPad also features a full menubar, much like macOS, bringing the interface closer to that of a traditional desktop. This marks a major milestone in the evolution of the iPad, making it not just a tablet but a true computer.
The M1 Chip: Why Did it Take So Long for iPads to Reach Full Potential?
The iPad first received the powerful M1 chip back in 2021, meaning that the hardware was more than capable of supporting these advanced features. However, it wasn’t until the release of iPadOS 26 that these capabilities were fully realized. In an interview with Ars Technica, Apple’s software head Craig Federighi explained the delay, stating that the challenge lay in the iPad’s unique nature as a touch-first, direct manipulation device.
Unlike Macs, which rely on indirect manipulation via a keyboard and trackpad, the iPad needed to maintain an ultra-responsive touch interface. Users expect the device to react instantly when they interact with it, and adding windowing features without compromising this responsiveness was a significant challenge. Additionally, while more users are now utilizing trackpads and keyboards with iPads, this has only been a growing trend in recent years.
Federighi pointed out that Apple needed to re-architect the entire windowing system to ensure that iPads could handle multitasking efficiently without sacrificing their tactile, touch-based experience. This re-architecture also extended to background tasks and processing, allowing iPadOS 26 to run smoothly on older devices that were previously unable to support Stage Manager.
What Undercode Say: A New Era for iPads
iPadOS 26 has undoubtedly changed the way we look at iPads. For years, there has been a debate about whether tablets could truly replace traditional laptops. With this update, Apple has effectively answered that question by bringing multitasking and window management features to the iPad that were previously exclusive to macOS.
The introduction of full windowing, along with a menubar, offers iPad users a more desktop-like experience. This makes the iPad much more functional, allowing users to work across multiple apps simultaneously without feeling restricted by a single-screen interface. Whether you’re a creative professional who needs to use design software, a business user juggling multiple apps, or simply someone who enjoys a flexible workspace, iPadOS 26 provides the tools to do it all.
However, the question remains: will this shift be enough to make the iPad a serious competitor to laptops? While iPadOS 26 certainly makes the device more capable, there are still limitations—especially when it comes to power-intensive tasks. Despite the impressive hardware, some users may still find that a Mac or a traditional PC offers more performance and flexibility for demanding applications.
In conclusion, iPadOS 26 signals a major step forward for the iPad, bringing it closer to the power and functionality of a full-fledged computer. While it may not fully replace a Mac for everyone, it is now a much more viable option for many tasks.
Fact Checker Results ✅
- True: iPadOS 26 introduces a full windowing system, allowing users to manage multiple apps with flexibility.
- True: The iPad now features a menubar, bringing the interface closer to macOS.
3. True: The
Prediction 🔮
With iPadOS 26, Apple has likely set the stage for the iPad to become a true hybrid device that can replace traditional laptops for a significant portion of users. The focus on multitasking, windowing, and a more desktop-like experience is an indication that future updates will continue to narrow the gap between tablets and laptops, potentially making the iPad a serious contender in the professional and creative fields.
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