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Apple Redefines the iPad Experience with iPadOS 26
At WWDC 2025, Apple officially introduced iPadOS 26, a game-changing update that bridges the gap between the iPad and the Mac more than ever before. Alongside new multitasking features such as resizable windows and a macOS-style menu bar, the update marks a pivotal moment in the iPad’s evolution. In an exclusive interview with Ars Technica, Apple’s Senior VP of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, opened up about why it took so long for the iPad to embrace true multitasking ā a feature professionals have been requesting for years.
iPadOS 26 isnāt just a minor update. It signals Appleās long-term shift toward turning the iPad into a hybrid device, without fully abandoning its touch-first roots. Federighi emphasized that while the advancements may appear obvious now, Apple faced significant technical and philosophical roadblocks. It wasnāt simply about adding features, but about maintaining the iPadās hallmark instant responsiveness while dramatically upgrading its capabilities.
the Original
At the heart of Appleās WWDC 2025 announcements was iPadOS 26 ā an operating system that finally delivers the multitasking power professionals have demanded for years. Central to the update is the introduction of resizable app windows, a macOS-style menu bar, and a reimagined windowing system, all designed to replicate desktop-level productivity. Craig Federighi explained that this leap was delayed by the inherent limitations of earlier iPads and the fundamental design philosophy behind the device.
Unlike Macs, which operate through indirect input like a mouse or trackpad, the iPad’s touch-first design demanded an interface that responds instantly. In previous hardware iterations, the lack of sufficient RAM, weaker processors, and basic app frameworks made full multitasking impractical. Thatās changed now. With the arrival of M-series chips (starting in 2021), and a user base that increasingly integrates keyboards and trackpads into their workflow, Apple saw a unique moment to push the iPad forward.
Federighi also clarified that iPads and Macs are not converging into one ā the iPad remains distinct in its user interaction and mobility. While iPadOS 26 borrows from macOS, it doesnāt replace the Mac. Instead, it creates a new space: a mobile, touch-first device with professional-level computing power.
What Undercode Say:
Appleās iPadOS 26 is more than just an update ā it’s a carefully engineered compromise between mobile simplicity and desktop productivity. This balancing act raises questions about the future of Apple’s device ecosystem and what users should expect from the iPad going forward.
Apple has always maintained a clear product segmentation strategy. The iPad is for touch and mobility; the Mac is for traditional computing. But that line is blurring. With iPadOS 26, users can now experience windowed multitasking, contextual menus, and dynamic workspaces ā all while still using a touchscreen. This shows that Apple is listening to pro users, especially creators, developers, and business professionals who demand more from their devices.
The timing of this upgrade is also strategic. Competitors like Microsoft Surface have long offered full-fledged desktop environments on tablet-like hardware. Apple risked losing that segment of power users. By leveraging its own silicon ā the M1, M2, and newer chips ā Apple sidestepped the thermal and performance constraints that limited multitasking in the past. The software is now catching up to what the hardware has been capable of for years.
From a design standpoint, Apple faced unique challenges. A windowing system on a touch-first device is inherently harder to build than on a pointer-based system. The experience had to be seamless, intuitive, and responsive, otherwise, it would erode trust in the interface ā what Federighi called a āpsychic breakā in user expectations.
Yet, iPadOS 26 still protects the iPadās identity. It doesnāt aim to be a Mac substitute. Itās a new device class ā one that offers desktop-like features with mobile convenience. This allows it to serve users who want the best of both worlds: flexibility without complexity.
Importantly, Appleās messaging indicates a future where iPadOS continues to evolve independently of macOS. This isnāt the beginning of a merger but the maturation of the iPad platform. If Apple continues this direction, we may see future updates bring even deeper integration with professional tools ā like Xcode, Logic Pro, or more powerful file system controls ā while maintaining the iPadās approachable UI.
For users, especially those in creative or business industries, this shift means reconsidering the iPad as a serious productivity tool. It’s no longer a “big iPhone” or a media consumption device. With iPadOS 26, it’s shaping up to be the modern professional’s mobile workstation.
š Fact Checker Results
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Federighi did confirm in Ars Technica that previous iPad limitations were hardware-related, primarily due to RAM and processor constraints.
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Apple has implemented resizable app windows and macOS-style UI elements in iPadOS 26.
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The company remains firm on distinguishing iPad from Mac, stating they are separate products with different user philosophies.
š Prediction: iPad as the Future of Mobile Workstations
Looking ahead, Apple will likely continue expanding iPadOSās capabilities ā potentially adding advanced app integrations like Final Cut Pro for iPad, real-time collaboration tools, and more comprehensive external display support. Expect third-party developers to leverage the new windowing system to create iPad-first pro apps. Meanwhile, Apple will maintain clear UX differences to avoid cannibalizing the Mac.
In the next 2ā3 years, the iPad could become the default choice for mobile professionals who demand flexibility, power, and portability ā a new niche that sits confidently between laptop and tablet.
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Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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