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A New Chapter in the iPad Journey
Apple’s iPad has long straddled the line between tablet and laptop, admired for its sleek design but often criticized for its limited productivity features. The introduction of Apple Silicon MacBooks closed the performance and functionality gap, leaving manyâlike the original author of this pieceârelegating their iPads to drawers or, amusingly, to roles as digital decor. But with iPadOS 26, the game might be changing. This new operating system update offers powerful enhancements that may finally grant the iPad the full identity of a real computer.
This article explores the transformation of the iPad experience through the lens of iPadOS 26, examining how far the tablet has come, why some users still hesitate to switch back, and whether itâs time to reconsider the iPad as a serious computing device.
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One year ago, the author declared they had mostly abandoned their iPads, with just one exception: using the iPad mini as an eBook reader via Libby, since Kindle doesn’t support it in the UK. The core reasons for moving away from the iPad boiled down to five main points, four of which revolved around the overwhelming superiority of the Apple Silicon MacBooks:
Instant-on responsiveness now mirrored by the Mac
Seamless iPhone mobile hotspot connectivity
Substantially lighter MacBook hardware
Comparable battery life
The fifth reason? The Viture One XR glasses replaced the iPad mini as the go-to personal entertainment hub. Essentially, the MacBook Air offered everything the iPad couldâbut better.
At the time, the authorâs 12.9-inch iPad Pro had been demoted to the role of a stylish Qwerkywriter display, more home decor than functional device. But all that changed with iPadOS 26.
This update finally introduced true windowing. Where the iPad once suffered from its single-app-at-a-time design, iPadOS 26 now allows multiple resizable, repositionable windowsâjust like macOS. Although thereâs a 12-window cap, thatâs more than sufficient for most users.
New accessories like Logitechâs Flip Folio also improved ergonomics by allowing the keyboard to detach for flexible positioningâthough the author lamented the loss of lap usability and a trackpad, ultimately preferring the Magic Keyboard despite its drawbacks.
Still, even with these upgrades, the MacBook Air remains the author’s ultimate device of choice. Its app ecosystem, full utility suite, ergonomic superiority, and familiar user experience ensure it retains the crown. While iPadOS 26 dramatically improves the iPadâs standing, for many users like the author, it may have come just a little too late.
What Undercode Say: iPadOS 26 from a Broader Perspective đ
A Significant Software Leap
Undercode’s analysis finds iPadOS 26 to be the most ambitious iPad software release yet. The implementation of full windowing isn’t just a quality-of-life improvementâitâs a paradigm shift. Apple is finally positioning the iPad as a legitimate productivity powerhouse. For creative professionals, students, and hybrid workers, this unlocks a host of possibilities once exclusive to macOS.
The Power of Multitasking
Prior multitasking modes like Slide Over, Split View, and Stage Manager felt bolted on. With iPadOS 26, the multitasking is not only functional but intuitive. Multiple overlapping apps and drag-to-resize functionality recreate a desktop experience previously missing on iPads. This bridges the gap for those who want a lightweight portable device without fully abandoning a multitasking workflow.
Hardware Still Matters
Despite the OS improvements, hardware plays a crucial role. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard is heavier than a MacBook Air, and not as stable on the lap. This undermines the laptop replacement narrative. Accessories like the Flip Folio solve part of the problem, but they bring compromises like the absence of a trackpad.
App Ecosystem: The Final Barrier
MacBook users benefit from robust desktop-class apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Terminal. Many pro apps on iPadOS remain simplified versions or lack critical features. Until iPad apps achieve feature parity, the iPad will struggle to fully replace a MacBook for advanced users.
Timing and Adoption
One recurring theme is âtoo little, too late.â For users whoâve already made the MacBook their main device, iPadOS 26 may be impressive, but it doesn’t offer enough incentive to switch back. Apple might need to target new adopters or casual users looking to elevate their tablet useânot lure back those who’ve fully converted to the Mac ecosystem.
Ideal Users for iPadOS 26
Students needing flexibility and portability
Content creators who prefer Apple Pencil
Professionals in presentation-heavy or visual fields
Casual users looking for more from their device
â Fact Checker Results
Claim: iPadOS 26 introduces full windowing â â
True: Confirmed in Appleâs official feature list.
Claim: Logitech Flip Folio only works with M-series iPads â â Misleading: It works on older models, just not officially supported.
Claim: MacBook Air is lighter than a
đŽ Prediction: The Future of iPad
With iPadOS 26, Apple has set the foundation for the iPad to evolve into a full-blown computer alternative. However, widespread user migration back to iPad will depend on how quickly app developers bring desktop-class features to iPadOS. If Apple introduces even tighter integration with macOS tools and enhances accessory ecosystems, the iPad could gain real traction among mobile professionals. Expect future iPad models to focus on ultra-light builds, expanded accessory compatibility, and perhaps even hybrid features to fully blur the lines between tablet and laptop.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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