iPadOS 26: Major Multitasking Overhaul and Preview App Set to Transform iPad Experience

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is just around the corner, and the tech world is buzzing with anticipation for what’s next—especially for iPad users. Mark Gurman, a trusted Apple insider, has shared an in-depth report revealing some exciting updates coming with iPadOS 26. Among the highlights: a significant multitasking revamp designed to make the iPad experience feel much more like using a Mac, and the arrival of a brand-new Preview app for seamless PDF and document management. This article breaks down these upcoming features, analyzes their potential impact, and offers insights into what we might expect from Apple’s latest tablet software update.

iPadOS 26 Announcements

According to Mark Gurman, Apple is gearing up to completely overhaul iPad multitasking features in iPadOS 26, aiming to make them much more similar to those found on macOS. This marks a shift from incremental updates toward a full reimagining of how multitasking works on the iPad. Notably, this overhaul could require users to connect a keyboard and trackpad for some multitasking functionalities to work, potentially limiting capabilities in the classic “tablet mode.” Although the report doesn’t detail the exact changes, this suggests Apple is focusing on enhancing productivity for users who treat their iPads like laptops.

Another major new addition is the Preview app—an official Apple tool familiar to macOS users for PDF viewing, annotation, and document editing. For the first time, this app will be available on iPadOS and iOS, giving iPhone and iPad users a powerful, integrated solution for managing PDFs and other documents without relying on third-party apps. The Preview app’s design will closely resemble the Mac version and will come pre-installed on devices, streamlining document workflows.

Sources also hint at more advanced file management features, potentially consolidating existing functionalities like Quick Look into a centralized app environment. Overall, these updates reflect Apple’s ongoing commitment to turning the iPad into a versatile device for both casual use and professional productivity.

What Undercode Say: Analyzing iPadOS 26’s Impact on User Experience and Productivity

Apple’s decision to revamp multitasking on iPadOS 26 is a bold step toward narrowing the gap between iPads and traditional computers. This change aligns perfectly with the growing trend of mobile devices doubling as serious productivity tools. The possible keyboard and trackpad requirement for advanced multitasking features indicates Apple wants users to think of the iPad more as a hybrid device—part tablet, part laptop—rather than just a touchscreen gadget.

This shift could enhance workflows for creative professionals, students, and business users who rely on multitasking and quick app-switching to get work done efficiently. However, it also raises questions about usability for casual users who may prefer using the iPad in pure tablet mode. Apple will need to strike a balance, ensuring the new multitasking system is powerful but also intuitive and accessible.

The introduction of the Preview app is equally significant. Currently, PDF management on iPads often involves third-party apps, which can be inconsistent or cluttered with unnecessary features. Bringing Preview from macOS to iPadOS and iOS offers a unified, native tool for handling documents with the polish and reliability Apple is known for. This could streamline workflows for anyone who regularly reviews, annotates, or edits PDFs and other file types on their mobile devices.

Moreover, the potential enhancements in file management signal Apple’s commitment to making iPadOS more robust for power users. By integrating existing features like Quick Look into a centralized hub, users will benefit from faster access to files and improved organization. This also suggests Apple is listening to user feedback asking for better multitasking and file handling capabilities.

From a strategic perspective, these changes reinforce the iPad’s position as a serious contender in the productivity device market. With Apple’s ecosystem increasingly blurring the lines between mobile and desktop experiences, iPadOS 26 could become a pivotal update that attracts more users who want the flexibility of a tablet without sacrificing the power of a laptop.

However, the requirement for keyboards and trackpads could be a double-edged sword—while it will boost multitasking for many, it might alienate users who prefer the simplicity and portability of touchscreen-only interaction. Apple’s challenge will be to maintain versatility while pushing forward advanced features.

Overall, iPadOS 26 looks poised to raise the bar in multitasking and document management, setting the stage for a more capable, integrated iPad experience that appeals to both casual and professional users.

Fact Checker Results ✅❌

✅ Mark Gurman’s report about a multitasking revamp aligns with Apple’s known focus on productivity improvements in iPadOS.
✅ The Preview app introduction is supported by multiple sources and corroborated by 9to5Mac.
❌ Specific details about the multitasking overhaul, like the exact UI changes or menu bar additions, remain unconfirmed.

Prediction 🔮

With iPadOS 26, Apple is likely to make the iPad a true hybrid device, prioritizing users who want desktop-like multitasking capabilities. The keyboard and trackpad requirement for advanced features suggests Apple is positioning the iPad as a powerful laptop alternative rather than just a casual tablet. The Preview app will likely become the go-to tool for document management on iPads and iPhones, reducing the need for third-party apps and creating a smoother workflow. As Apple continues to blur the lines between mobile and desktop, we can expect even more Mac-inspired features in future iPadOS updates, making the iPad an indispensable productivity device in both personal and professional settings.