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The launch of iPadOS 26 has brought exciting new features and improvements, making the iPad more powerful and versatile than ever. For many, the iPad Pro paired with iPadOS 26 feels closer to a full-fledged computer, blurring the line between tablets and laptops. Yet, despite its advancements, the iPad still faces several significant limitations that prevent it from fully replacing a MacBook for some users. Whether youāre a creative professional, a developer, or someone who values multitasking and peripheral support, itās important to understand these gaps before deciding if the iPad can truly be your main machine.
Key Limitations of iPadOS 26: A Detailed Overview
No Terminal or Full Developer Tools
One of the biggest hurdles for developers is the absence of native Terminal access on iPadOS 26. Unlike macOS, iPadOS does not allow running full development environments like Xcode or true command-line tools. While apps like Swift Playground and Textastic offer basic coding capabilities, they fall short of providing a comprehensive development experience. For software engineers or power users who rely on command-line access to tweak or manage their system, this remains a dealbreaker.
Lack of Multi-User Support
Surprisingly, iPadOS still does not support multiple user accounts on a single device, outside of education-specific settings. This is frustrating because many iPads are shared among family members or coworkers, yet each device is tied to just one Apple ID. Macs, on the other hand, allow multiple users with separate profiles, apps, and data on the same machine ā a feature that should be standard for a \$1,300 iPad Pro.
Limited External Display Functionality
While iPadOS 26 has improved external monitor support, it still only supports a single extended display. This limits productivity for users who rely on multi-monitor setups. Additionally, the lack of clamshell mode means that locking or closing the iPad will also turn off the external display, disrupting workflows for those who prefer minimal desk setups.
Peripheral Customization is Restricted
iPadOS supports many peripherals like mice, trackpads, keyboards, and webcams, but the customization options remain limited. Unlike macOS, where peripheral manufacturers provide software to fine-tune button mappings and features, the iPad relies mainly on basic accessibility settings. This makes it difficult for users who want more control over their external devices.
Audio Management is Basic
iPadOS still struggles with playing audio from multiple apps simultaneously. For example, if you are streaming music from Apple Music, starting a video on YouTube will pause the music. MacOS handles multiple audio sources fluidly, allowing users to mix sounds from different apps. Although iPadOS 26 offers better mic management for peripherals, overall audio output flexibility still needs improvement.
What Undercode Say: In-Depth Analysis
iPadOS 26 represents a major step forward in Appleās vision of the iPad as a primary computing device, but it also highlights why the iPad is still not a complete MacBook substitute for everyone. The missing developer tools are a significant barrier for tech professionals. Terminal access is fundamental to coding, system customization, and debugging. Without this, the iPad remains more of a consumption and light-creation device rather than a full workstation.
The lack of multi-user support points to Appleās continued positioning of iPads as personal devices rather than shared machines. While this makes sense for security and simplicity, it ignores real-world usage where devices often serve multiple people. Apple should prioritize adding this feature to broaden iPadOSās appeal in households and workplaces.
Improved external display support in iPadOS 26 shows promise, especially with 5K monitor compatibility and scaling. However, the inability to use multiple monitors or run a clamshell mode limits iPad productivity setups. For power users who depend on multi-screen workflows, this is a critical missing piece.
Peripheral customization remains a pain point, especially for users invested in high-end accessories like Logitech mice or specialized keyboards. Without dedicated software support, users are stuck with basic functionality and accessibility tweaks, which reduces the appeal of using the iPad as a professional tool.
Audio handling is an example of how iPadOSās iOS roots still impact the user experience. Macs allow a richer, more flexible sound environment, which is vital for creators and multitaskers who juggle music, videos, and podcasts simultaneously. Improving this would significantly enhance the iPadās appeal for creative professionals.
Despite these shortcomings, the iPad Pro with iPadOS 26 remains a remarkably capable device, and for many usersāespecially those focused on note-taking, browsing, media consumption, and light creative workāit can replace a traditional laptop. The challenge is that for some, these limitations are dealbreakers, particularly given the price tag of the high-end iPad Pro models compared to more affordable MacBook options.
Appleās continued refinement of iPadOS will hopefully close these gaps over time, but for now, users need to carefully weigh what their workflows require before fully committing to an iPad as their primary machine.
Fact Checker Results ā ā
ā
iPadOS 26 does not support native Terminal or full coding environments like Xcode.
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Multi-user account support on iPads remains unavailable outside education settings.
ā iPadOS does not currently support multi-monitor setups or clamshell mode for external displays.
Prediction š®
As Apple iterates on iPadOS, we can expect gradual improvements addressing these key shortcomings. Terminal and developer tool integration may see limited progress unless Apple rethinks iPadOSās architecture toward a more desktop-class OS. Multi-user support could become a priority as the iPad gains traction in shared environments like families and schools. External display capabilities will likely expand with better multi-monitor and clamshell support, responding to demand from power users. Peripheral customization and audio management should improve as third-party developers create companion apps and Apple enhances system-level flexibility. Ultimately, while the iPad is moving closer to being a full MacBook alternative, it may remain best suited for users who prioritize mobility and creative tasks over hardcore development and multi-user productivity for the foreseeable future.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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