You might know that my iPad Pro has been my trusty on-the-go companion for the past 10 years. I’ve loved having cellular connectivity right out of the box, a vast selection of apps, and access to all my content wherever I travel. Despite the occasional friction—especially with multitasking—I’ve continued to use it because the personal benefits have always outweighed the productivity hurdles. Still, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t frustrating at times.

Over the years, things have definitely improved, particularly with Safari, but multitasking remains a challenge. Now, enter iPadOS 26—could this be the game-changer I’ve been waiting for?

iPadOS 26 introduces a completely redesigned windowing system that finally brings true multitasking to the iPad. Users can now resize, minimize, tile, and freely move app windows across the screen, just as they would on a Mac. The familiar traffic-light window controls, close, minimize, and full-screen, are now present, and apps feature a Mac-like menu bar for quick access to commands. This overhaul replaces the previous Split View and Slide Over features with a much more robust and flexible system, allowing users to arrange multiple apps side-by-side or stack them as needed. Windows retain their size and position even after the device is turned off or apps are closed, and an Exposé-style view lets users see all open windows at a glance.

Improved Input Precision and Interface

The new Liquid Glass design language brings a more expressive and dynamic look to iPadOS 26. Buttons and menu bars now feature translucent, glass-like effects that respond to user input, making the interface more intuitive and visually engaging. The updated controls and navigation extend across core apps like Mail, Safari, and Apple TV, enhancing the overall user experience and making the iPad feel more like a true productivity device. Even the cursor seems to be more useful.

Enhanced Productivity Workflows

With these changes, the iPad is now better equipped to handle complex productivity workflows. The Files app has been supercharged with new organizational tools and customizable folders, while the Preview app brings advanced PDF editing and markup capabilities to the iPad for the first time. Background tasks, local capture, and improved audio input selection further empower creative professionals, making the iPad a viable tool for demanding video, audio, and design projects.

Positioning the iPad for Market Share Gains

The first half of 2025 saw iPad build growth reach 9% year-over-year, significantly outpacing the 3% growth seen in the broader PC market. This reflects the iPad’s increasing relevance in the portable computing segment and suggests a potential large upgrade cycle for iPad users as they seek out the new capabilities offered by iPadOS 26 and the new hardware that I now expect in the Fall.

Strategic Timing: Windows and Mac End-of-Life Cycles

While I am not sure this was all planned this way, given the redesign coincides with that of all other operating systems, the timing of iPadOS 26’s release could not be better. The end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025 will drive many PC users to consider new hardware, while Apple’s announcement that macOS 26 will be the last major update for Intel-based Macs means that Mac users will also be evaluating their options as they approach the end of official support in 2026. Considering both these segments are pretty pragmatic you can see how the simplicity of an iPad now more Mac-like as well as the price range might be apeling.

The new windowing system and productivity features set the stage for the next decade of iPad development, aligning the device more closely with PC functionality and making it a true laptop replacement for many users.

Apple’s focus on reducing friction and improving the user experience, while maintaining the iPad’s simplicity and ease of use, will be key to driving adoption among both new and existing users. The ability to seamlessly transition between devices, thanks to Apple’s ecosystem and continuity features, further reinforces the iPad’s value proposition in a world where users increasingly demand flexibility and mobility.

Apple Silicon and the Redefined “What’s a PC?” in the AI Era

With iPadOS 26, the strategic importance of Apple’s silicon choices for the iPad becomes unmistakable. The new operating system takes full advantage of the advanced neural processing capabilities found in Apple’s latest M-series chips, especially the M3 and M4, which are now standard in new iPad Air and iPad Pro models. These chips feature Apple’s most powerful Neural Engines to date, enabling local execution of sophisticated AI workloads, from real-time translation and image generation to intelligent battery management and advanced content creation. This is a dramatic leap from previous generations and puts the iPad on par with, or even ahead of, many traditional AI PCs.

Apple’s longstanding “What’s a computer?” marketing campaign, which challenged conventional notions of what a PC could be, now feels ripe for an update. With iPadOS 26’s robust multitasking, window management, and AI integration, the question becomes: “What’s an AI PC?” Apple is signaling that the iPad, powered by its custom silicon, is not just a tablet but a full-fledged competitor in the AI PC space—a device capable of handling generative AI, advanced productivity, and creative workflows with ease.

This positioning is further reinforced by the expectation that new iPad hardware, likely featuring the latest M-series chips, will debut in the fall. These devices will be engineered to showcase the full potential of iPadOS 26’s AI features, ensuring that the iPad remains at the forefront of on-device AI innovation.

Connectivity and the Future of AI PCs

Connectivity is another area where Apple’s approach stands out. While the iPad has long offered cellular options, enabling users to work and create from anywhere, the PC industry has been slower to embrace built-in cellular connectivity, despite the clear advantages for mobile professionals and the rise of hybrid work. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite platform has demonstrated the power of always-connected, AI-enabled PCs, but adoption among PC OEMs remains cautious.

Apple’s commitment to cellular connectivity is evident in its ongoing development of in-house modem technology, which is expected to debut in future Macs as soon as 2026. This move will further blur the lines between traditional PCs and mobile devices, giving Apple’s ecosystem a unique advantage in the AI PC market. The addition of cellular to the Mac lineup will not only enhance productivity and security but also set a new standard for what users expect from their computing devices.

A Personal Note and What’s Next

While I’m savvy enough not to update my hardware to the latest developer OS while on the road, I’m eagerly looking forward to installing iPadOS 26 as soon as I return home tonight. With its advanced multitasking, AI capabilities, and enhanced productivity features, my iPad is set to become an even more dependable travel companion. Stay tuned for updates on how these new enhancements perform in real-world travel and work scenarios—I’m excited to share my experiences as I put iPadOS 26 to the test.

 

 

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