iPados 26 is about to increase tablet productivity soon. At WWDC 2025, Apple previews the so-called iPad’s largest software update. You can eventually dynamically resize the App Windows. At the same time, the menu bar brings a drop-down menu to more organized controls. All of this is wrapped in Apple’s new liquid glass redesign. All in all, iPad users who are eager for a more Mac-like experience can chew a lot here.
Rumors about MAC-like multitasking overhaul were realized. The new windowing system allows you to “seamlessly close, minimize, resize or tile [your] “The resizing options for resize are not as limited as the previous version of the Stage Manager. You can make them any size by dragging the handles in the lower right. Or, drag all windows toward the edge of the screen. (Long-term pressure reveals more tiling options.) When you reopen the app, your window will return to the last position.
Exposé also stands out from Apple’s desktops. It shows your open windows in the tile array, making it easier to jump between them. And if any of these applications have long-running tasks (such as exports), they will continue in the background. (They will appear as live events.)
The menu bar is the Mac middle post at the beginning, which arrives on the iPad. Just like on a Mac, Active applications include familiar menu entries such as files, edits, views, windows, formats, scheduling, and help. When using the touch controls, you can use the menu bar by swiping down from the top. Alternatively, click the cursor when using the trackpad or mouse.
The preview app also arrives at iPados 26, allowing you to view and edit PDFs. Using an apple pencil or touch, you can mark the document. It also includes Autofill, allowing you to fill out PDF forms without third-party software.
The Files App will receive updates to keep up with iPad’s new productivity ribs. It has an updated list view that displays more information about your documentation. It contains reassignable columns and collapsible folders. You can also select a default application for a specific file type. (For example, editing photos with Photoshop, Darkroom, or PixelMator.) Drag folders to the dock on MacOS is a new option.
The subtle little animals that have been moving in this direction for many years have been overhauled. When it arrived 15 years ago, the iPad worked with a physical keyboard, but was only used for typing. Trackpad support didn’t appear until ten years later. Later, iPados 15 added a context menu for window management. The first phase manager brings a more mature multitasking environment. But each of these actions is only gradual. Power users beg Apple to find more “Pro” stuff. By comparison, the new iPados 19 features look like a huge leap.
Productivity updates aren’t limited to iPad Pro and Air. Entry-level models and iPad mini are also available.
The iPadOS 26 is wrapped in a liquid glass redesign, accessing all of Apple’s new software via WWDC 2025. You will see translucent effects and circular icons to match the corners of the device. All this is inspired by Apple’s mixed reality headset software.
Of course, the naming scheme of the software is also new. Apple unifies its upcoming software by giving them all “26” numbers. Previously, this version was checked once a year. However, since the company’s platform has different numbers, it can be confusing. So from now on all Apple software will come with Coming soon Year. (Although the update arrives this fall, it will be the de facto software for most of 2026.) Will a “iPados 19” that will never be a drop.
There are many smaller updates. iPados 26 also includes Apple’s new dedicated gaming app. The mobile app arrives, allowing you to make calls from your tablet. (Previously collapsed them into the FaceTime app.) There is an audio input selector that lets you select a different microphone for each app. The new Apple Intelligence features (including real-time translation) are also here.
The first iPados 26 developer Beta arrived on Monday. Public Beta will be followed in July. The final version of the software will land this fall (probably around September).
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