TL;DR
iPadOS 26 introduced macOS-like windowed multitasking, a Finder-style Files app, background task support and an audio source switcher, changing how many people use iPads as daily computers. Significant system-level limitations remain, so whether the update is "enough" depends on individual workflows and app availability.
What happened
In 2025 Apple released iPadOS 26, a major software update that materially changed the iPad experience. The headline change is a true windowing mode that offers infinitely resizable windows, Mac-style window controls, the ability to keep many apps active at once (up to 12 in a single view) and tiled layouts for up to four windows. The Files app was redesigned to behave more like Finder, with customizable column views, resizable columns and dockable folders that can be pinned to the iPad dock. iPadOS 26 also added background task support for apps that adopt it, letting long-running exports continue when the user leaves an app, and a Control Center audio source picker for selecting external microphones. Stage Manager remains an option, and Apple made the update available across the iPad lineup, not just iPad Pro models.
Why it matters
- Brings the iPad closer to a desktop-style workflow with native windowing and improved file management.
- Background tasks reduce idle time for content creators and other users who run long processes.
- Files app improvements make complex file and folder workflows more practical on a tablet.
- Persistent limitations at the system level mean some professional workflows—especially those needing terminals or desktop-only apps—remain constrained.
Key facts
- iPadOS 26 adds a native windowed multitasking mode with infinitely resizable windows and mac-style controls.
- Users can keep up to 12 apps active in a single view and switch to tiled modes showing up to four windows.
- The Files app was overhauled with customizable column views, resizable columns, and dockable folders that can be pinned to the dock.
- Background task support lets updated apps continue long-running processes (like video exports) when moved out of the foreground.
- Control Center gained a native audio source picker to select external microphones or other inputs.
- Stage Manager remains available as an alternative interface for multitasking.
- iPadOS 26 runs on all iPad models, not only iPad Pro devices.
- Fundamental platform limitations persist: no true terminal access, no full desktop-class coding environments, limited system-level control and no support for multiple simultaneous audio sources.
- App ecosystem constraints remain—iPadOS does not allow downloading and installing traditional desktop apps from arbitrary websites.
What to watch next
- Whether third-party developers adopt background-task APIs broadly and update apps to take advantage of them — not confirmed in the source
- If Apple plans to add true terminal access or desktop-class developer tools in future iPadOS releases — not confirmed in the source
- How windowed multitasking and Files performance scale on lower-end iPad models over time — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Windowed multitasking: A user interface mode where apps run in independent, resizable windows that can overlap or be tiled, similar to desktop operating systems.
- Stage Manager: An earlier iPadOS multitasking interface that groups and arranges app windows; remains an option alongside the new windowing mode.
- Finder: The file-management application on macOS; referenced as a model for the revamped Files app on iPadOS.
- Background tasks: Operations that continue running after an app is no longer in the foreground, allowing long processes like exports to finish without keeping the app open.
Reader FAQ
Does iPadOS 26 bring true windowed multitasking?
Yes — it introduces a macOS-like windowing mode with resizable windows, mac-style controls, multi-app views and tiled layouts.
Can I run desktop macOS apps or install apps from arbitrary websites on iPadOS 26?
No — iPadOS does not support downloading and installing desktop apps from websites; the App Store remains the primary source for apps.
Does iPadOS 26 add full terminal access or desktop-class coding environments?
No — the update does not provide true terminal access or full desktop-class coding environments, per the source.
Will long-running exports continue if I leave an app?
Yes — iPadOS 26 supports background tasks for apps that have been updated to use that capability.
All the new products Apple released in 2025 Chance Miller Dec 31 2025 IPAD IPADOS IPADOS 26 iPadOS 26 revitalized the iPad in 2025, but was it enough? [Video] Fernando…
Sources
- iPadOS 26 revitalized the iPad in 2025, but was it enough? [Video]
- “iPadOS 26 is making me think about dumping my MacBook …
- I Swapped My MacBook for an iPad Pro a Year Ago
- iPadOS 26 introduces powerful new features that push …
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