iPadOS 26 finally gets proper multitasking, a better files app, and a whole new look

Note: This article was first published on 10 June 2025.

iPadOS 26 has just been announced at WWDC 2025 with a brand new naming scheme. Apple iPad tablet owners can look forward to a redesigned operating system, improved software and new apps, all of which now comes on an interface that's even closer to MacOS than before.

The change to a Mac-like experience puts to rest some of the complaints that iPads aren't fully utilising the powerful chips inside them, said Apple. Here are some of the most critical updates about iPadOS 26 that will impact how you work on the iPad.

OS redesign

Apple's new Liquid Glass design language, which spans all of Apple's 2026 operating systems, also extends to the iPad. Inspired by translucent glass, this interface prioritises fluidity, with icons, tabs and more transforming and adapting in real-time based on content and context. There's a new all-clear option which turns the Dock translucent, helping to make the display feel bigger.

Better app windows

While Stage Manager worked decently when we tried it on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th generation), it had limitations, such as the inability to resize windows freely and reposition them. This is now solved in iPadOS 26 with the ability to resize app windows and place them wherever you desire freely. Apple has even gone one step further and will now allow more than just four app windows on the screen at once. 

This new windowing system works seamlessly with Stage Manager and also on external displays, making iPads a more viable option as a laptop replacement. Exposé is also coming to the iPad, allowing users to view all open windows in a tiled array for easy switching.

A more MacOS-esque experience

iPadOS 26 will make iPads feel more like a Mac, thanks to the new menu bar at the top that appears either with a swipe down from the top edge or simply by moving the cursor to the top. App commands will be available in the menu bar, and familiar options such as File, Edit, View, Window, Help, and more will be present, just like on macOS. 

The Files app has been enhanced with a new List view that allows for resizable columns to show more file details and collapsible folders, similar to what you can do on a Mac. Default apps for different file types can also be set here.

Preview is also coming to iPadOS 26, so iPad owners will be able to edit and mark up photos and documents in a dedicated app. 

Previously, some apps had to be running in the foreground to ensure that long-running processes, such as rendering or exporting a video, could proceed normally. Not anymore. iPadOS 26 will now let iPads perform intensive tasks in the background, with Live Activities helping to provide clear information on any background tasks running. 

The Phone app will also be available on the iPad, with new features from iOS 26, including Hold Assist and Call Screening. Additionally, the new Games app and the Journal app will also be available in iPadOS 26.

More Apple Intelligence features

We've covered the new Apple Intelligence features in our iOS 26 coverage, and most of those features will also be coming to iPadOS 26. Live Translation will be available in the Phone, FaceTime and Messages apps, for quick and easy translation from other languages into the user's preferred language. 

Genmoji receives an upgrade with the ability to edit attributes such as hair length and expressions. Additionally, ChatGPT integration allows for new styles and custom image generation in Image Playground. 

Availability

iPadOS 26 will be available later this year as a free update. Apple Intelligence features will be available on all iPads powered by an M1 chip and above.

More Updates from WWDC 2025:

• Apple iOS 26 key updates from WWDC

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