Summary
Apple Unveils iPadOS 26: A Major Leap Toward Replacing Your Mac
At WWDC 2025, Apple revealed a game-changing update for the iPad—iPadOS 26.
The upcoming release is packed with desktop-grade features that bring the iPad experience closer than ever to a true MacBook alternative.
From a new window management system to a macOS-style Menu Bar, Apple is positioning the iPad as a serious contender for productivity and professional use.
Here’s a breakdown of the top new features that will transform your iPad workflow.
Enhanced Multitasking: True Window Control Comes to iPad
Mac-Style Window Resizing
With iPadOS 26, you’re no longer locked into rigid multitasking layouts like Split View.
Now, every app window includes a “traffic light” menu in the top-left corner—just like on a Mac. This allows you to:
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Minimize
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Maximize
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Arrange windows with ease
Plus, with flick gestures, you can quickly send windows to the left, right, or into thirds or quarters, creating custom layouts that boost multitasking power.
Resize Apps Freely With Grab Handles
A new grab handle in the bottom-right corner of each app window lets you resize in any direction.
Whether you’re juggling documents, spreadsheets, or creative tools, this freedom makes the iPad feel more like a desktop than ever.
iPad Finally Gets a Menu Bar (Yes, Like macOS!)
Navigating iPad apps just got simpler.
iPadOS 26 introduces a persistent Menu Bar at the top of apps—triggered by a swipe down.
This long-awaited feature brings desktop-style navigation to the iPad, offering quick access to:
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Edit
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Insert
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Format
…and more, depending on the app.
For users who already use a keyboard and mouse, this adds a layer of familiarity and speed, closing the gap between iPad and traditional computers.
Exposé: A Smarter Way to Switch Between Apps
The new Exposé feature replaces the outdated “Show All Windows” system.
Similar to Mission Control on Mac, Exposé:
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Spreads out all your open windows in a clear grid
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Lets you tap to bring the right app front and center
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Is activated with a simple swipe-up-and-hold gesture
This alone makes app switching smoother, especially for multitaskers and professionals who keep many apps running.
Customizable Folders in the Dock: Easier Access, Better Organization
iPadOS 26 lets you pin folders directly to the Dock, just like on macOS. Whether it’s a folder full of downloads, work documents, or media files, now you can:
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Access important files instantly
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Color-code folder icons for faster identification
This small but powerful update is a major win for users managing projects or juggling multiple file types.
Real Pointer Support: iPad Gets Closer to a Full Desktop Experience
Apple is also enhancing pointer functionality in iPadOS 26.
If you use a mouse, trackpad, or external keyboard, you’ll now experience a true desktop-style pointer, improving precision and giving users even more control over windowed environments.
When Will iPadOS 26 Launch?
Currently, iPadOS 26 is in beta testing. It’s expected to roll out officially this fall, likely around the same time as new iPad hardware.
Until then, developers and testers are getting a head start with the public beta.
Is iPad Finally Ready to Replace Your Laptop?
With iPadOS 26, Apple has delivered what users have been asking for—flexible, efficient multitasking tools, a Menu Bar, and desktop-level controls.
Whether you’re a student, a creator, or a professional, these features unlock new possibilities for how you use your iPad.
It’s clear: the iPad is no longer just a consumption device.
With this update, it’s shaping up to be a legitimate MacBook alternative for many users.