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iPadOS 26: A Game-Changer or Just Another iPad Update?

Introduction

When Apple unveiled iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025, the tech community buzzed with excitement. For years, iPad enthusiasts have awaited the moment Apple would transform the iPad into a true computer, and this update seemed to promise just that. As a longtime iPad fan and tech reviewer, I installed the iPadOS 26 beta on my iPad immediately and replaced my daily-driver MacBook Pro with it for three weeks. My goal? To determine if the iPad could finally serve as a laptop replacement for everything except video editing, which I knew would still require my MacBook. Here’s my in-depth experience with iPadOS 26, its strengths, its limitations, and whether it truly redefines the iPad’s role.

The Pre-iPadOS 26 Context

Before diving into the update, let’s set the stage. I’ve always loved my iPad—it’s one of my favorite pieces of tech. Its stunning display, sleek design, and touchscreen interface make it a joy for media consumption, casual browsing, occasional emails, Slack, image editing, and gaming. However, with my MacBook Pro always at hand, the iPad often became a “glorified media machine.” Despite its power, it was underutilized for productivity tasks because the MacBook was simply more efficient for work. My hope for iPadOS 26 was simple: could it make the iPad capable enough to leave the MacBook behind for most tasks?

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What’s New in iPadOS 26?

iPadOS 26 introduces significant changes, particularly in multitasking and window management, that bring it closer to a Mac-like experience. Here’s a breakdown of the key features I explored:

Enhanced Window Management

The standout feature is the new window management system, which feels like a dramatic leap forward. Gone are the clunky multitasking limitations of earlier iPadOS versions. Now, any app can be resized by dragging its corner to any size, allowing for overlapping windows that mimic a traditional desktop. You can:

• Flick windows to either side to split the screen evenly.

• Double-tap the top of an app to toggle full-screen mode.

• Swipe down to reveal a Mac-style menu bar with stoplight controls (minimize, maximize, close).

• Open up to eight windows simultaneously (up from four in Stage Manager).

This “multi-window mode” is toggled via the Control Center, preserving the classic iPad experience when off. When activated, a resizing anchor appears, and the system remembers window groups and sizes, making multitasking intuitive and powerful. Even on an iPad mini, this functionality remains unrestricted, though the smaller screen makes it less practical.

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Other Notable Improvements

• Files App: The revamped Files app supports external storage, server connections, and easier file management. However, locating files (e.g., AirDropped media) can still be confusing compared to a Mac.

• Keyboard and Trackpad Support: The iPad’s keyboard case now includes a real cursor, improving precision. Yet, it feels top-heavy and less stable than a laptop’s hinge and keyboard.

• Versatility: The iPad retains its unique strengths—cellular connectivity, rear cameras, and stellar Apple Pencil support—making it a notepad, canvas, or media device in ways laptops can’t match.

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Living with iPadOS 26: The Good

For three weeks, I used the iPad exclusively for tasks like email, Slack, web browsing, PDF signing, and occasional multitasking blitzes. Here’s what stood out:

• Multitasking Bliss: Resizing and managing multiple windows felt seamless for most apps. Dragging corners to adjust sizes or flicking windows to split-screen was quick and Mac-like. For example, I could browse Safari, reply to Slack, and take notes in Notability simultaneously with minimal friction.

• Touch-First Experience: The iPad’s touchscreen remains its killer feature. Full-screen apps eliminate distractions (no Discord or X notifications pulling focus), letting me lock in on one task. The display’s vibrancy and the device’s lightweight design (a pound lighter than my MacBook) made it a pleasure to carry and use.

• Versatility: The iPad’s ability to switch roles—media player, sketchpad, camera, or productivity hub—sets it apart. For casual tasks or creative work, it often felt more enjoyable than a laptop.

A specific example: signing a PDF on Slack was doable, though it required extra steps (open in browser, mark up, save, reattach). While slower than on a Mac, the task was completed without hitting a wall, proving the iPad’s capability.

The Limitations: Where the iPad Still Falls Short

Despite its advancements, iPadOS 26 isn’t a full laptop replacement. Here are the pain points I encountered:

• Window Resizing Lag: Some apps resize instantly, but others adjust in stages, requiring multiple drags to get the desired size. On a Mac, resizing is always fluid, and there’s no practical window limit.

• Audio Restrictions: The iPad can’t play multiple audio sources simultaneously. For instance, I couldn’t listen to music while watching a YouTube video for research—a common multitasking scenario on a Mac.

• Keyboard Case Ergonomics: While improved, the keyboard case is top-heavy and clunky on uneven surfaces like a couch. Compared to a laptop’s sturdy hinge and balanced design, it feels less reliable.

• File Management Quirks: The Files app is better but still occasionally confusing. AirDropped files don’t always land in a predictable location, unlike a Mac’s Downloads folder.

• Workflow Friction: Computer-like tasks often require extra steps or creative workarounds. While I could “get it done,” the process was slower and less intuitive than on a Mac.

These limitations led to a critical realization: the question isn’t “Can the iPad replace a laptop?” (because it can), but “Do I want it to?” Sometimes, the iPad’s simplicity and touch-first design were superior; other times, the Mac’s efficiency was missed.

The Big Picture: iPad as a Laptop vs. iPad as a Versatile Device

With the right accessories (keyboard, mouse, and folio case), the iPad can function as “almost an entire laptop.” However, this setup negates its portability advantage, making it as bulky as a laptop. At that point, a MacBook might be the better choice for pure computing tasks due to its superior balance, hinge, and keyboard.

Yet, the iPad’s strength lies in its versatility. It’s not just a computer—it’s a media machine, a camera, a sketchpad, and a cellular-connected tablet. For users who value this multifunctionality, the iPad shines. If your top five tasks (e.g., note-taking, sketching, browsing, email, and gaming) are better suited to a tablet’s form factor, the iPad is a compelling choice. If you primarily need a computer, a laptop remains the smarter buy.

Conclusion

iPadOS 26 raises the ceiling for what an iPad can do as a computer. Its window management, multitasking capabilities, and improved Files app make it more capable than ever. For three weeks, I successfully replaced my MacBook Pro for most tasks, proving the iPad can handle a laptop’s workload with the right workflow. However, occasional friction and limitations remind us that it’s still an iPad—not a Mac.

For those debating between an iPad and a laptop, consider your needs. If you want a device that’s mostly a computer but also a canvas, camera, and media hub, the iPad with iPadOS 26 is a fantastic option. If you need a dedicated computer, stick with a laptop. The iPad’s versatility is its superpower, and iPadOS 26 makes it sweeter than ever.

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