Is the iPad Finally a Real Mac Now?

The iPad May Finally Be a True Mac Replacement with iPadOS 26

Apple may have finally cracked the code with iPadOS 26, bringing the iPad closer than ever to being a legitimate Mac replacement. We’re not kidding—this update introduces 10 major changes that align the iPad’s functionality with that of a Mac, making it a powerhouse for productivity and creativity. Before we dive in, a quick shoutout to our sponsor, Paperlike. If you own an iPad, the Paperlike 2.1 screen protector uses advanced nanodots technology to mimic the feel of writing on paper while reducing reflections, preventing scratches, and enhancing the Apple Pencil experience. It’s a game-changer for artists and note-takers alike. Check it out here.

Now, let’s explore the 10 big changes in iPadOS 26 that make the iPad feel like a Mac.

1. Windowed Apps: Multitasking Like a Mac

Multitasking on iPadOS has historically been a bit clunky. By default, apps open in full-screen mode, and splitting the screen or enabling Stage Manager requires specific know-how. iPadOS 26 introduces windowed apps, a third multitasking option that feels straight out of macOS. Apps still launch in full-screen, but a pull-tab in the bottom-right corner lets you resize them. Once resized, apps reopen in the same position and size, just like on a Mac. There’s no limit to how many apps you can open—only your screen size restricts you. If windowed apps aren’t your thing, you can stick with full-screen or Stage Manager.

2. App Exposé: Navigating a Cluttered Desktop

With multiple app windows open, your iPad’s desktop can get messy. iPadOS 26 introduces App Exposé, activated by a four-finger swipe up, allowing you to navigate open windows with ease. This feature mirrors macOS’s Mission Control, making it simpler to manage your workspace.

3. Traffic Light Window Controls

macOS’s iconic red, yellow, and green “traffic light” buttons for closing, minimizing, and maximizing windows are now on iPadOS 26. These appear on any non-full-screen app, offering familiar window management that screams Mac.

4. A Modern Arrow Cursor

The circular cursor in previous iPadOS versions was quirky but imprecise. iPadOS 26 replaces it with a sleek, semi-transparent arrow cursor, designed to match the new UI and improve accuracy when clicking or selecting items. It’s a small change with a big impact, aligning the iPad’s pointer with macOS.

5. A macOS-Style Menu Bar

Perhaps the most transformative change is the introduction of a menu bar. Swipe down or move the cursor to the top of a supported app, and you’ll see menus like File, Edit, Insert, and Format—just like on macOS. This eliminates the need to dig through app menus, streamlining workflows. Unlike macOS, the iPad’s menu bar is app-specific, avoiding clutter and maximizing space (no notch to worry about!).

6. Upgraded Files App

The Files app in iPadOS 26 isn’t quite as robust as macOS’s Finder, but it’s significantly improved. A standout feature, also coming to macOS 26, is the ability to add emojis to folders and change their colors for better organization. These visual cues make file management more intuitive.

7. Liquid Glass UI and Stunning Wallpapers

The Liquid Glass UI in iPadOS 26 looks spectacular on the iPad’s large canvas, especially with new clear icons that let your wallpaper shine. Speaking of wallpapers, our app Wallpapers offers nearly 2,000 8K options, including the stunning Lucid Lance pack by Raheem and the upcoming Amorphous Orus pack by Michael, available Friday. Download them for free via the Wallpapers app.

8. Preview App: More Than Just a PDF Viewer

The Preview app, Apple’s answer to Adobe Reader, is now on iPadOS 26 and arguably more powerful than its macOS counterpart. Beyond viewing and signing PDFs, you can scan documents directly in Preview and use the Apple Pencil to sign PDFs, making it a versatile tool for professionals.

9. Local Audio and Video Capture

A long-overdue feature, iPadOS 26 now supports local audio and video capture during screen recordings. This is a boon for preserving FaceTime calls or recording conference calls with audio, addressing a frustrating limitation in earlier versions.

10. Background Tasks

iPadOS 26 finally allows background tasks, letting you export videos, download files, or move files in the Files app without keeping the app open. This feature, already standard on Android and macOS, leverages the iPad’s Apple Silicon to multitask like a true computer.

Why Not Full macOS?

With all these macOS-like features, why doesn’t Apple just put macOS on the iPad? The answer lies in touch. iPadOS is designed for touch input, while macOS isn’t. Merging them would compromise the iPad’s touch-first experience. By keeping iPadOS separate but adding macOS features, Apple ensures the best of both worlds. Plus, it incentivizes owning both devices.

Final Thoughts

While macOS still edges out for file management and multi-monitor support, iPadOS 26 resolves major pain points like multitasking. The iPad may not fully replace a Mac for everyone, but it’s now a compelling travel companion or even a primary device for many. The OLED display on the iPad Pro, for instance, outshines the MacBook Air’s LCD for media consumption. With the M5 iPad on the horizon, a refurbished M4 model could be the perfect on-the-go MacBook alternative.

What are your thoughts on iPadOS 26? Let us know, and don’t forget to check out Paperlike for an authentic paper-like iPad experience here.

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