Get Ready for the iPad of the Future: iPadOS 26 Unleashed at WWDC 2025!
At this year's WWDC 2025, Apple rolls out much-anticipated iPadOS updates, detailing significant improvements. Here's a rundown of the featured enhancements.
In a move that's long overdue, Apple decided to give the iPad a much-needed facelift at its WWDC 2025 keynote presentation. The new upgrade to iPadOS has just been renamed to iPadOS 26, and it boasts a slew of new features that finally make the iPad feel more like a laptop. But let's see if it's enough to make the iPad a true laptop replacement forever and day.
An iPadOS 26 Revelation: Enhanced Multitasking isn't a Myth Anymore
Apple's keynote presentation at WWDC unveiled the revamped aesthetic of its operating systems, "Liquid Glass," which will now all be numbered by year (i.e., "iPadOS 26"). Alongside the glassy new look, iPadOS is getting a long-awaited update: improved windowing and tiling.
Say goodbye to the limited tiling options; iPadOS 26 offers a Mac-like tracking pad cursor and the freedom to organize app windows however you want. That includes resizing windows to custom dimensions and having more pre-made tiling layout options.
And don't forget the brand-new cursor design when coupling your iPad with a mouse or trackpad, like the Magic Keyboard. This simple, yet game-changing adaptation results in a much more precise navigation experience and, of course, makes the whole thing look a heck of a lot more like macOS.
Sneak Peek: Get an Early Look at iPadOS 26
Keen on trying out the latest and greatest in iPad functionality? Sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program, and you'll get a front-row seat to all the cutting-edge new features that come with iPadOS 26. The public betas for all of Apple's new operating systems will be available in July, giving you the opportunity to experience the updates before anyone else.
If your iPad is eligible for the update, you'll be the first to get your hands on the beta version of iPadOS 26 come July. Of course, the official iPadOS 26 release is expected sometime this fall. Rest assured we'll keep you in the loop about all the latest updates and analysis of Apple's revamped operating systems in the weeks and months ahead!
iPadOS vs. macOS: Making the Case for the iPad
Now, let's get real. I love my iPad, but it's no MacBook replacement yet. I'm not entirely convinced that iPadOS 26 will change that. Don't get me wrong: The new windowing system gives me hope that I can finally multi-task like a pro on my iPad, but there's still the lingering problem of app compatibility.
Face it; most iPad apps are more like iPhone apps than full-solid desktop applications. That means users might still be out of luck if they're attempting to do serious creative work, coding, or heavy data analysis on the iPad. So whether the iPad will ever truly be a laptop replacement remains to be seen, but it's certainly getting close to achieving the dream.
A Budget-Friendly Macbook Replacement? The iPad 11 Has Got You Covered
If you're wondering which iPad is best for you, don't worry—Apple's got you covered. The new iPadOS 26 features will be available on any iPad running iPadOS 26 (which will likely include all but the oldest iPads). That means you can enjoy the new iPadOS experience on your budget-friendly iPad 11, making it an excellent option for students, digital nomads, or anyone searching for a versatile, portable computing solution without breaking the bank.
See also: The iPad Mini 7: A Compact Powerhouse for the Modern Mobile Gamer
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
iPadOS 26 introduces several key features that enhance the iPad's capabilities and make it a more viable laptop replacement:
Key Features of iPadOS 26
- Updated Windowing System: iPadOS 26 includes a new powerful and intuitive windowing system that allows for better multitasking and app management. This feature significantly improves productivity by enabling users to control, organize, and switch between apps more efficiently.[1][2]
- Enhanced Multitasking: The new multitasking capabilities allow users to work with multiple apps at once, making it easier to perform tasks that require multiple windows, such as writing documents while researching online.[1][4]
- Apple Intelligence Features: iPadOS 26 integrates Apple Intelligence more deeply, offering features like Live Translation, Genmoji, Image Playground, and intelligent actions with Shortcuts. These features improve user productivity and creativity.[2]
- Files App and Folder Management: The Files app is supercharged with new ways to organize files and customize folders. Users can also access folders directly from the dock, making file management more convenient.[2]
- Preview App: The addition of the Preview app allows users to view and edit PDFs with features like Apple Pencil Markup and AutoFill, enhancing document handling capabilities.[2]
- Audio and Video Enhancements: iPadOS 26 includes features like Background Tasks, audio input selection, and Local Capture, which are particularly beneficial for creative professionals working with audio and video content.[2]
- Design and User Experience: The new "Liquid Glass" design offers a more expressive and delightful user interface, making the iPad experience more enjoyable and intuitive.[4]
These features collectively make the iPad more capable and user-friendly, potentially positioning it as a more viable alternative to traditional laptops for many users.
See also:- "The Best Apple Deals in June 2025"- "The iPad 11 is the Best Budget-Friendly Tablet You Can Buy, but There are Two Big Drawbacks"- "iPad 11 vs iPad 10: Which Affordable iPad is the Best Value?"- "I Spent a Week Gaming on the iPad Mini 7 - is it a Handheld Gaming PC Rival?"
- With iPadOS 26, the Apple iPad now features a windowing system similar to macOS, allowing for free app window resizing and multiple pre-made tiling layouts, making it easier to multi-task.
- Dive into the latest features of iPadOS 26 with the Apple Beta Software Program, which offers public betas in July, providing an early look at the updates before the official release in the fall.
- Although the iPad still falls short of completely replacing a MacBook, the enhanced multitasking capabilities of iPadOS 26 offer hope for power users looking to perform more advanced tasks.
- With iPadOS 26, users can experience the new features on their budget-friendly iPad 11, making it an attractive option for those seeking a versatile, portable computing solution without breaking the bank.
- The latest iPadOS 26 offers a variety of enhancements, including an updated windowing system, improved multitasking, deeper Apple Intelligence integration, and more, making the iPad an increasingly viable alternative to traditional laptops.
