iPadOS is experiencing a significant shift towards resembling MacOS.
The latest iteration of iPadOS, version 26, introduces a series of enhancements that make the iPad feel more like a Mac. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a menu bar, drawing inspiration from the Mac interface.
Another significant addition is the persistent visibility of the dock, a feature that operates differently from its counterpart on macOS. In iPadOS 26, the dock remains visible during in-app usage, facilitating easier application switching. This is in contrast to macOS, where the dock is typically visible by default, but can be hidden automatically or when an application is in full-screen mode.
The redesigned windowing system in iPadOS 26 enables free resizing and overlapping of windows, similar to window management on a Mac. This allows users to adjust window sizes to accommodate the visible dock, significantly altering the user experience.
The iPad's dock in iPadOS 26 also differs from its counterpart on macOS. While the dock is consistently visible on the Home Screen, it remains hidden within applications unless specifically invoked. However, a new setting in iPadOS 26, "Automatically Show & Hide Dock," allows the dock to stay visible even when users are actively working inside applications.
The behavior of this toggle in iPadOS 26 differs from its counterpart on macOS. In iPadOS, when the application window is not in full-screen mode and does not occupy the bottom portion of the screen, the dock remains visible during in-app usage. On the other hand, on macOS, the dock is typically visible by default unless the user opts for automatic hiding or an application is in full-screen mode.
The dock in iPadOS 26 can now hold folders directly from the Files app, further enhancing its functionality to resemble macOS. Apple introduced the ticker process allowing the Dock to remain visible during app usage in iPadOS 16, aligning iPad functionality closer to macOS.
These enhancements are part of a broader effort to improve productivity features within iPadOS 26, making the iPad a more versatile and Mac-like device for users. The incorporation of a menu bar, redesigned windowing system, and persistent dock visibility all contribute to a more Mac-like user experience on the iPad.
