iPads with iPadOS 26 fall short of delivering the touchscreen Mac experience users have desired
The latest iteration of iPadOS, version 26, has been released, bringing a host of new features that aim to make the iPad a more versatile and productive device.
Apple's latest iPad Pro models, the M4 and the rumored M5, are expected to offer laptop-level performance. This, coupled with the enhancements in iPadOS 26, positions the iPad as a potential go-to device when a Mac or PC is not sufficient. However, it's important to note that despite these improvements, iPadOS 26 still falls short of matching a Mac or PC for productivity, as it does not eliminate the hardware limitations of the iPad.
Apple has been gradually improving the iPad's capabilities. The introduction of Stage Manager in 2022 was a significant step, and iPadOS 26 builds upon this by introducing the Fill & Arrange feature, allowing apps to be tiled into three rectangles or a 4 x 4 grid. This new feature, along with the improved app tiling, offers a better user experience.
iPadOS 26 also brings new options for accessing files. Users can now swipe up from the bottom of the screen to view all open apps and app combos, and downloaded files are now accessible from the dock with the press of an arrow button.
The updated UI in iPadOS 26, including the Liquid Glass design, has been optimised for the iPad. Unlike on the iPhone, the Liquid Glass look is less intrusive, preserving more screen real estate for apps.
Despite these improvements, the iPad, with its large bezels and rounded corners, still has limitations. These design elements leave precious real estate unusable on most apps, which can be a hindrance to productivity.
The iPad, despite its improved performance, remains its own ecosystem, best described as a big-screen iPhone. This is evident in the menu bar, which now slides down from the top of the screen for accessing app settings, similar to the iPhone's Control Centre.
The lack of ports and external monitor restrictions may prevent the iPad from being used as a main workstation for some users. However, the iPad can serve as a functional secondary workhorse, or even a third screen for work purposes, especially when paired with a powerful iPad Pro.
In September 2025, an official Instagram app was released for the iPad, further expanding its capabilities. However, iPadOS 26 still only supports up to one external display, and moving windows between screens can be problematic.
Despite these limitations, the iPad, with iPadOS 26, offers a powerful and versatile platform for work and productivity. It may not be a one-device solution, as stated by Apple CEO Tim Cook, but it certainly serves as a valuable tool in today's digital landscape.
With these new features, the iPad is poised to continue its evolution as a productive device, bridging the gap between mobile and desktop computing.
