Apple just gave me a compelling reason to ditch my MacBook for an iPad. Here's why

Every iPad compatible with iPadOS 26 is getting a big user interface upgrade, thanks to a new Mac-like experience coming with Apple’s software update.

iPadOS 26 gives the iPad its biggest windowing redesign ever, letting users resize app windows, place them where they want, tile them, and open more windows at once than before. The new OS also features a new menu bar for the iPad, as well as a new Preview app and file navigation system.

Also: Everything announced at Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote: Liquid Glass, MacOS Tahoe, and more

“iPadOS 26 is our biggest iPadOS release ever, with powerful features that take the experience to the next level and transform what users can do on iPad,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “With a beautiful new design, an entirely new powerful and intuitive windowing system, even more features powered by Apple Intelligence, huge improvements to working with files, and new capabilities for creatives to power their workflows, iPadOS 26 makes our most versatile device even more capable.”

The WWDC 2025 keynote was all about fluidity — visual and practical. The iPad, iPhone, and Mac are all getting the Liquid Glass redesign, which gives the user interface a dynamic interaction with translucent layers. The iPad, however, is getting the biggest updates.

iPadOS 26 will let you drag your windows around, regardless of layering. You can also arrange your windows using a flick gesture. Much like a computer, the windows will maintain size and position even after being minimized and then opened again.

Apple also introduced Expose, which lets you see all your open windows spread out at once. This lets you find the one you need to switch to without having to toggle different apps. 

Apple is improving its iPad Files app to give users more power to manage, access, and edit their files. You’ll see your files organized in an updated List View with more details, resizable columns, and collapsible folders. As with your Mac, you’ll be able to customize your iPad’s file icons with color, icons, and emojis, as well as drag a folder from the Files app to the Dock. 

The Preview app is also coming to the iPad with the release of iPadOS 26. The app will let you view, edit, and mark up PDFs and images using touch or your Apple Pencil. 

Also: Every iPhone model compatible with Apple’s iOS 26 (and which ones aren’t)

These features allow users to interact with the iPad much as they would with a computer, which gets Apple somewhat closer to its goal of having the iPad replace a laptop. iPad users have long requested these features, but they aren’t easy to integrate into a tablet UI. 

The new menu bar lets you easily access commands intuitively, just by swiping down from the top of your iPad’s display. If you have a mouse or keyboard with a trackpad, you can also hover your cursor over the top of the display to access the menu bar. Developers can also customize the menu bar for their iPad applications.

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