The Best iPadOS 26 Features (and Why They Matter)

Summary

iPadOS 26 introduces significant upgrades, especially for power users, with enhanced windowing mode allowing up to 12 apps to be open simultaneously. The new interface includes resizable windows, improved multitasking, and an intuitive app switcher. Key features include background tasks, an upgraded Files app, and the Preview app for seamless PDF handling. With better external monitor support, mouse enhancements, and improved shortcut actions, iPadOS 26 promises an improved and more flexible workflow. While still in beta, this update marks a major leap in usability and performance, and will be fully available in the fall.

Takeaways

• 😀 iPadOS 26 offers significant changes to the iPad experience, balancing power and simplicity.
• 😀 New windowing mode allows apps to open in windowed mode, with the ability to resize and maintain window positions across sessions.
• 😀 iPadOS 26 supports up to 12 app windows open simultaneously on the M4 iPad Pro, offering a boost to productivity.
• 😀 The Dock now supports up to 12 apps and folders, making app switching faster and more efficient.
• 😀 The new stoplight controls allow users to manage app windows more easily with options like minimizing, resizing, and closing apps.
• 😀 A menu bar has been introduced for more advanced app and window management, including keyboard shortcuts and window tiling options.
• 😀 iPadOS 26 overhauls the mouse cursor for more precise interaction, including a shake-to-enlarge feature for easier tracking.
• 😀 The new 'use model' action in Shortcuts allows integration of a chatbot within the app, offering both on-device and cloud processing options.
• 😀 Files app improvements include collapsible folders, keyboard navigation, and a new 'open with' menu for easier app selection.
• 😀 The addition of background tasks allows apps to continue operations like downloading or exporting even when minimized, increasing multitasking capabilities.
• 😀 The new Preview app offers native PDF and image handling, filling a crucial gap by allowing editing, annotations, and form filling directly within iPadOS.

Q & A

What is the most significant change introduced in iPadOS 26?

The most significant change is the new windowing mode, which allows users to manage multiple apps in separate windows, making the iPad more versatile for multitasking. This feature is especially beneficial for power users.

How does the windowing mode work in iPadOS 26?

When you launch an app for the first time with windowing mode enabled, it opens in full screen. You can resize the app by dragging the icon in the bottom right corner. The iPad remembers the position and size of the window even after minimizing or rebooting the device.

How many apps can be open simultaneously in iPadOS 26?

On an M4 iPad Pro, up to 12 apps can be open simultaneously, though this depends on the model and available RAM. The system closes the oldest window automatically once the limit is reached.

What improvements have been made to the iPadOS dock in version 26?

iPadOS 26 allows users to add up to 12 apps to the dock, in addition to 3 folders. This improves the ability to quickly switch between apps and boosts productivity.

How do the stoplight controls in iPadOS 26 help manage windows?

The stoplight controls (green, yellow, and red) allow users to quickly switch between full-screen mode, minimize an app, or close it. Long pressing on these controls provides additional window management options like tiling apps in different configurations.

What new window layout options are available in iPadOS 26?

In iPadOS 26, you can arrange windows in two, three, or even four columns. There's also a split view slider that adjusts the size of apps that are side by side, improving multitasking and workflow efficiency.

What is the 'Use Model' action in iPadOS 26 Shortcuts, and how is it useful?

The 'Use Model' action in Shortcuts allows users to integrate AI-powered tasks, such as ChatGPT, within their shortcuts. It enables users to process tasks locally, through Apple's private cloud, or using ChatGPT's servers for larger tasks, offering flexibility and efficiency.

How does iPadOS 26 enhance the user experience for managing files?

iPadOS 26 introduces collapsible folders in the Files app, a new 'open with' menu for choosing the right app for each file, and the ability to set default apps for file types. These changes make file management much more intuitive and streamlined.

What is the new background task feature in iPadOS 26?

The new background task feature allows apps to continue tasks like file transfers or downloads even after being minimized or moved to the background. Users can track progress through live activities, making it easier to multitask.

What new functionality does the Preview app provide in iPadOS 26?

The Preview app in iPadOS 26 allows users to open and edit PDF documents and images without adding them to the photo library. It includes tools like text fields, signatures, form autofill, and support for Pencil Kit, making it a useful native app for working with documents.