iPadOS 26: Apple’s New Multitasking System Transforms iPad Experience
At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled iPadOS 26, featuring a redesigned windowing system and enhanced multitasking capabilities poised to redefine the iPad user experience [[3]]. This update focuses on providing users wiht more flexibility and control over their workflow, bringing the iPad closer to a laptop replacement [[2]].
Enhanced Multitasking Capabilities in iPadOS 26
The primary goal of iPadOS 26 was to overhaul the multitasking experience.according to Craig Federighi, Apple decided to “make everything we can make available,” addressing the high demand for improved multitasking, even if it meant some nuances on older hardware. This commitment led to a new windowing system designed for broader compatibility.
Did You Know? The iPad holds approximately 12.21% of the global tablet market share as of Q1 2024, according to Statista, highlighting the importance of these updates for a significant user base.
While limitations still exist regarding the number of active windows on certain devices, the new system represents a significant leap forward. True multi-monitor support, however, remains exclusive to the more powerful iPad models.
optimizations and Architecture
Federighi noted that Apple has “discovered many, many optimizations” by re-architecting the windowing system and background task management. These changes enable the system to extract more performance from a wider range of devices than previously possible.
Pro Tip: to maximize performance on older iPads, close unused apps and limit the number of active windows.
Stage Manager: An Optional Multitasking Mode
Stage Manager remains an optional feature in iPadOS 26, allowing users to choose between the new windowed multitasking system and the traditional iPad interface. Users can also disable both multitasking systems entirely, preserving the familiar “big-iPhone-for-watching-Netflix” experience for those who prefer it.
iPadOS 26: Bridging the Gap with macOS
With iPadOS 26, Apple is taking significant steps toward a more unified user experience across its devices. The new UI brings the iPad closer to the Mac’s interface, though Apple emphasizes that the two remain distinct products with different priorities. As of June 2024, Apple’s macOS holds approximately 15.5% of the global operating system market share for desktop devices [[https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide]].
Despite years of rumors, touch screens are still absent on Macs, and some Mac functionalities will remain exclusive to the macOS ecosystem. This ensures that the iPad retains its unique identity and purpose.
| Feature | Description | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| New Windowing System | Enables more flexible multitasking with multiple windows. | Broader compatibility, with some limitations on older devices. |
| Stage Manager | Optional multitasking mode for managing multiple apps. | Available as an choice to the new windowing system. |
| Multi-Monitor Support | Extended display capabilities for enhanced productivity. | Limited to faster, more expensive iPad models. |
Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of iPadOS multitasking
The evolution of multitasking on iPadOS reflects apple’s ongoing efforts to enhance user productivity and bridge the gap between tablets and laptops. From the initial introduction of Slide Over and Split View to the more recent addition of Stage Manager, each iteration has aimed to provide users with greater flexibility and control over their workflow.
The introduction of a new windowing system in iPadOS 26 represents a significant step forward in this evolution. By re-architecting the underlying system and optimizing performance, Apple is enabling users to work more efficiently and effectively on their iPads.
Frequently Asked Questions About iPadOS 26
Will iPadOS 26 be available for all iPad models?
While the new windowing system is designed for broader compatibility, some limitations may exist on older hardware. Multi-monitor support remains exclusive to the more powerful iPad models.
How do I enable Stage Manager in iPadOS 26?
Stage Manager can be enabled in the iPad’s settings menu. Users can choose between Stage manager, the new windowed multitasking system, or the traditional iPad interface.
What are the benefits of the new windowing system over Stage Manager?
The new windowing system offers broader compatibility and optimized performance, making it a more accessible multitasking solution for a wider range of iPad models.
What are your thoughts on the new multitasking features in iPadOS 26? How do you plan to use these features to enhance your productivity?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
