Unless you live under a Faraday cage, you’ve heard the buzz about the new iPadOS coming to Apple’s signature tablets soon enough. The major software update was announced atWWDC 2025, or Apple’s big Worldwide Developers Conference, alongside aLiquid GlassOS redesign, a new Games app, a fixedPhotos app, and more. Also, Apple’s pivoting its naming system toiOS 26(rather than the iOS 19 we were all expecting).
Arguably the most exciting news to come out of WWDC 2025 is iPadOS 26, even though Microsoft desperately wants to call attention to the copy-cat nature of Liquid Glass from its 20-year-old Vista design. Apple seems to have finally listened to iPad users and their pleas to make the experience more competent. In fact, the iPadOS 26 seems to put the tablet in a position to function as a standalone computer entirely – something Apple Store sales associates tried to convince me it was capable of years ago, but now may finally be a reality.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple finally turned the iPad into a Mac, and I couldn’t be happier
With iPadOS 26, which is available now in developer beta form, Apple is finally unleashing the iPad’s Mac-like potential.
What’s coming with iPadOS 26?
Much to look forward to, tablet apologists
In short, your iPad is going to function a lot more like a Mac. The window management system is shifting to a traffic-light style, with red (close), yellow (minimize), and green (resize) control buttons. you’re able to expect better multitasking, too, with better split-screen functions and improved window snapping.
There is also a newMenu Barfor quick access to tools and settings, and you’re able to look forward to Mac’s belovedPreviewand strongerFilesapps. The new and improved Files app is going to have background tasks that show up likeLive Activitieson iPhone – in other words, your file uploads will show progress without needing to stay open the whole time.
War is over, iPad users. Apple is basically (and finally) making the iPad more like a true laptop replacement, especially for people who want to multitask and manage files like they would on a computer. But, that doesn’t mean every single iPad user will be able to enjoy these new improvements.
5 impactful iOS 26 changes you may have missed during Apple’s WWDC keynote
iOS 26 has officially been unveiled, and here five of the most useful features coming with the update.
Check your generation
Straight from the horse’s mouth, here are the iPad models Apple has announced will support iPadOS 26 when it becomes available:
Apple might be about to borrow its OS naming scheme from Windows 95
Apple is reportedly taking a page out of Microsoft’s nineties-era OS naming playbook, and I’m not opposed to it.
