iPadOS 26 Brings New Mac-Like Features, Multitasking to iPad [VIDEO]

Apple has officially unveiled iPadOS 26 with the launch of its developer beta, showcasing a dramatic shift in how iPads function—blurring the line between tablet and desktop.

The update, demonstrated in detail by tech YouTuber Aaron, introduces a blend of macOS-style features and refined aesthetics. A public beta is expected in early July, with the official rollout planned for later this fall.

At the core of iPadOS 26 is the new Liquid Glass design language—an interface shift emphasizing translucency, dynamic layering, and fluid responsiveness across system menus and controls. From Control Center and settings to app toolbars, everything now feels refractive and visually alive.

Full Windowing System & Mac-Like Menu Bar

The most significant upgrade is the integrated window management system. Users can now:

• Resize and move multiple overlapping app windows freely
• Tile or snap windows for side-by-side or grid layouts
• Minimize, close, or maximize windows via traffic-light controls
• Use Exposé-like view to preview all open windows
• Access a macOS-inspired menu bar at the top, featuring app-specific options like File, Edit, View, and Window—activated by swiping down or hovering over the top (especially when using a Magic Keyboard)

Apple has aso addseda reed pen tool to the system pen palette, offering calligraphy-style writing in apps like Notes and Preview. Users can adjust opacity, stroke width, and tilt—ideal for artistic or handwritten workflows

Files App Overhaul & Preview

The Files app gains Mac-style productivity features:

• List view with sortable columns and preview thumbnails
• Customizable folder icons (colors, emojis) and tags
• Ability to drag folders into the Dock for quick access
• Default app assignment per file type (e.g., opening JPG with Photomator)

Additionally, the familiar Preview app from macOS arrives on iPadOS—enabling native PDF and image annotation, export, and editing using Apple Pencil

Moreoever, iPadOS 26 introduces the Journal and Games apps, both of which were previously exclusive to macOS or iPhone. On the audio front, Apple has added support for multiple microphone inputs, including XLR-based devices connected via USB-C. AirPods Pro 2 and the upcoming AirPods 4 also now support studio-grade audio recording with built-in voice isolation features.

For power users, Apple has finally introduced background tasks. Apps like Final Cut Pro can now render and export media in the background while you use other apps, with real-time updates displayed through Live Activities in the Lock Screen or Dynamic Island.

Check out the video below to see it all in action.