iPadOS 26 Enhances User Flexibility with Mac-like Functions While Keeping iPad Simplicity, According to Executives

Apple’s latest iPads, powered by advanced chipsets such as the M4, demonstrate unrivaled performance within the tablet market. However, the full potential of this hardware has been hindered by software limitations that have historically forced power users to rely on MacBooks for demanding tasks. The introduction of iPadOS 26 signals a significant shift, as the platform now embraces productivity-enhancing features.

This latest operating system update introduces capabilities such as flexible app windowing, advanced keyboard shortcuts, and a floating menu bar. These enhancements help bridge the functionality gap between iPads and Macs, albeit with notable differences. In a discussion with TechRadar, Apple executives confirmed that the decision to integrate Mac-like features was a carefully considered move, rather than a spontaneous change.

The Evolution of iPad Features

Kurt Knight, Senior Director of Platform Product Marketing, and Sebastien Marineau-Mes, Vice President of Software Engineering, emphasized in their interview that as the iPads’ hardware continued to improve, it became essential for Apple to gradually unlock new features for users. The executives acknowledged a growing demand from users who wished to perform Mac-like tasks on their iPads, prompting the enhancements in iPadOS 26.

“We also saw, as people used iPad, more and more, and as the iPad hardware got more powerful, people wanted to do more and more things, and they increasingly wanted to do the types of things, say, they’re used to doing on their Mac.”

In a prior discussion, Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, indicated that while improvements are essential, a merger between iPadOS and macOS is not in the cards. He noted that iPad’s inherent simplicity must be preserved, which remains an integral focus for Apple. The executives reiterated the importance of maintaining a consistent approach while introducing additional features that enhance usability.

“How do we maintain the simplicity of iPad and yet bring more and more of these productivity features and capabilities to it, and do it in a way that’s coherent? That was one of the, I think, key elements of the journey.”

Regarding multitasking capabilities, Knight and Marineau-Mes detailed the extensive effort invested in refining the new windowing system. They clarified that the features showcased in iPadOS 26 did not emerge from a singular brainstorming session; rather, they reflect years of thoughtful development and planning.

“A lot of the work went into optimizing the windowing system. In fact, we redesigned the windowing system, the way that we manage multiple apps on iPad, to give us that scalability across different apps with multiple windows to bring that scalability to the entire iPad product line.”

Apple appears committed to maintaining the distinction between iPadOS and macOS, a decision that may disappoint some consumers. However, the company is unlikely to compromise its substantial business model for the sake of consumer demands, recognizing that such actions often lead to unfavorable outcomes in the long run.

For more information, visit TechRadar.

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