IPadOS 26 Unleashed: Full‑Screen Windows, a Revamped Files App, and the iPad’s First Real Desktop Experience

Breaking: iPadOS 26 Tightens the Gap Between iPad and Desktop, Redefining the Tablet’s Role

Apple’s major iPad software update, iPadOS 26, is fueling a shift. After years of incremental improvements, the platform now offers a near-desktop experience for a broad audience. the update, released in 2025, introduces features that boost productivity while still depending on the App Store ecosystem. For many users, this marks a turning point in how the iPad is used as a primary computer.

What iPadOS 26 unveils

The release centers on two big pillars: real multitasking with fully resizable windows and a redesigned Files app that behaves like a Finder-inspired file manager. In tandem, background tasks and native audio source switching improve day-to-day workflows. Some limitations remain, but the changes collectively push the iPad closer to customary desktops.

Mac-like multitasking with full windows

The headline feature is a true windowed environment. Building on Stage Manager,iPadOS 26 offers:

• Infinitely resizable windows
• Mac-style window controls
• Up to 12 apps active in one view
• Improved task switching and drag‑and‑drop between apps

With trackpad support and overlapping windows,using the iPad feels markedly closer to a desktop experience than before.

Files app reimagined

Apple has redesigned the files app by integrating Finder-like capabilities. The updates include:

• More customization and easier navigation
• Enhanced per-file and per-folder facts
• A desktop-style file manager layout

two standout features stand out: customizable column views and dockable folders, allowing quick access to a pinned desktop folder directly from the iPad dock.

Background tasks and native audio switching

Quality-of-life improvements reduce idle time. Now, long-running exports can proceed in the background, provided the app supports it. This saves significant time for workflows such as video editing. Additionally,users can switch the primary audio source natively from the control center—handy for those using external mics and accessories.

What still holds back the iPad as a full replacement?

Despite the strides, some constraints remain inherent to iPadOS:

• No real terminal access
• Limited desktop-grade coding environments
• Restricted system-level controls
• Cannot multi-source audio internally

And, as always, the experience hinges on App Store apps rather than traditional desktop installers. Some users may find this limiting, others may have adjusted their workflows accordingly.

Bottom line

iPadOS 26 marks a watershed moment where software expands the hardware’s potential. Apple has finally nudged the iPad into a space where it can operate more like a computer, while preserving the tactile advantages of the tablet. The gap to macOS has narrowed, and with compatibility across many iPad models, a broader audience can experiment with a desktop-like setup at a reasonable price point.

For some, this update delivers the long-sought capabilities. For others, gaps remain. The practical takeaway is that the iPad is no longer merely a substitute—it can function as a distinct, versatile work device.

Table: Key features at a glance

feature	What it enables	Impact
Fully resizable windows	Desktop-like windowing	Better multitasking
Mac-style window controls	Familiar controls	Quicker window management
Up to 12 active apps	Expanded multitasking	More flexible workflows
Desktop-style Files manager	Finder-like navigation	Easier file handling
Background tasks	Exports run in background	Significant time savings
Native audio source switch	External mic support	Improved recording versatility

Which feature excites you most — the new windowing, the redesigned Files app, or background tasks? Do you see yourself using iPadOS 26 as yoru daily workspace?

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us how you would configure your iPad for a desktop-like setup.

What new multitasking features does iPadOS 26 introduce?

iPadOS 26 Unleashed: Full‑Screen Windows, a Revamped Files App, and the iPad’s First real Desktop Experience

iPadOS 26 marks a pivotal shift for Apple’s tablet line, finally delivering on the promise of a true desktop experience. For years, iPad users have navigated a mobile-first interface, even on Pro models. This latest iteration fundamentally alters that, bringing features long-requested by power users and bridging the gap between iPad and customary macOS.

The Dawn of True Multitasking: Full-Screen Windows

The most significant change in iPadOS 26 is the introduction of genuinely resizable, overlapping full-screen windows. Previous versions offered Split View and Slide Over, but these felt constrained. now, users can:

* Resize windows freely: Drag edges and corners to adjust window dimensions to precise needs.

* Overlap windows: Work with multiple apps simultaneously, layering them for complex workflows.

* Window Management: A dedicated window management menu allows for quick arrangement – tiling, minimizing, maximizing, and moving windows between displays (more on external display support later).

* Keyboard Shortcuts: Extensive keyboard shortcut support for window manipulation, mirroring desktop OS functionality. Think Cmd+Tab for app switching, Cmd+` for cycling through windows.

This isn’t just about having more apps open; it’s about how you use them. Imagine editing a spreadsheet in one full-screen window while simultaneously referencing research in Safari, all without constantly switching between apps. This dramatically boosts productivity.

Files App: Beyond Simple Storage

The Files app has undergone a complete overhaul in iPadOS 26. It’s no longer just a place to store documents; it’s a fully-fledged file manager capable of handling complex workflows. Key improvements include:

* Enhanced Finder-like Navigation: A redesigned interface with a sidebar for quick access to locations, tags, and recently opened files.

* Advanced Search Capabilities: Smarter search algorithms that understand context and file content, not just filenames.

* Native Support for More File Types: Expanded support for professional file formats used in video editing, graphic design, and 3D modeling.

* Integrated Archiving & Compression: Built-in tools for creating and extracting ZIP files, and other archive formats, directly within the app.

* Server Connection Improvements: More robust and reliable connections to SMB, AFP, and WebDAV servers.

The revamped Files app effectively transforms the iPad into a viable option for professionals who rely on local file storage and management.

External Display Support: A Second Screen Revolution

iPadOS 26 finally delivers a seamless external display experience. While previous versions offered limited mirroring capabilities, this update allows for:

* Extended Desktop: Treat your external display as a true extension of your iPad’s screen, expanding your workspace.

* Autonomous Displays: Run different apps on your iPad and external display simultaneously.

* Resolution Support: Support for up to 6K displays at 60Hz, ensuring crisp and clear visuals.

* Improved Display Management: Dedicated settings for configuring display resolution, refresh rate, and arrangement.

This feature is a game-changer for professionals who need more screen real estate, such as video editors, graphic designers, and software developers.

Desktop-Class Apps & The Developer Ecosystem

Apple has been actively encouraging developers to create desktop-class apps for iPadOS. iPadOS 26 builds on this momentum with:

* Universal Control Enhancements: Seamlessly move your cursor and files between your iPad and Mac with even greater responsiveness.

* Optimized APIs: New APIs that allow developers to take full advantage of the new windowing and file management features.

* ProRes Acceleration: Hardware acceleration for ProRes video editing, making the iPad a powerful tool for video professionals.

We’re already seeing a wave of updated apps from major developers, including Adobe, Affinity, and Procreate, optimized for the new iPadOS 26 features.

Real-World Use Cases: Beyond the Hype

Let’s look at how these changes translate into practical benefits:

* Video Editing: Edit 4K ProRes footage in apps like LumaFusion with full-screen previews and external display support.

* Graphic Design: Work on complex illustrations in Procreate or Affinity Designer with multiple layers and resizable windows.

* Software Development: Code and debug applications using Xcode for iPad, taking advantage of the extended desktop and improved file management.

* Financial Modeling: Analyze large datasets in spreadsheets with multiple windows and external display support.

* Academic Research: Simultaneously research, write, and cite sources with multiple apps open and organized.

Practical Tips for iPadOS 26

* Master Keyboard Shortcuts: Learning keyboard shortcuts will substantially speed up your workflow.

* Customize the Dock: Add your frequently used apps to the Dock for quick access.

* Explore the Files App: Take the time to learn the new features of the Files app and organize your files effectively.

* Invest in a Good Keyboard and Trackpad: A physical keyboard and trackpad will enhance your productivity and make the iPad feel