iPadOS 26: Blurring the Lines Between iPad and Mac with Enhanced Features

Apple is set to redefine the iPad experience with the upcoming iPadOS 26. Dubbed as “the biggest iPadOS release ever,” this update promises to bring significant enhancements, making the iPad feel more like a hybrid between an iPhone and a Mac. The update focuses on improving user experience and productivity.

iPadOS 26 will feature a Liquid Glass design refresh, alongside a revamped window system, Apple Intelligence features, and improvements to file management, including Preview. It will introduce new audio/video recording capabilities tailored for content creators.

For professionals and students, iPadOS 26 introduces a more intuitive file management system. The iPad will finally get its own version of folders, coupled with the Preview app. This will allow for easier PDF editing and markup. The Files app will also allow users to drag any folder to the Dock or set a default app to open specific kinds of files, similar to macOS.

Multitasking receives a significant boost with new window controls. Users can now view all open windows at once and tile them efficiently to enhance productivity. The window controls are also compatible with Stage Manager, enabling users to organize windows into specific stages or work across multiple screens.

Apple Intelligence features will augment iPadOS 26, including Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages. This feature will enable users to follow conversations with auto-generated translations while still hearing the speaker’s voice.

iPadOS 26 is also targeting content creators with features designed to handle computationally intensive tasks. Users can now export videos from Final Cut Pro in the background while performing other tasks.

Audio and video recording capabilities have been enhanced. The iPad now allows users to select custom audio and video inputs for various apps and websites. Additionally, voice isolation features promise crisper sound quality, with Apple claiming “studio-quality” recordings when using AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2.

The Local capture feature will be of particular interest to podcasters. Users can produce and share audio and video recordings with echo cancellation of other participants’ audio within any video conferencing app. This feature has the potential to rival dedicated platforms like Riverside if it can capture and stitch together audio and video files effectively.