iPadOS 26 Just Made the iPad a Real Computer
Is your iPad finally ready to replace your laptop? With the launch of iPadOS 26, Apple is signaling a major shift. Long seen as a “bigger iPhone,” the iPad has struggled to live up to its potential as a true productivity machine. But iPadOS 26 may finally change that narrative. Touted as the “biggest iPadOS release ever,” this update introduces new multitasking features, a powerful windowing system, and a full-fledged Preview app—making your iPad feel a lot more like a computer and a lot less like a toy. If you’ve ever been frustrated trying to get serious work done on an iPad, this update might just be your turning point.
iPadOS 26 Multitasking: Real Window Management Comes to the iPad
One of the biggest complaints users have had about working on an iPad is the limited multitasking. Previously, you could only run two apps side by side using Split View, with a third floating window via Slide Over—a clunky experience at best. But with iPadOS 26, Apple introduces a true windowing system that finally lets users manage multiple open apps intuitively. You can now view, tile, and switch between windows much like on a Mac. This new system works hand-in-hand with Stage Manager, allowing you to organize app windows into specific workflows—perfect for tasks like researching, writing, or editing without constant app juggling.
Preview App on iPad: Edit PDFs Like a Pro
Another long-awaited feature making its debut is the Preview app for iPad, which gives users the ability to view and edit PDFs natively—no third-party tools required. Whether you need to mark up documents with the Apple Pencil, fill out forms using AutoFill, or quickly sign a contract on the go, Preview on iPadOS 26 finally makes it seamless. This addition is a game-changer for professionals and students who rely on document editing. No more sending files to your Mac or hunting for apps that work half as well—your iPad is now a legitimate tool for document-based workflows.
Can iPad Replace Your Computer in 2025?
With iPadOS 26, Apple isn’t just adding features—it’s changing the identity of the iPad. By improving multitasking and file management, Apple is clearly aiming to make the iPad a real alternative to traditional laptops. For many users, especially those who travel or work remotely, this update means they can finally consider the iPad a serious productivity device. It may not yet replace a full-fledged workstation for developers or power users, but for writers, students, marketers, and remote workers, the iPad running iPadOS 26 is now more than capable of handling a typical workday.
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