iPadOS 26 was unveiled one year ago with major upgrades for iPad productivity. After using the update daily on an iPad Pro since the first beta, here is a detailed look at where Apple's major software revision succeeds and where it still falls short.

What’s working in iPadOS 26

After 15 years, Apple finally delivered proper app windowing to iPadOS. For the most part, the system works as intended. The ability to freely resize app windows to fit specific workflows is a game changer. Many users keep certain apps in near fullscreen view while positioning others as compact popovers on the left or right side of the display. This flexibility opens up multitasking scenarios that were previously impossible on the iPad.

One of the most appreciated changes is the option to keep the dock visible at all times, similar to macOS. As long as windows stay away from the bottom edge, a system setting allows the dock to remain permanently on screen. This change also enables users to add more apps and even file folders to the dock, making it a hub for quick access.

The Files app received a significant overhaul in iPadOS 26. Combined with the new Preview app, file management now feels largely on par with the Mac. Users can browse, preview, and organize files with much more precision. The addition of a menu bar, though still less Mac-like than many would prefer, provides a central location for app controls and features. And on a lighter note, Apple Journal finally made its way to the iPad, offering a dedicated space for personal reflection.

For the first time, iPadOS seems to match the powerful hardware of the iPad Pro. The M5 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 10-core CPU finally feel fully utilized. This is an exciting foundation for the future of the platform.

Where iPadOS still feels like a work in progress

Despite the big leaps, using the iPad Pro as a full-time computer reveals several persistent shortcomings. For example, the much-touted 'persistent size and placement' feature for windows does not always work. Almost daily, an app will crash and reset to fullscreen, forcing the user to reposition and resize it again. This happens on the most powerful iPad available, an M5 iPad Pro with 16GB of RAM. Such behavior is rare on the Mac.

Another serious issue is with Slide Over. Apple brought the feature back in iPadOS 26.1, but the implementation is worse than in iPadOS 18. Users can no longer keep multiple apps in Slide Over at the same time, a capability that was extremely useful for quick referencing. In an update that pushes the iPad forward in most areas, this regression is disappointing.

Several minor complaints add up to a less polished experience:

• Right-clicking in iPadOS often feels slow and laggy, while on a Mac it is instant.
• Even with a trackpad and cursor, resizing windows can accidentally move them, and vice versa.
• Keyboard bugs in Safari cause typed characters in the address bar to be erased by auto-suggestions.
• Some websites require a Mac because Safari on iPad won't register certain button clicks.

Many users could list their own bugs and shortcomings. The Mac is not perfect either, and plenty of Mac users are not thrilled with macOS Tahoe. Still, the iPad's fundamental issues feel more systemic.

A deeper look at the windowing system

Understanding why the windowing system sometimes fails requires looking at how iPadOS manages memory and app states. Unlike macOS, which treats every window as an independent entity, iPadOS apps are often suspended or restarted when memory is tight. This leads to the resetting behavior. Apple's reliance on resource sharing between apps can cause crashes when a window's state is not fully saved. The M5 chip should handle this better, but the underlying OS architecture may need further refinement.

Another aspect is the interaction between the new windowing and older features like Split View and Slide Over. The system must juggle multiple paradigms, and this complexity introduces edge cases. For instance, dragging a file from one window to another sometimes fails if the target app is not in the correct mode. These inconsistencies suggest that the windowing system, while revolutionary for iPad, still needs polish.

Files, Preview, and the promise of a real desktop experience

The Files app improvements are significant, but they also highlight where iPadOS still lags. While you can now preview most document types and manage files effectively, features like bulk renaming, advanced search filters, and robust tag management are missing. The Preview app is powerful for quick looks, but it cannot replace full-featured image editing tools. For power users, the iPad still feels like a consumption device with productivity add-ons rather than a true workstation.

Apple has clearly invested in iPadOS 26, but the update also reveals the platform's limitations. The need to occasionally switch to a Mac for specific tasks remains a reality. Foldable iPhones and touchscreen Macs may eventually blur the lines, but for now, the iPad Pro sits in a middle ground that is more capable than ever yet still not fully satisfying.

What the future might hold

With iPadOS 27 on the horizon, users have clear wishlists: persistent windows without crashes, a functional Slide Over with multiple apps, and better keyboard integration. The menu bar could also evolve to become more customizable. If Apple addresses these pain points, the iPad could become a genuine laptop replacement for a broader audience. The foundation is strong, but the house needs finishing touches.

For now, iPadOS 26 remains a remarkable step forward, even with its flaws. It proves that Apple is serious about the iPad's future, and each subsequent update has the potential to refine the experience. The next year will be crucial in determining whether the iPad can finally shed its reputation as a limited device.

Source: 9to5Mac News