iPadOS 26 Brings MacOS Multitasking to iPads with Liquid Glass UI

Apple’s iPadOS 26 marks a pivotal step in transforming the iPad into a genuine laptop replacement. The update introduces a comprehensive multitasking redesign that borrows heavily from macOS, finally addressing long-standing frustrations with app management on iPads.

The headline feature is a new windowing system where apps open in independent, resizable windows complete with close, minimize, and resize buttons. Unlike the problematic Stage Manager introduced in iPadOS 16, this new multitasking allows users to arrange windows freely on the home screen, mimicking the flexibility of macOS.

Minimized apps now shrink into their dock icons, just like on a Mac, and a new menu bar can be revealed with a swipe at the top edge of the iPad or an external monitor. Exposé functionality lets users view all open windows at a glance, enhancing navigation and productivity, especially when paired with a Magic Keyboard.

The visual overhaul dubbed “Liquid Glass” brings a sleek, glass-like aesthetic with reflections and shadows that stretch across iPad screens, unifying the look with iOS 26 on iPhones. This design refresh enhances the user experience by making controls and menus more intuitive and visually appealing.

Beyond multitasking, iPadOS 26 incorporates several macOS-inspired features into core apps. The Files app gains a list view and customizable folder icons and colors, mirroring Finder’s capabilities. The Mac’s Preview app arrives on iPad, enabling users to open and annotate PDFs and images—perfect for professionals who rely on Apple Pencil for signing documents.

Other notable additions include a “Live Activities” bar that tracks background tasks like video exports, advanced audio recording features with per-app microphone input and voice isolation, and the arrival of the Journal app on iPad. Gamers also benefit from a new unified Games app to manage Apple Arcade titles and invitations.

This update addresses many of the multitasking pain points users experienced with previous iPadOS versions, especially the criticized Stage Manager. The enthusiastic reception at Apple Park underscores how significant this shift is for iPad users seeking a more desktop-like experience without sacrificing the tablet’s portability and touchscreen advantages.

Scheduled for a developer beta release immediately, a public beta in July, and a full rollout this fall, iPadOS 26 is poised to redefine how professionals, creatives, and everyday users interact with their iPads. It finally bridges the gap between tablet convenience and laptop productivity.