iPadOS 26 Adds Windowing and Desktop Features, Bridging the Gap with Macs

Apple has unveiled iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025, a pivotal update that brings long-awaited desktop-style functionality to the iPad. The most notable addition is windowing—users can now resize, move, tile, and manage multiple app windows, similar to how it’s done on macOS. These features had previously been withheld from iPads, which were initially marketed as simpler alternatives to computers.

The new OS also introduces a traditional mouse cursor, a floating menu bar, enhanced Files app, Preview capabilities, and the option to select input sources for audio and video—features that until now were exclusive to Macs. Additionally, Mac-like trackpad gestures and Exposé (a classic macOS window-switching tool) make their debut on iPads.

While the iPad’s identity as a non-computer device is being challenged, Apple has carefully kept the new features optional and hidden by default to preserve the simple interface for casual users. The company avoids direct comparisons to macOS during the keynote, though the similarities are clear.

With these changes rolling out to even the base iPad and iPad mini later this year, the iPad becomes a viable alternative to many laptops, especially the MacBook Air. Though Apple denies merging its platforms, the line between iPadOS and macOS continues to blur.