iPadOS 26 is an Absolute Mess

[throAU]

Who on Earth is asking for windowed multi-tasking on their iPhone?

View attachment 2538377

Very important to always mention windowed multi-tasking.
We already have multi-tasking on all devices and have for years and years.

The windowed part is what's new here.

Think ahead a bit, like Samsung did - there's not really any real reason a modern iPhone Pro couldn't plug into a thunderbolt dock and run a full multitasking, windowing UI.

The desktop / Laptop for many people is not long for this world; the phone is already many people's primary device and the only practical usage limitation on modern high end phones is display size.

 

[GhostPepper]

That’s what so many of these complaints here sound like to me. “They ruined it” = “I’m unwilling to learn a new paradigm even if it’s qualitatively better or finessed”

You’re free to feel that way, but I can’t really get behind this argument.

Why don’t people switch to Android then? Or Windows? Or ChromeOS? Or Linux? Because they’re unwilling to learn a new paradigm! Most people stick to something because after years of using it, they become an expert at it and can zip through tasks with ease. I know I find satisfaction in being proficient on iOS and MacOS (and used to be at iPadOS)

And I also think that most posts on this forum that come across as complaints are from users who own iPads and iPad minis, specifically. I don’t think many Pro owners are upset with iPadOS 26, at least it doesn’t seem that way in this forum.

And I think the consensus from iPad and iPad mini owners is: if you have an iPad Pro, or like to use your iPad with a mouse and keyboard, and if this is what you want your iPad to do, good for you!

Just don’t take away what worked for me! Or tell me that I can still do that as long as 20 times a day I tap something that opens up a menu first.

 

[GhostPepper]

The iPad Pro has a much better display than the MacBook Air; if you want to compare, you really need to compare the 12.9" iPad Pro with accessories to the M4 MacBook Pro. And even then the screen is still better on the iPad Pro.

I agree. The screen is outstanding on the iPad Pro. I’m talking sheer processing power. It is cheaper to use a M4 processor with 16gb of ram on a MacBook Air.

Because there’s certainly more differences outside of just the screen. MacBook Air includes a keyboard and trackpad. Another thunderbolt port, a MagSafe charger that doesn’t use up a thunderbolt port.

 

[Ludatyk]

When you say “pre-existing multitasking” we’re talking about multitasking features that have been around long before they added mouse controls.

iOS 9 introduced SplitView/SlideOver, roughly 4 years after that.... mouse control was added in iPadOS 13. Took them 3 years to add resizing windows (apps) under Stage Manager. But the fact that you refuse to accept that there were limitation surrounding SplitView/SlideOver that were released a decade ago.

I was here when folks criticized SplitView/SlideOver... didn't see the point in it. But they kept tweaking it... the Shelf feature, being able to move SlideOver to both sides (initially it was stuck to the left) and if I recall we didn't have a SlideOver multitasking carousel upon launch. Then later they added managing SplitView windows in the AppSwitcher.

Folks act as if these improvements happened over night... it took Apple awhile to improve on the design, yet people seem to think this is all set in stone.

Well yea at the bare minimum I’d expect the apps to still be able to open in full screen.

Imagine if that wasn't case. Only options were "Windowed app" and "Stage Manager," it would be a state of emergency!

 

[GhostPepper]

But the fact that you refuse to accept that there were limitation surrounding SplitView/SlideOver that were released a decade ago.

I don’t refuse to accept that multitasking limitations existed before mouse controls were added.

I’m saying that: when the only way to interface with the device is strictly touch, that in itself is going to present limitations. And that Splitview and Slide Over are a direct result of having a touch only device.

Adding a mouse allows you to do more, such as window management, and the ability to multitask on an external monitor, which is why after we gained mouse controls, Stage Manager followed, and not vice versa.

 

[Ludatyk]

I don’t refuse to accept that multitasking limitations existed before mouse controls were added.

I’m saying that: when the only way to interface with the device is strictly touch, that in itself is going to present limitations. And that Splitview and Slide Over are a direct result of having a touch only device.

Adding a mouse allows you to do more, such as window management, and the ability to multitask on an external monitor, which is why after we gained mouse controls, Stage Manager followed, and not vice versa.

So, we are in agreement... there were limitations. Thanks!

 

[GhostPepper]

@Ludatyk

The touch controls is what “limited” it.

iPadOS had “limited pre existing multitasking” because originally it didn’t have mouse controls and it was built entirely around touch controls.

Which stems from the fact that there weren’t mouse controls.

I’ve been saying this the entire time.

 

[TigerMSTR]

@Ludatyk





I’ve been saying this the entire time.

Touch controls should always be what limits the iPad because it’s a tablet.

 

[Ludatyk]

Touch controls should always be what limits the iPad because it’s a tablet.

@Ludatyk





I’ve been saying this the entire time.

And this is why criticism of iPadOS exist... folks wanted to do more on a tablet! God forbid, Apple trying to improve on iPadOS.

If it was up to you guys... Apple would have stopped improving on it years ago. No need for resizing windows, no need for external monitor support, no need for background tasks, improvement to the files app... no need for that. Heck, we don't even need a high end model.. only thing we need is a base iPad.

 

[TigerMSTR]

Touch controls should always be what limits the iPad because it’s a tablet.

And this is why criticism of iPadOS exist... folks wanted to do more on a tablet! God forbid, Apple trying to improve on iPadOS.

If it was up to you guys... Apple would have stopped improving on it years ago. No need for resizing windows, no need for external monitor support, no need for background tasks, improvement to the files app... no need for that. Heck, we don't even need a high end model.. only thing we need is a base iPad.

No, that’s just you putting words in my mouth.

I’ll always want the iPad to be more capable, but it should always be designed to be a touch-first device. Because, as I said, it’s a tablet.

 

[Ludatyk]

No, that’s just you putting words in my mouth.

I’ll always want the iPad to be more capable, but it should always be designed to be a touch-first device. Because, as I said, it’s a tablet.

And it's still a touch-first device, iPadOS 26 doesn't eliminate that because of the new features added to it. It only enhances the ability to do more with it.

 

[TigerMSTR]

And this is why criticism of iPadOS exist... folks wanted to do more on a tablet! God forbid, Apple trying to improve on iPadOS.

If it was up to you guys... Apple would have stopped improving on it years ago. No need for resizing windows, no need for external monitor support, no need for background tasks, improvement to the files app... no need for that. Heck, we don't even need a high end model.. only thing we need is a base iPad.

No, that’s just you putting words in my mouth.

I’ll always want the iPad to be more capable, but it should always be designed to be a touch-first device. Because, as I said, it’s a tablet.

And it's still a touch-first device, iPadOS 26 doesn't eliminate that because of the new features added to it. It only enhances the ability to do more with it.

Meh. It’s significantly easier to navigate the software using the Magic Keyboard than via touchscreen only. And I know I’m not the only one making this observation. This is not touch-first.

 

[Ludatyk]

Meh. It’s significantly easier to navigate the software using the Magic Keyboard than via touchscreen only. And I know I’m not the only one making this observation. This is not touch-first.

And there are others that are perfectly fine using iPadOS 26 via touch input… which is currently what I’m doing now.

 

[GhostPepper]

And this is why criticism of iPadOS exist... folks wanted to do more on a tablet! God forbid, Apple trying to improve on iPadOS.

If it was up to you guys... Apple would have stopped improving on it years ago. No need for resizing windows, no need for external monitor support, no need for background tasks, improvement to the files app... no need for that. Heck, we don't even need a high end model.. only thing we need is a base iPad.

---

No I haven’t been suggesting that at all. What I’ve actually said:

I know for a lot of iPP owners, it’s suits them perfectly and I am happy for those customers.

I’m actually fine with iPads with 13 inch screens being pushed into the windowed environment. It’s the smaller, cheaper devices I don’t think it makes sense on.

And I am really not trying to suggest that a MacBook is a better option for everyone. iPads are awesome and I want that line to flourish.

I don’t mind iPadOS having better mouse controls. It needed to improve. But make all of that entirely optional and don’t remove features, especially for iPad and iPad mini owners.

if you have an iPad Pro, or like to use your iPad with a mouse and keyboard, and if this is what you want your iPad to do, good for you!

Show me the other Apple product that has 5 variants like their line of tablets.

Ipad
iPad mini
iPad air
iPad Pro 11
iPad Pro 13
Not to mention the optional peripherals that you sort of need to really be efficient on iPadOS 26

Why offer a diverse lineup and expect the entire user base to all want the same thing?

They obviously know there’s a demographic for each model. You wouldn’t produce that many variants if you didn’t think there was a model for every type of user, from novice to expert.

Give me a good reason that iPad and iPad mini owners shouldn’t be able to turn off the new iPadOS 26 multitasking entirely and continue to use Split View as it was and Slide Over.

 

[Ludatyk]

Show me the other Apple product that has 5 variants like their line of tablets.

Ipad
iPad mini
iPad air
iPad Pro 11
iPad Pro 13
Not to mention the optional peripherals that you sort of need to really be efficient on iPadOS 26

Why offer a diverse lineup and expect the entire user base to all want the same thing?

And I’ve stated this before…. iPads are differentiated by hardware features, not necessarily on software features. Full external monitor support is not available on a Mini or base iPad and transfer speeds for external storage is higher on Pro models (not to mention higher refresh rate and better screens).

Give me a good reason that iPad and iPad mini owners shouldn’t be able to turn off the new iPadOS 26 multitasking entirely and continue to use Split View as it was and Slide Over.

Because not every iPad and iPad mini share the same thoughts as you… some of those users like having the new iPadOS 26 multitasking features. I can show you at least 4 or more videos from YouTube that supports that…

 

[throAU]

Touch controls should always be what limits the iPad because it’s a tablet.

Like everything Apple makes - it's a computer. It just happens to include a touch UI.

 

[GhostPepper]

iPads are differentiated by hardware features, not necessarily on software features.

I’m aware. I know they aren’t differentiated by software features. I’m asking why do it that way? Why not give me the option to turn on and off software features that work/don’t work for me.

some of those users like having the new iPadOS 26 multitasking features.

It’s not even out yet. So by some you mean people who use the beta program, who are predominantly tech savvy consumers, so I’m sure there’s some that enjoy it.

I’m not suggesting that other people shouldn’t enjoy it. I’m asking why is there an option to turn Stage Manager on and off, but not this?

I’m given 3 choices, Full Screen Apps - Windowed Apps - Stage Manager. This is such a simple fix! Make the Full Screen option function as it did prior to iPadOS 26, with Split View and Slide over. Problem solved. People who want Widowed Apps or Stage Manager, you’re covered. People who are using an 8 inch iPad mini and prefer the former simpler multitasking, you’re covered too.

Or, here’s an idea: let me use the old way when I’m holding it my hands, and then use that toggle in Control Center to go to windowed mode when I connect it to a Magic Keyboard?

Why do you oppose to this?

 

[Agathon]

Took me a little while to work out what was going on.

1. The full screen option is for casual users and those who want it to work like a phone.
2. The windowed option is for people who want to do multiple things on one screen.
3. Stage manager is for power users.

There are some issues such as trying to switch between regular and cover/queue view in music but it works once you choose the option that best suits your needs.

 

[ManuCH]

Took me a little while to work out what was going on.

1. The full screen option is for casual users and those who want it to work like a phone.
2. The windowed option is for people who want to do multiple things on one screen.
3. Stage manager is for power users.

There are some issues such as trying to switch between regular and cover/queue view in music but it works once you choose the option that best suits your needs.

In what way do you feel that stage manager is for power users while the windowed option is for "people who want to do multiple things on one screen"?

I'm definitely a power user and with the windowed option I can do way more than before with stage manager. I feel like stage manager was just left there for legacy purposes, as many people will be used to the "old" gestures and it makes the transition less difficult.

 

[TigerMSTR]

Took me a little while to work out what was going on.

1. The full screen option is for casual users and those who want it to work like a phone.
2. The windowed option is for people who want to do multiple things on one screen.
3. Stage manager is for power users.

There are some issues such as trying to switch between regular and cover/queue view in music but it works once you choose the option that best suits your needs.

In what way do you feel that stage manager is for power users while the windowed option is for "people who want to do multiple things on one screen"?

I'm definitely a power user and with the windowed option I can do way more than before with stage manager. I feel like stage manager was just left there for legacy purposes, as many people will be used to the "old" gestures and it makes the transition less difficult.

Serious question… what the heck is a power user?

 

[Agathon]

In what way do you feel that stage manager is for power users while the windowed option is for "people who want to do multiple things on one screen"?

I'm definitely a power user and with the windowed option I can do way more than before with stage manager. I feel like stage manager was just left there for legacy purposes, as many people will be used to the "old" gestures and it makes the transition less difficult.

I keep a ridiculous number of workspaces open in Mac OS. I like to group apps around different sets of tasks. Can’t see the windowed version doing what I need, although I only installed it yesterday and any suggestions are welcome.

 

[TigerMSTR]

Meh. It’s significantly easier to navigate the software using the Magic Keyboard than via touchscreen only. And I know I’m not the only one making this observation. This is not touch-first.

And there are others that are perfectly fine using iPadOS 26 via touch input… which is currently what I’m doing now.

If iPadOS 26 were touch friendly, it would be self-evident, and you wouldn’t have to waste your breath defending these design decisions.

Everywhere iPadOS 26 is discussed, whether here on MacRumors, or on various Apple subreddits, across YouTube, you see more and more people on the beta complaining about how not touch friendly this operating system is. Maybe they’re all just whiners — or maybe, just maybe, something has gone seriously wrong with this operating system.

Or look at it from another perspective: Nowhere in the iOS 26 forums, or in Android discussions, or where people discuss the Galaxy Tab or whatever, do you see people complaining that those operating systems are not touch friendly. Because their touch friendliness is self-evident. It’s so self-evident, that their touch friendliness need not be discussed or defended. The iPad used to be like that… until iPadOS 26.

 

[throAU]

Eh, with stage manager turned off, I have not noticed ios26 being non-touch friendly? Works the same as any previous iPad for me?

Then again I never used slide-over or split screen prior, because I always thought they were crap - un-discoverable UI, and basically useless for me. Full windows when plugged into a display with keyboard and trackpad however - much better.

 

[GDF]

You are selecting the wrong option. There’s a “Move and Resize” section and a “Fill and Arrange” and they are labeled according to what they do. The Fill and Arrange is the one that quickly puts two apps into Split Screen and you don’t even touch the second app. The Move and Resize is just what it says. It moves and resizes the window.

Different options and different multitasking flows that’s quickly accessible via touch, keyboard and mouse. Not sure how this is complex.

I am not selecting the wrong option. I do exactly like you are saying and there is not a second app that automatically fills in beside the first app. If it did, I would not be asking what I am doing wrong. So, again what I am doing wrong, I select the “fill and arrange” and only the app I am in goes 1/2 screen. Nothing else does. This should not be this complicated. And what if you are using Full Screen mode and not Window Apps or Stage Manager. I don’t even see any options for that mode.

If I am having so many issues adapting to this new iOS (and I am very technical), then I can’t imagine how my 83 year old Dad will be. He uses a iPad Pro M4 13 all the time. This could be a huge mistake by Apple.

I gave feedback to Apple to bring back SplitView and SlideOver. This iOS is a complete mess.

 

[Slartibart]

iPad Pro 11 (A2228) lags af, absolutely unusable on latest beta.

I run the iPadOS 26.0 (23A5318f) beta on 2nd gen 11” iPP A12Z Bionic (that is your hardware too, isn’t it?) - and it is actually a delight. no lags - where do you experience that?
GUI Inconsistencies on the other hand it something where all that feedback filed hopefully at least sometimes will have some effect.