iPadOS 26 is an Absolute Mess

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Out of interest, how would members improve the situation regarding window management and 'advanced' features?

I guess one of my main issues is that windows themselves don't necessarily suit smaller devices since the interface is taken up by relatively large touch targets. The larger iPad can somewhat get away with this since there is more screen estate, but I'm struggling to think of scenarios where, owning an iPad mini or 9.7", I would frequently require multiple windows to be visible, and accept the compromise that less of said content is visible due to the windowing interface.

As a mini owner, I can say for almost certain that this is a single-screen experience much like the iPhone. Even the keyboard isn't designed to be used for long periods because it's not full size.

Mac can get away with window management because it's a pointer-first experience, the minimum screen size is larger, and you have more flexibility over how much of the default interface is visible at any one time - yet even on this platform Apple has made the baffling decision to step backwards and reduce overall workspace by increasing padding all over the U.I.

 

[ManuCH]

Serious question… what the heck is a power user?

Fair question, I may have misused that term as it's being used around here colloquially (and maybe it's a bit of a "lost in translation" thing), to refer to anyone who doesn't just do basic stuff with their phone/tablet/laptop. So not sure if that's a universally accepted term.

I would define a power user as "an individual who has advanced knowledge and expertise in using a computer system, software, or application, leveraging its features to a greater extent than the average user. Power users often maximize efficiency, customize workflows, and utilize advanced tools or functionalities to accomplish complex tasks. They are typically comfortable with technical details, shortcuts, and sometimes even scripting or programming to enhance their productivity."

My mother using the iPad only to look at social media and the occasional website on Safari is likely not a power user and wouldn't even know that multitasking is a thing. I use the iPad for work and take great advantage of the windowing system, shortcuts, this and that.

 

[ManuCH]

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.

Oh okay, if you need grouped workspaces, I guess stage manager is the only way to achieve that. I've never used grouped workspace in my workflow, I guess it's a matter of habit.

 

[aperfectcircle]

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.

You need to already be in “windowed” mode with more than one app on screen for the fill and arrange to apply to multiple windows. If you’re doing this from a full screen app it will only place that app into the selected arrangement. Just tested this now with Safari, Messages and Mail all open in various window sizes and selecting the three side by side arrangement. Doing the same with Safari in full screen just puts Safari in the left position, leaving the other two thirds empty.

 

[Slartibart]

When I bought my iPad, windowing was optional. I never would have bought this device if I knew that less than a year later they’d make windowing mandatory to utilize any kind of multitasking. Indeed, one of the reasons I preferred an iPad over the Mac was that the iPad didn’t force me to manage a windowing environment.

Windowing is still optional. The default is »single window app«

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.

Distances on the keyboard are shorter aren’t they? 😃 I think arguing a long the lines of "when faster to navigate a program with a keyboard makes it a none [insert default navigation] device is … weak, if not non-sequitur.
I mean I am really faster in the terminal on macOS than using the mouse - so what? Options is the enjoyable thing. IMHO. YMMV. 🤓

Stage manager is for power users.

Which power grants Stage Manager exactly? 🧐😆

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

To be fair: in default state iPadOS is still pretty simple. Then again a lot of functionality is not obvious (actually never was, e.g., let’s turn on wiggle-mode to organize app layout) for a first time user - not to mentioned functionality like finding something on a web page in Safari - anyway… where were we? 🙃
Oh, yep, iPadOS is touch-first simply because that’s the default sale(s pitch). Navigating faster using optional accessories does not take away from that. You can manipulate in the default setting everything directly with your fingers. iPad can still be just the bigger iPhone… with more additional options.

Aaaand: nobody “waste breath” here - that’s borderline ad hominem, isn’t it? Should be avoided. Yes, some stuff requires more steps and it’s worth to point that out - and you can see that as a step backward… or, well, not, because it balances out with some of the new stuff.

For what’s worth I think that iOS/iPadOS are much more polished underneath currently, than their GUI is. There is some stuff with huge potential - e.g. the new scaling features for GUI and text - but unsurprisingly the beta(s) are inconsistent and bugged.

Nota bene: Stage Manager is an old idea and I wonder why Apple thought that it is a good idea now - after dismissing the idea in the past in the first place… for reasons I assume. 😃 Just to still fan the flames here a bit… 😁😇

 

[GDF]

You need to already be in “windowed” mode with more than one app on screen for the fill and arrange to apply to multiple windows. If you’re doing this from a full screen app it will only place that app into the selected arrangement. Just tested this now with Safari, Messages and Mail all open in various window sizes and selecting the three side by side arrangement. Doing the same with Safari in full screen just puts Safari in the left position, leaving the other two thirds empty.

Thanks for explaining - so definitely not as easy or as good as Split View then, as I could be in full screen when going to Split View would just slide it over to 1/2 the screen and then fill the other half with any app I opened. Too bad.

And definitely no way of doing it when using Full Screen Apps mode. Apple should at least bring back Split View and Slide Over for that mode and would satisfy peoples issues with the new iOS.

 

[Ludatyk]

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.

And Apple does not give users ability to turn on or off software features?

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?

It would be 4 choices... Full Screen Apps - SplitView SlideOver - Windowed Apps - Stage Manager.

You assume that everyone in Full Screen mode wants to use SplitView and SlideOver, which is not the case... that's why Apple decided to have 3 modes. One that has no multitasking and two multitasking modes (one that is more focused-based and another that caters toward Mac/Window users).

Which I am not opposed to having 4 choices, but there can be a situation where it can be overwhelming to new users along with Apple placing time and effort into supporting.

 

[aperfectcircle]

Yeah, after using the fill and arrange on Safari in full screen, I wasn’t able to figure out how to then add a second app to the empty half of the screen. I was short on time so was only having a quick play so I’ll have another go later on, as surely there must be a way.

 

[GhostPepper]

And Apple does not give users ability to turn on or off software features?

Do they let me turn on and off Split View and Slide Over? You know, the topic we’ve been talking about this entire time.

 

[GhostPepper]

You assume that everyone in Full Screen mode wants to use SplitView and SlideOver, which is not the case...

You assume that everyone who buys iPad minis wants to use windowed apps, which is definitely not the case…

Besides, Slide Over and Split View were completely optional features that if you didn’t want to use them you just didn’t do the steps that activate them.

I’m not understanding why you’re pro-removing features/functionality.

 

[Ludatyk]

Do they let me turn on and off Split View and Slide Over? You know, the topic we’ve been talking about this entire time.

But you asked a general question about software features and you are well aware Split View and Slide Over no longer exist currently.

I’m not understanding why you’re pro-removing features/functionality.

Did you NOT read what I said previously…. I said I wasn’t opposed to it. I’m only making a case as to why Apple removed it.

 

[GhostPepper]

One that has no multitasking and two multitasking modes (one that more focused-based and another that caters toward Mac/Window users).

So the choice is either no multitasking or one of the two options that are better suited for mouse controls. Yikes.

 

[achappy]

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.

Perfect use case for Stage Manager. Put each group of apps in it's own stage. This is what I do and that's how I used macOS with desktops.

 

[uiop.]

Serious question… what the heck is a power user?

A cringe term people use to describe themselves because they know how to open the activity monitor and disk utility.

 

[GhostPepper]

But you asked a general question about software features and you are well aware Split View and Slide Over no longer exist currently.

So you suddenly after many back and forths thought the option I was referring to wasn’t Split View or Slide Over?

Did you NOT read what I said previously…. I said I wasn’t opposed to it. I’m only making a case as to why Apple removed it.

I’m asking why make the case for removing features/functionality?

It’s ok to say that Apple shouldn’t have made that choice, they’ll still let you buy their products.

 

[Ludatyk]

So the choice is either no multitasking or one of the two options that are better suited for mouse controls. Yikes.

We can agree to disagree here. No point in rehashing this out again.. you view iPadOS 26 suited for mouse control, when you notice WWDC 2025 the lady was using both touch and mouse input in the demo.

You want SpltView/SlideOver to return.. I hope Apple does it for you.

I’m asking why make the case for removing features/functionality?

It’s ok to say that Apple shouldn’t have made that choice, they’ll still let you buy their products.

Because there’s two sides to every coin. I like to be open minded about things… don’t view things in a one sided manner.

 

[achappy]

From a software development standpoint, for long term maintenance and support what Apple has done is actually significantly better. And all modes work across all supported devices unlike with iPadOS18 where it was limited to specific models. If your iPad runs 26, it gets all the same software features. This reminds me of when Apple eliminated 3D Touch which I was big proponent of as I relied on it daily on my iPhone X. The 3D cursor was worth it alone. Being able to easily select text without lifting my thumb was a game changer. They then added long press, with haptic touch for supporting devices, to both iOS and iPadOS which was a better decision long term for the OS. Any device that ran iOS got it. The only thing they could never replicate was the full 3D Touch cursor. But the change made sense long term.

For iPadOS26, each mode is an extension of the previous but with increased use of windows. Full Screen is exactly like it says. Windowed mode focuses on full screen which is why full screen windows have their own space. If you start using windows, they are in the main "space" and you are free to do what you want and the other full screen apps are in their own space. Stage Manager extends that by allowing multiple full screen apps to be in same space if needed as well as other windows within that stage with the same flexibility as Windowed. But then you have also the flexibility to create Mutiple stages each with full screen apps if you want. Gestures and window management is consistent with the mode you are in. SplitView/SplitOver people can easily fit into one of the modes with slight changes to flow.

Adding splitview/slideover doesn't fit into any above and forces a complete fork in development and testing for those features. You now have a mode where windows, gestures, buttons behave completely differently than the others. Long term it doesn't make sense to try and add these back or support them.

 

[TigerMSTR]

Out of interest, how would members improve the situation regarding window management and 'advanced' features?

I guess one of my main issues is that windows themselves don't necessarily suit smaller devices since the interface is taken up by relatively large touch targets. The larger iPad can somewhat get away with this since there is more screen estate, but I'm struggling to think of scenarios where, owning an iPad mini or 9.7", I would frequently require multiple windows to be visible, and accept the compromise that less of said content is visible due to the windowing interface.

As a mini owner, I can say for almost certain that this is a single-screen experience much like the iPhone. Even the keyboard isn't designed to be used for long periods because it's not full size.

Mac can get away with window management because it's a pointer-first experience, the minimum screen size is larger, and you have more flexibility over how much of the default interface is visible at any one time - yet even on this platform Apple has made the baffling decision to step backwards and reduce overall workspace by increasing padding all over the U.I.

It’s a lot of things, but first of all, they need to fix the conflicting gestures. Catalogue them, and fix them all.

 

[TigerMSTR]

Out of interest, how would members improve the situation regarding window management and 'advanced' features?

They need to make it possible to create a Split View using a single gesture.

 

[GhostPepper]

We can agree to disagree here

Agreed. I appreciate the spirited discourse.

 

[GhostPepper]

SplitView/SplitOver people can easily fit into one of the modes with slight changes to flow.

Adding splitview/slideover doesn't fit into any above and forces a complete fork in development and testing for those features.

You’ve lost me

 

[TigerMSTR]

Out of interest, how would members improve the situation regarding window management and 'advanced' features?

I guess one of my main issues is that windows themselves don't necessarily suit smaller devices since the interface is taken up by relatively large touch targets. The larger iPad can somewhat get away with this since there is more screen estate, but I'm struggling to think of scenarios where, owning an iPad mini or 9.7", I would frequently require multiple windows to be visible, and accept the compromise that less of said content is visible due to the windowing interface.

As a mini owner, I can say for almost certain that this is a single-screen experience much like the iPhone. Even the keyboard isn't designed to be used for long periods because it's not full size.

Mac can get away with window management because it's a pointer-first experience, the minimum screen size is larger, and you have more flexibility over how much of the default interface is visible at any one time - yet even on this platform Apple has made the baffling decision to step backwards and reduce overall workspace by increasing padding all over the U.I.

Honestly, I think Samsung Dex handles it a lot better. Especially with how there are separate touchscreen and keyboard + mouse multitasking modes.

In my view, iPadOS 26 would be elite if windows were only active when the Magic Keyboard was attached, and if it reverted to Split View + Slide Over when using the touchscreen only.

As of now, the OS is fantastic with the Magic Keyboard, but it’s not a good experience with only the touchscreen.

 

[achappy]

As of now, the OS is fantastic with the Magic Keyboard, but it’s not a good experience with only the touchscreen.

Only for those stuck on how they used to do something instead of learning what's new.

 

[GhostPepper]

Only for those stuck on how they used to do something instead of learning what's new.

Wrong.

I’ve learned how to use what’s new.

After I learned what’s new, I formed this opinion: what’s new is a step forwards for mouse controls, a step backwards in touch controls, because they removed a useful feature altogether (slideover) and they added steps to the other (splitview)

 

[Slartibart]

They need to make it possible to create a Split View using a single gesture.

I am with you with a nice gesture for that - in the meantime one might consider creating a simple or more elaborated shortcut:

I am aware that is not not exactly the same - you run that either from spotlight or from a share menu and - if you do not do fixed combo-shortcuts (fixed as app 1 & 2 predefined) - it’s at least one more click for app selection.

EDIT: just saw that you can add shortcuts to the home screen, so we might end up with one or three taps to splitview 2 apps on 26 🙃😄