iPadOS 26 is an Absolute Mess

[GhostPepper]

I didn't ask a question.



The goalposts keep moving. First it was SlideOver was removed and if they brought back SlideOver all would be good. Now somehow iPadOS is no longer a touch device or you can't use it as a tablet and now you need multiple modes with one being a "tablet mode".

This ENTIRE discourse is about how iPadOS 26 favors mouse and keyboard, i.e. NOT touch, and how they removed two popular touch control features.

And yes, myself and I believe many others here are saying that this is not enjoyable to use as a tablet. And I’m not saying they need multiple modes, Apple themselves already provide multiple modes!

They’re not going to outright call it a tablet mode, but literally one of the posts here was “what if I want to use it as a tablet?” the response was “take the single app mode” (which you liked) so you agree, that’s the de facto tablet mode! The problem is the new tablet mode is now restricted, another theme you seem to be so critical of.

Also, saying “I don’t understand what you mean by that” is an indirect question, that functions as a request for clarification. Talk about moving goalposts.

 

[achappy]

This ENTIRE discourse is about how iPadOS 26 favors mouse and keyboard,

No. It's how some think that's the case.

i.e. NOT touch, and how they removed two popular touch control features.

And added other touch control features.

And yes, myself and I believe many others here are saying that this is not enjoyable to use as a tablet. And I’m not saying they need multiple modes, Apple themselves already provide multiple modes!

They’re not going to outright call it a tablet mode, but literally one of the posts here was “what if I want to use it as a tablet?” the response was “take the single app mode” (which you liked) so you agree, that’s the de facto tablet mode! The problem is the new tablet mode is now restricted, another theme you seem to be so critical of.

What's a tablet is subjective. Using Window/SM is still using it as a tablet if I'm not using a MK. The poster obviously doesn't think that's the case so to him Full Screen must be tablet mode which is what I liked. But that doesn't make it "de factor tablet mode". It is only for HIM.

Now this is in fact a question since it's actually asking for information. If Apple brought back SlideOver/SplitView with the identical gestures in Windowed mode would it now be a tablet?

 

[TigerMSTR]

This ENTIRE discourse is about how iPadOS 26 favors mouse and keyboard, i.e. NOT touch, and how they removed two popular touch control features.

And yes, myself and I believe many others here are saying that this is not enjoyable to use as a tablet. And I’m not saying they need multiple modes, Apple themselves already provide multiple modes!

They’re not going to outright call it a tablet mode, but literally one of the posts here was “what if I want to use it as a tablet?” the response was “take the single app mode” (which you liked) so you agree, that’s the de facto tablet mode! The problem is the new tablet mode is now restricted, another theme you seem to be so critical of.

Also, saying “I don’t understand what you mean by that” is an indirect question, that functions as a request for clarification. Talk about moving goalposts.

Every day I see more and more people complaining about how not touch friendly this operating system is. Not just on Mac Rumours, and not just power users, but everywhere. Something is obviously very wrong here.

I just find it fascinating how ardently people will defend a trillion dollar company when they’re actively screwing over their user base like this.

 

[MM24]

What percentage of user base are we talking about here?

 

[muzzy996]

What percentage of user base are we talking about here?

Hard to say. My extremely small sampling size of my immediate household of 4 ipads puts it at 25%, LOL !

The 3 other people in my household don't even multitask and have no idea that they could have been doing split screen all of this time.

Meanwhile I'm lamenting about some of the change like a little child. We're all different.

 

[Mrbiggestman]

Every day I see more and more people complaining about how not touch friendly this operating system is. Not just on Mac Rumours, and not just power users, but everywhere. Something is obviously very wrong here.

I just find it fascinating how ardently people will defend a trillion dollar company when they’re actively screwing over their user base like this.

Touch friendly? I think Apple has given enough hints on where to drag and resize windows. Sure it is unresponsive in some areas of the screen where UI overlaps each other and the Bluetooth pencil basically not working on any of the multitasking features which kinda annoys me but come on... Apple has given what most of the community basically wanted and yet we are complaining about buttons and what they should and shouldn't do in the big 2025. Also a quick question to everyone reading this: why is the Apple community so lethargic/hesitant to change when it benefits basically most if not all of us?

 

[TigerMSTR]

Sure it is unresponsive in some areas of the screen where UI overlaps each other

Yeah, the only areas where that’s an issue is the top edge of the display, or the left edge of the display, or anywhere windows overlap, or anywhere apps have their own conflicting buttons or gestures. All on a tiny 8 inch display. No big deal.

Also a quick question to everyone reading this: why is the Apple community so lethargic/hesitant to change when it benefits basically most if not all of us?

Because the implementation is terrible.

 

[TigerMSTR]

Come to think of it, I even like that the windowed mode has it's own name: Samsung Dex

It makes it even less confusing for the user. You are now in Dex mode. You are turning off Dex mode and returning to tablet mode. It's so simple. And Apple would make SUCH a slam dunk of a Dex mode if they just swallowed their pride and admitted they were late to the party, that Samsung had a good idea and they now want to replicate it, and make their own version of it.

It’s kind of like how Windows 7 had window snapping before OS X, so now we’re forever stuck with an inferior implementation that takes way too many clicks and is vastly less useful because Apple can’t be seen as copying Microsoft.

 

[GhostPepper]

What's a tablet is subjective. Using Window/SM is still using it as a tablet if I'm not using a MK. The poster obviously doesn't think that's the case so to him Full Screen must be tablet mode which is what I liked. But that doesn't make it "de factor tablet mode". It is only for HIM.

Now this is in fact a question since it's actually asking for information. If Apple brought back SlideOver/SplitView with the identical gestures in Windowed mode would it now be a tablet?

We agree, it's subjective. But wouldn't you agree that iPadOS 26 borrowing so much from MacOS, that makes it more like a laptop? Which I understand has appeal to a lot of people, especially iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard owners. I am not sitting here suggesting that Apple shouldn't have a windowed mode. What I am suggesting, is that it doesn't make sense to eliminate a very useful way to multitask, especially for smaller devices, and to force that upon people who prefer an easier way to use touch input.

To answer your question, yes. Bringing back a feature that was around long before windowed apps (so long before they made it more like a laptop) would feel much more like a traditional tablet. Especially for iPad mini owners. I'll say it again, I am not really pushing back on these features for the larger, more powerful iPad Pros. I do not think a windowed mode is the direction to take the iPad mini line, especially if it means removing the simpler multitasking methods. The screen simply isn't large enough and therefore there's too much wasted space dedicated to touch input for managing windows.

We disagree, it's fine! I am glad that this version of iPadOS suits you. I would much rather use a Mac for anything that needs a mouse and keyboard. It's a better version of iPadOS 26. I think there's probably many people who feel that way. I like my iPad being a companion device to my Mac. What I don't understand is why you think people who want to use it the way it's been for over a decade shouldn't be able to.

 

[Jedimindtrick]

There’s no way for any of us to know. But it seems like they’re adding features to appease the smallest segment of iPad users, but took away features that the largest segment of iPad users actually use.

 

[Agathon]

There’s no way for any of us to know. But it seems like they’re adding features to appease the smallest segment of iPad users, but took away features that the largest segment of iPad users actually use.

More likely it's a hybrid market-product development strategy, extending the capability of the iPad to a replacement laptop to extend their user base. There's no point creating high-end iPads, like the pro if not enough people buy them.

It's also worth considering that there could easily be new features in iPad OS 27 and 28 that might make the current changes make more sense than they currently do.

 

[aperfectcircle]

Not that it’s statistically significant, but out of curiosity I asked 12 people I know with iPads how they use them. Ten of the group (83%) exclusively use their iPad in full screen single app mode, with iPad models ranging in type and age, though the Air is the most common. For the other two people, one uses split screen on occasion for sports betting, the other (a director on large company boards) is a fan of slide over, particularly for messaging while sitting in board meetings having to have Diligent open to follow the flow of board papers being discussed.

My statistically insignificant sample group was a mix of both genders and spanned from late 20s to mid 50s in age. When asked what their main use of the iPad was, a quarter was content consumption, a third was mixed personal use, and the remainder mixed personal and work use of varying levels. Whilst only two are users of the current multitasking functionality, five were aware of split screen and/or slide over capability with the rest having no idea.

The only conclusion I draw from my little curiosity piqued survey is that most people still just use the iPad in single app full screen mode.

 

[Mrbiggestman]

Because the implementation is terrible.

Can you expand on what you mean by that?

 

[xxray]

Well, after 4 days of trying to get used to the new multitasking, I went back to iPadOS 18, and I don’t plan to ever upgrade unless I have no other choice. The new multitasking is seriously horrible as a touch-only experience.

And before anyone starts to argue with me, I refuse to argue. I’m just sharing my experience. And I’ve now shared my feedback with Apple both on the feedback website and the iPadOS 26 beta feedback app. I really hope they’ll listen to bring the iPadOS 18 multitasking experience back to the “full screen apps” mode.

 

[Ludatyk]

And before anyone starts to argue with me, I refuse to argue. I’m just sharing my experience. And I’ve now shared my feedback with Apple both on the feedback website and the iPadOS 26 beta feedback app. I really hope they’ll listen to bring the iPadOS 18 multitasking experience back to the “full screen apps” mode.

But that's the thing... SplitView/SlideOver was never in the "Full Screen Apps" mode, Apple had it separately because they knew most folks didn't want to have a multitasking experience as @aperfectcircle pointed out.

I agree with the criticism that Apple needs a quicker way to get into SplitView and a replacement for SlideOver, my perspective on the debate is that Apple will improve on this "new multitasking system." And I get it.. it's not favored for iPadOS 18 multitasking users, but over time it will get there.

And certainly, Apple should have kept iPadOS 18 multitasking features... until they found something that would satisfy everyone. But unfortunately, it's going to take some time for Apple to get to that point. I think they should have kept the traditional "move the app/window to the far left or right side" to get into SplitView, but I'll be lying to you if I didn't enjoy that flickering gesture because of the animation we get from it.

But I think they should add a "pin" feature or "stay on top" for SlideOver users... something where we have a window available to use whenever necessary. But it took Apple sometime to introduce SplitView/SlideOver... and still they improved on it throughout the years.

 

[Mrbiggestman]

But that's the thing... SplitView/SlideOver was never in the "Full Screen Apps" mode, Apple had it separately because they knew most folks didn't want to have a multitasking experience as @aperfectcircle pointed out.

I agree with the criticism that Apple needs a quicker way to get into SplitView and a replacement for SlideOver, my perspective on the debate is that Apple will improve on this "new multitasking system." And I get it.. it's not favored for iPadOS 18 multitasking users, but over time it will get there.

And certainly, Apple should have kept iPadOS 18 multitasking features... until they found something that would satisfy everyone. But unfortunately, it's going to take some time for Apple to get to that point. I think they should have kept the traditional "move the app/window to the far left or right side" to get into SplitView, but I'll be lying to you if I didn't enjoy that flickering gesture because of the animation we get from it.

The problem is I can basically recreate the slideover and and splitview in ipadOS 26. sure, the slide to the side was a big advantage for space which they could implement in ipadOS 26 but after that I have yet to of found anyone with an reasonable excuse either on twitter or on macrumours on why ipadOS 26 is key phrased ‘cumbersome’, ‘unituitive’ or ‘convulted’. before anyone say about ipad shortcuts just go to the menu bar and use the help section.

 

[papbot]

before anyone say about ipad shortcuts just go to the menu bar and use the help section.

Out of curiosity I did just that while on this site. Chose Help and Safari help is the option, and clicking on that takes you to a page showing how to use Split View Anyway, taking away the cmd and globe key menus of combo key shortcuts is not improved by using the menu bar. That method is tedious and much more time consuming in finding the combo that will do what you need. Since even the Help section in 26 shows the ios 18 (Split View) options, many are going to complain a lot when they can no longer use their iPads as they have been doing for ages.

 

[Mrbiggestman]

Out of curiosity I did just that while on this site. Chose Help and Safari help is the option, and clicking on that takes you to a page showing how to use Split View Anyway, taking away the cmd and globe key menus of combo key shortcuts is not improved by using the menu bar. That method is tedious and much more time consuming in finding the combo that will do what you need. Since even the Help section in 26 shows the ios 18 (Split View) options, many are going to complain a lot when they can no longer use their iPads as they have been doing for ages.

You can find the keyboard shortcuts when you are on a search bar or typing elsewhere. You won't be able to find the keyboard shortcuts if you don't have the digital keyboard up.

 

[Mrbiggestman]

You can find the keyboard shortcuts when you are on a search bar or typing elsewhere. You won't be able to find the keyboard shortcuts if you don't have the digital keyboard up.

In safari you will have to use the search bar on the help section to find what you are looking for. It works weirdly better in alternative browser than Apple's own browser

 

[papbot]

In safari you will have to use the search bar on the help section to find what you are looking for. It works weirdly better in alternative browser than Apple's own browser

So, you not only have to have windowed apps enabled, you also have to pull up the onscreen keyboard while using an external keyboard, and then use search to find a key combo that might be useful to you. Really?!! All of that rigmarole to replace a one key press (cmd) on the keyboard you’re using. Ridiculous, and unacceptable for those who bought an ipad and paid an exorbitant amount for a Magic Keyboard. I can hear the wails now!

 

[Wando64]

So, you not only have to have windowed apps enabled, you also have to pull up the onscreen keyboard while using an external keyboard, and then use search to find a key combo that might be useful to you. Really?!! All of that rigmarole to replace a one key press (cmd) on the keyboard you’re using. Ridiculous, and unacceptable for those who bought an ipad and paid an exorbitant amount for a Magic Keyboard. I can hear the wails now!

As far as i can see, the help function to look for shortcuts can be used even with an external keyboard attached.
But, yes, I cannot find anything with an overall summary of shortcuts like before, regardless of whether the external keyboard is attached or not.

 

[papbot]

As far as i can see, the help function to look for shortcuts can be used even with an external keyboard attached.
But, yes, I cannot find anything with an overall summary of shortcuts like before, regardless of whether the external keyboard is attached or not.

It’s still not acceptable that a one key press has been replaced with multiple steps, that require windowed apps to be enabled which is step one. Again, I don’t think I’m unique in wanting my ipad, and expensive keyboard, to be as convenient as it used to be. This is why I primarily use my ipad over my mac, convenience and simplicity. We’ll see how the general user reacts to this. This isn't the only feature to be removed. Once users see no ability to Select/Select all in the Trash mailbox (the missing ellipsis), as well as all other mailboxes except the Inboxes, I expect to read a lot of complaints.

 

[Wando64]

It’s still not acceptable that a one key press has been replaced with multiple steps, that require windowed apps to be enabled which is step one. Again, I don’t think I’m unique in wanting my ipad, and expensive keyboard, to be as convenient as it used to be. This is why I primarily use my ipad over my mac, convenience and simplicity. We’ll see how the general user reacts to this. This isn't the only feature to be removed. Once users see no ability to Select/Select all in the Trash mailbox (the missing ellipsis), as well as all other mailboxes except the Inboxes, I expect to read a lot of complaints.

I suppose that, considering we are still in Beta, the best action is to report concerns to Apple.