iPadOS 26 is an Absolute Mess

[Steve Adams]

Yeah, I have an M4 iPad Pro 13” (my daily driver primary computer), and an iPad 11th Gen. The iPad 11th Gen is quite a great piece of hardware for the price, and I know the 10th Gen is basically the same. The base iPad’s are very underestimated and underrated. Great hardware for the price point, and iPadOS is great for many things, hence why I have used an iPad as my primary computer for the past 5 years. 🙂👍🏻. And the iPad is just so versatile, I really like that hardware versatility! I think it’s just that many content creators started with a Mac, and tend to have workflows that favor the Mac. But the iPad is far from useless as many of these people tried to claim. 👍🏻

They claim the Pro is awesome, the 10th gen is garbage because of the "specs". I know differently as do many other owners.

 

[Kal Madda]

They claim the Pro is awesome, the 10th gen is garbage because of the "specs". I know differently as do many other owners.

Absolutely. The iPad 11th Gen I have can even support most of my Nomad Sculpt projects, though the RAM difference does mean some of my larger projects won’t open and will crash. But really, for most things, the base iPad is a great option at a great price. It absolutely isn’t anywhere near being “garbage”. I don’t really understand why some people claim the base iPads are so bad, because that’s definitely not been my experience, and I use my iPad’s quite heavily. 👍🏻

 

[JTK Awesome]

Not sure why some find ipados 26 multi tasking is intolerable.

• The removal of simple Split View and Slide Over (let’s face it, they’re gone, using these names in the current windowed system is a bad joke) ruins the simplicity of the touch-first interface. The new multi-windows system is such a hassle to set up with touch. You can technically still do Split View but it takes way more work than before.
• Effectively no more Slide Over. So useful for apps like the-often used calculator.
• iPad screen is just so small already to be useful for anything more than 2-3 apps. Multi-windows systems only work for external display use.
• What's the point of the menu bar? Only to show keyboard shortcuts?

 

[eltoslightfoot]

• The removal of simple Split View and Slide Over (let’s face it, they’re gone, using these names in the current windowed system is a bad joke) ruins the simplicity of the touch-first interface. The new multi-windows system is such a hassle to set up with touch. You can technically still do Split View but it takes way more work than before.
• Effectively no more Slide Over. So useful for apps like the-often used calculator.
• iPad screen is just so small already to be useful for anything more than 2-3 apps. Multi-windows systems only work for external display use.
• What's the point of the menu bar? Only to show keyboard shortcuts?

I completely agree with this. It's what I miss most about Split View was how simple it was. Honestly, I have considered just getting an iPad Mini and using it full screen.

 

[I7guy]

• The removal of simple Split View and Slide Over (let’s face it, they’re gone, using these names in the current windowed system is a bad joke) ruins the simplicity of the touch-first interface. The new multi-windows system is such a hassle to set up with touch. You can technically still do Split View but it takes way more work than before.
• Effectively no more Slide Over. So useful for apps like the-often used calculator.
• iPad screen is just so small already to be useful for anything more than 2-3 apps. Multi-windows systems only work for external display use.
• What's the point of the menu bar? Only to show keyboard shortcuts?

Agree. Split View was simpler and far more limited. The new multi-tasking is much more feature rich and more powerful and useful.

On my IPP 11 inch is fine for about 4 apps.

Not sure about the menu bar but it’s out of the way and lets you get to additional options.

Bottom line. I like the new multi-tasking.

 

[Kal Madda]

• The removal of simple Split View and Slide Over (let’s face it, they’re gone, using these names in the current windowed system is a bad joke) ruins the simplicity of the touch-first interface. The new multi-windows system is such a hassle to set up with touch. You can technically still do Split View but it takes way more work than before.

Personally, they may take slightly more steps, but I don’t think they are that much harder to invoke vs the previous layout. A simple “flick” gesture converts an app window into a Split View window. That said, I wouldn’t be opposed to a middle-ground multitasking mode in the settings. Something between the Single app and multi-windowing options, that would just do Fullscreen, Split View, and Slide Over and nothing else. Personally, for me, I like that these are integrated into the multi-windowing system, as that was one of my wishlist items for several years. Before, I had to choose multiwindowing and lose any Split View and Slide Over options. Now, both work in one unified system. I understand YMMV, and like I said, I wouldn’t mind a middle-ground option for those who don’t want regular multi-windowing.

• Effectively no more Slide Over. So useful for apps like the-often used calculator.

Slide Over was added back in I think 26.2. Apps can be added into Slide Over by hold pressing the multi-windowing buttons and selecting “Add to Slide Over”. Or, you can select “Add to Slide Over” in the Window menu in the Menu Bar. I use it all the time for my Calculator app.

• iPad screen is just so small already to be useful for anything more than 2-3 apps. Multi-windows systems only work for external display use.

I think that depends on preferences and use-case. And it also probably depends on what size iPad you’re using. I use a 13” iPad Pro, and I can very comfortably multi-window more than 3 app windows on it if I wish…

• What's the point of the menu bar? Only to show keyboard shortcuts?

The Menu Bar provides a consistent and simple UI element for accessing app features. It makes things much simpler for many different apps. The Menu Bar was another thing that was on my wishlist for several years, so I am very happy about its inclusion. Again though, YMMV.

I totally respect your opinion, and I do think the older setup may have been simpler for some people, so like I said, I wouldn’t be opposed to that as a toggle able option alongside the new one that people like me prefer. Personally, I think a lot of this stuff is a matter of personal preference. To me, this is a really nice set of improvements. 👍🏻

 

[Ludatyk]

The removal of simple Split View and Slide Over (let’s face it, they’re gone, using these names in the current windowed system is a bad joke) ruins the simplicity of the touch-first interface. The new multi-windows system is such a hassle to set up with touch. You can technically still do Split View but it takes way more work than before.

Have you used the latest version of iPadOS 26... Apple practically made SplitView as similar as it was in iPadOS 18 to appease users such as yourself.

I actually don't like the way it is now... because Apple effectively removed the option to drag a window into a floating window. We are now forced to use SplitView when dragging an app onto a full screen active app.

Effectively no more Slide Over. So useful for apps like the-often used calculator.

Slide Over does exist. Users can place the calculator in Slide Over window and unlike the previous iteration, it can be moved anywhere around the screen.

What's the point of the menu bar? Only to show keyboard shortcuts?

Menu bar is a helpful to determine what actions are available... along with providing consistency among macOS.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Have you used the latest version of iPadOS 26... Apple practically made SplitView as similar as it was in iPadOS 18 to appease users such as yourself.

I actually don't like the way it is now... because Apple effectively removed the option to drag a window into a floating window. We are now forced to use SplitView when dragging an app onto a full screen active app.


Slide Over does exist. Users can place the calculator in Slide Over window and unlike the previous iteration, it can be moved anywhere around the screen.


Menu bar is a helpful to determine what actions are available... along with providing consistency among macOS.

Yes, but it is the limitations to Slide Over and Split View that were lost. While that might seem like an improvement, in many ways, features were lost.

Off the top of my head, screen space was lost to the menu bar and dock. Also consistency in the apps wasn't contingent upon developer updates. Much easier to focus and not get lost in the increased complexity. I bought an iPad to not be a Mac. If they want to make it a Mac, they should just allow MacOS to be on it in full when a trackpad and keyboard is connected. There is also a pretty big performance hit as my M1 iPad Pro is actually slow when like 10 windows are open.

But yes, the best option would be, as you say, to allow us to select the old way in Settings.

As an aside, I have been using my Surface Pro 9 for a couple of weeks instead of my iPad Pro on iPadOS26, and to be quite honest, the Surface Pro is actually easier to use and more consistent now. That wasn't the case on the previous OS. But every app windows is completely and 100% dynamic at any literal resolution--there isn't any underlying grid that screws up some apps. I have full control of file associations and background processing. I have a full view of running apps and processes. I can control startup apps. I can open powershell.

Anyway, I am glad that the three of you (@I7guy, @Ludatyk, and @Kal Madda) all love your iPads on iPadOS26, but there are many of us who simply don't.

 

[Ludatyk]

Yes, but it is the limitations to Slide Over and Split View that were lost. While that might seem like an improvement, in many ways, features were lost.

This is what has gotten me lost here... for YEARS the iPad was criticize for being limited. And now... folks are criticizing Apple for removing those limitation, make it make sense.

Because what exactly has been lost... SlideOver no longer has a multi-window stack, because we can actually have more windows active on display. And we can drag an app onto an existing SlideOver window. SplitView now works exactly the way it was in iPadOS 18... while a full screen window is displayed we can move a window to the left or right (even shows the animations).

As an aside, I have been using my Surface Pro 9 for a couple of weeks instead of my iPad Pro on iPadOS26, and to be quite honest, the Surface Pro is actually easier to use and more consistent now. That wasn't the case on the previous OS. But every app windows is completely and 100% dynamic at any literal resolution--there isn't any underlying grid that screws up some apps. I have full control of file associations and background processing. I have a full view of running apps and processes. I can control startup apps. I can open powershell.

You are contradicting yourself... on one end, you miss the limitations that were on iPadOS and then on the other you want something akin to Windows/macOS (which has no limitations).

 

[subjonas]

This is what has gotten me lost here... for YEARS the iPad was criticize for being limited. And now... folks are criticizing Apple for removing those limitation, make it make sense.

It's not a unified group of people, they're different voices. There was a group of people who were asking for a major change in iPadOS multitasking. But there was also a group of people who were largely satisfied with iPadOS multitasking. But negative voices are usually the loudest, while content people are busy just using their devices, so it only seemed like everyone wanted the change.

 

[Luftkopf]

Did Slide Over get improved after iPadOS 15? I am permanently surprised that so many people like it, as it is completely useless on my iPad Air 2.

 

[Ludatyk]

It's not a unified group of people, they're different voices. There was a group of people who were asking for a major change in iPadOS multitasking. But there was also a group of people who were largely satisfied with iPadOS multitasking. But negative voices are usually the loudest, while content people are busy just using their devices, so it only seemed like everyone wanted the change.

Totally get that it wasn't everyone... but it was large enough for Apple to make a change (particular the iPad power users). And to add... it was the same multitasking system for 10 years.

 

[subjonas]

Totally get that it wasn't everyone... but it was large enough for Apple to make a change (particular the iPad power users). And to add... it was the same multitasking system for 10 years.

Maybe the group was large enough, or maybe it was loud and persistent enough, or maybe Apple was just really looking for something to change in the hopes of improved sales--I suppose we'll see or infer, based on any change in (estimated) sales, satisfaction rates, and online chatter going forward.

Other than tweaks (of varying degrees), iPad multitasking has remained the same for a long time. But Mac has been the same for much longer (also with tweaks). Just because something hasn't changed drastically for a long time doesn't mean it needs to. Apple could have made free floating windows on iPad 10 years ago. It wasn't a technical limitation, it was a UX choice. The iPad was supposed to sacrifice some flexibility for simplicity and ease of use, because Mac already handled flexibility (sacrificing some simplicity and ease of use). Apple has been pushing and testing the boundaries of the iPad's identity over the years, and I thought they largely struck a great balance, with iPadOS 18 being the peak. But with iPadOS 26, I feel Apple has gone too far into Mac territory and has diminished what I find unique and valuable about the iPad. But we'll see if I'm an outlier.

 

[Kal Madda]

Maybe the group was large enough, or maybe it was loud and persistent enough, or maybe Apple was just really looking for something to change in the hopes of improved sales--I suppose we'll see or infer, based on any change in (estimated) sales, satisfaction rates, and online chatter going forward.

Other than tweaks (of varying degrees), iPad multitasking has remained the same for a long time. But Mac has been the same for much longer (also with tweaks). Just because something hasn't changed drastically for a long time doesn't mean it needs to. Apple could have made free floating windows on iPad 10 years ago. It wasn't a technical limitation, it was a UX choice. The iPad was supposed to sacrifice some flexibility for simplicity and ease of use, because Mac already handled flexibility (sacrificing some simplicity and ease of use). Apple has been pushing and testing the boundaries of the iPad's identity over the years, and I thought they largely struck a great balance, with iPadOS 18 being the peak. But with iPadOS 26, I feel Apple has gone too far into Mac territory and has diminished what I find unique and valuable about the iPad. But we'll see if I'm an outlier.

Personally, the new system is still simpler and more efficient than the Mac’s, even though it allows for the flexibility that the Mac’s windowing system offers (plus additional flexibility of it’s own). For example, when I first open apps on iPadOS, they still open in fullscreen at first, and I can choose to either use it fullscreen, or reduced it down into a smaller floating window, or if I drag another app from the dock over it, it forms a Split View with the new app and currently opened app just like before in iPadOS 18. Windows can also be flicked into a Split View configuration with a touch gesture. Meanwhile, MacOS doesn’t support those the same way, and assumes multi-windowing by default, opening apps in little floating windows by default.

And macOS also lacks Slide Over, while iPadOS 26 has dramatically improved Slide Over in nearly every way. Unlike the prior iteration of Slide Over, Slide Over windows can be freely resized however you want, and can be moved around the screen wherever you want. I use the Calculator app almost exclusively that way. I can swipe it offscreen when I don’t want or need it, and I can swipe it back on-screen when I do. That’s another thing that macOS can’t do…

I think you and I have different ideas about “flexibility”. Which is okay, and I know, it’s a very subjective thing, and probably also largely depends on use-case/workflow. But to me, the iPad is far more flexible. The Mac is a very rigid desktop/laptop experience, and lacks so many of the features and flexibility of the iPad and iPadOS. The iPad is just such an inherently flexible device, and it feels more modular and adaptable. I think it makes sense that iPadOS is flexible, at least in a number of ways… 🤷🏼‍♂️.

Personally, I think the improvements make a lot of sense. The prior options still exist and are pretty easy to use, but now we get new and better options as well. Perhaps it can be improved on, I’m sure Apple will iterate with it just as they have with everything else. Perhaps Apple could add a middle option that only supports Fullscreen, Split View, and Slide Over. Though, you have to admit, that would be an awful lot of different multitasking modes, and could get fairly confusing. I think it makes sense to keep things more unified and streamlined. But I think the new system is a major improvement, and I’m sure people will get used to it if they give it a chance, at least, that’s my opinion. 👍🏻. I think that iPadOS 26 still strikes a great balance between simplicity and flexibility. YMMV. 👍🏻

 

[eltoslightfoot]

This is what has gotten me lost here... for YEARS the iPad was criticize for being limited. And now... folks are criticizing Apple for removing those limitation, make it make sense.

Because what exactly has been lost... SlideOver no longer has a multi-window stack, because we can actually have more windows active on display. And we can drag an app onto an existing SlideOver window. SplitView now works exactly the way it was in iPadOS 18... while a full screen window is displayed we can move a window to the left or right (even shows the animations).


You are contradicting yourself... on one end, you miss the limitations that were on iPadOS and then on the other you want something akin to Windows/macOS (which has no limitations).

Ah, but that's the key, and I admit I didn't explain it well.

When the iPad was just trying to be a tablet, it did it better than anything out there--Surface Pro included. I always said the iPad was the superior tablet (it was super fast, and really had superior apps and no windows--just split screen) and the Surface Pro was the superior laptop that also allowed one to use a Microsoft Pen.

Fast forward, now the iPad is now a bunch of windows. You have to organize them and it is getting better with each new update, but it is still alot. They don't line up the same. There is no snapping technology--even with mac I can get BetterSnapTool or Magnet. Sometimes they forget where they are and I have to move them back where they are supposed to go. It is no longer as elegant--which does give it greater multitasking capabilities. Unfortunately, this means it is no longer the simple creature it once was. And, yes, maybe it will improve for me over time, but here is the thing.

If I have to get used to a bunch of complexity out of my tablet anyway, why not just use a tablet with a real file browser, where I have full computer capabilities? Hence why I said the Surface Pro is better at this game--for me. I get it isn't the same for everyone. To be honest, if I still worked from my home, I would probably just get a Supernote or something for note-taking.

Anyway, that's why I don't see it as a contradiction. If you are on iPadOS18, I would say the iPad is the superior tablet. Now I am not so sure. That's all I am saying. It surprised me. Now there are downsides. It is slow to boot compared to the iPad, it is a full PC, so there are things that are a pain, but MAN! I can use the desktop Inkarnate app for mapmaking. I can use the full version of Scrivener. Etc., etc.,

 

[eltoslightfoot]

I feel Apple has gone too far into Mac territory and has diminished what I find unique and valuable about the iPad. But we'll see if I'm an outlier.

This is exactly what I was trying to say. Thank you!

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Personally, the new system is still simpler and more efficient than the Mac’s, even though it allows for the flexibility that the Mac’s windowing system offers (plus additional flexibility of it’s own). For example, when I first open apps on iPadOS, they still open in fullscreen at first, and I can choose to either use it fullscreen, or reduced it down into a smaller floating window, or if I drag another app from the dock over it, it forms a Split View with the new app and currently opened app just like before in iPadOS 18. Windows can also be flicked into a Split View configuration with a touch gesture. Meanwhile, MacOS doesn’t support those the same way, and assumes multi-windowing by default, opening apps in little floating windows by default.

And macOS also lacks Slide Over, while iPadOS 26 has dramatically improved Slide Over in nearly every way. Unlike the prior iteration of Slide Over, Slide Over windows can be freely resized however you want, and can be moved around the screen wherever you want. I use the Calculator app almost exclusively that way. I can swipe it offscreen when I don’t want or need it, and I can swipe it back on-screen when I do. That’s another thing that macOS can’t do…

I think you and I have different ideas about “flexibility”. Which is okay, and I know, it’s a very subjective thing, and probably also largely depends on use-case/workflow. But to me, the iPad is far more flexible. The Mac is a very rigid desktop/laptop experience, and lacks so many of the features and flexibility of the iPad and iPadOS. The iPad is just such an inherently flexible device, and it feels more modular and adaptable. I think it makes sense that iPadOS is flexible, at least in a number of ways… 🤷🏼‍♂️.

Personally, I think the improvements make a lot of sense. The prior options still exist and are pretty easy to use, but now we get new and better options as well. Perhaps it can be improved on, I’m sure Apple will iterate with it just as they have with everything else. Perhaps Apple could add a middle option that only supports Fullscreen, Split View, and Slide Over. Though, you have to admit, that would be an awful lot of different multitasking modes, and could get fairly confusing. I think it makes sense to keep things more unified and streamlined. But I think the new system is a major improvement, and I’m sure people will get used to it if they give it a chance, at least, that’s my opinion. 👍🏻. I think that iPadOS 26 still strikes a great balance between simplicity and flexibility. YMMV. 👍🏻

The two are incredibly different though. It doesn't need a slide over for instance because it is a full desktop OS and I run it off a 27" 4k monitor. Who needs slide over with that? Even the 14 and 16 inch laptop screen has far more room.

I think it is interesting that the people, like you, who seem to really like the new iPadOS also seem to mostly dislike desktop OSes. Personally that might be the delineation. I LOVE my desktop OSes and use them all. Linux, MacOS, Windows, and even some 'Nixes back in the day. These mobile OSes seem so confining. I can't even load anything not allowed by the store.

 

[Kal Madda]

The two are incredibly different though. It doesn't need a slide over for instance because it is a full desktop OS and I run it off a 27" 4k monitor. Who needs slide over with that? Even the 14 and 16 inch laptop screen has far more room.

Personally, I find Slide Over very useful in combo with the multi-windowing system on the iPad. As I have probably mentioned before, I used a MacBook before I bought an iPad, and so when I first picked up an iPad and discovered Slide Over, I really found Slide Over handy for quick access to messaging apps and such, and thought that would be really cool on macOS. The way it works on iPadOS 26 in combo with the multitasking system is a dream come true for me, it’s so nice to be able to keep utility siloed off-screen for quick access when needed. And it travels with me between stages in Stage Manager, which is also handy. 👍🏻. When I dock my iPad at my desktop monitor, I still use Slide Over, and the plus is, I can even setup a separate app in Slide Over on the monitor vs the app in Slide Over on the iPad’s native display, so that’s a nice additional touch. 👍🏻. I’m a big fan of the new Slide Over implementation, I can make it bigger or smaller depending on the app I’m using in Slide Over, and I can move it somewhere else on the display. 👍🏻 The only downside is it currently doesn’t support stacking multiple apps in Slide Over. But given the other major improvements, that’s a fairly minor downside in my opinion, though maybe they could add that ability back. 👍🏻

I think it is interesting that the people, like you, who seem to really like the new iPadOS also seem to mostly dislike desktop OSes. Personally that might be the delineation. I LOVE my desktop OSes and use them all. Linux, MacOS, Windows, and even some 'Nixes back in the day. These mobile OSes seem so confining. I can't even load anything not allowed by the store.

Yeah, I do find that interesting when you mention it that way. I do tend to find I don’t like desktop OSes as much as iPadOS, and find them to be less efficient in several areas for my preferences and workflow. Maybe it’s a generational thing. I know people talk about the file system, personally, I don’t see what practical difference it makes whether I can access OS system files or not. I know it probably benefits some use-cases, but it doesn’t impact my workflow at all. I’ve never found the Files app to be very different from Finder on the Mac in terms of utility, though it is really nice being able to pin folders into the App Dock on iPadOS 26. And I was very relieved to find you can still set Quick Look as default for previewing images in Files on iPadOS 26, something I can’t do on macOS, on macOS, it feels like I have to jump through hoops to just scroll through a folder of images. It’s little things like this that make a big difference cumulatively for me. 👍🏻.

Personally, I vastly prefer to be able to source all of my software from one secure place, and have one system for managing app updates. I actually find that to be a plus of iPadOS. When I install apps on my Mac, I try to use the App Store whenever I can. Sadly, some app developers don’t allow to me to install their apps from the App Store on the Mac, and force me to side load their app. In the App Store, it’s easy to find apps, there’s less security risks (not zero, but dramatically reduced thanks to Apple’s app review), and I can see what data the app collects. And app updates are handled via the App Store, and I can choose automatic or manual updates if I so choose. Where on the Mac, I often end up having to look up an app’s page, make sure it’s actually that app’s real page and not a spoof page to trick users into installing a fake version loaded with malware, and there’s not really any way of ever knowing what kind of data the app collects. And every app has it’s own different system for handling app updates, and many don’t allow you to opt out of automatic app updates, they just update regardless of whether you want them to or not. And that is especially annoying when there’s an app I haven’t used in a while, but need to quickly for something, but instead of being able to just use it, it first has to take a minute or so to update. I get that on the Mac they support app side loading because they already supported it before the App Store concept, and I know some like or prefer app side loading, but I really think the App Store model is much better. That’s my opinion at least, YMMV. 🙂👍🏻

But yeah, I totally get others may disagree with my takes here, and I totally respect that others prefer desktop OSes. I would say, I’m actually not terribly surprised you find the Surface Pro to be a decent tablet experience. Windows 11 has made several improvements (read, they borrowed from Apple) that make Windows 11 feel a bit more tablet friendly, like the centered Task Bar design, more rounded edges, etc. I have an Asus Ally I use for some PC gaming. It’s got a 7” screen, but the scaling is not too bad. Many buttons and options within apps, however, are too small and closely spaced for me to tap precisely. So I definitely find the apps themselves tend to be more the limiting factor. But then again, I am using it on a 7” screen. Personally, I am very happy with the Xbox Mode introduced last fall, and haven’t used the desktop mode since. And everything is generally better scaled within the Xbox Mode, and I generally tend to navigate with the controller more than with the touchscreen. A family member of mine has an older Surface Pro X, and they really like it. I would also point out, Windows is kind of similar to iPadOS in several areas that macOS isn’t. App windows in Windows 11 typically open fullscreen by default. Images are previewed in a more Quick Look kind of thing that’s easier to scroll through a folder of images with like the way iPadOS does it. There are actually quite a few areas where Windows is a bit closer in some of those things. 👍🏻

I know this is a really long comment. But I guess that’s just some of my thoughts. But yeah, I do agree, maybe the desktop-first vs iPad-first delineation is part of this divide in perspective on this. 🙂👍🏻

 

[I7guy]

Yes, but it is the limitations to Slide Over and Split View that were lost. While that might seem like an improvement, in many ways, features were lost.

Off the top of my head, screen space was lost to the menu bar and dock. Also consistency in the apps wasn't contingent upon developer updates. Much easier to focus and not get lost in the increased complexity. I bought an iPad to not be a Mac. If they want to make it a Mac, they should just allow MacOS to be on it in full when a trackpad and keyboard is connected. There is also a pretty big performance hit as my M1 iPad Pro is actually slow when like 10 windows are open.

But yes, the best option would be, as you say, to allow us to select the old way in Settings.

As an aside, I have been using my Surface Pro 9 for a couple of weeks instead of my iPad Pro on iPadOS26, and to be quite honest, the Surface Pro is actually easier to use and more consistent now. That wasn't the case on the previous OS. But every app windows is completely and 100% dynamic at any literal resolution--there isn't any underlying grid that screws up some apps. I have full control of file associations and background processing. I have a full view of running apps and processes. I can control startup apps. I can open powershell.

Anyway, I am glad that the three of you (@I7guy, @Ludatyk, and @Kal Madda) all love your iPads on iPadOS26, but there are many of us who simply don't.

My IPP M1 is still snappy. Maybe I haven’t stressed it enough. But one can use the iPad IMO as they did before. Maybe not everybody likes the new design, but LG can be toned fish n and it’s not all that different than iOS 18. Apple wanted to attract more power users, so they have increased functionality to those who wanted it. iPads may not be for everybody. And the oled screen on the m4 and m5 IPP are gorgeous.

 

[Ludatyk]

When the iPad was just trying to be a tablet, it did it better than anything out there--Surface Pro included. I always said the iPad was the superior tablet (it was super fast, and really had superior apps and no windows--just split screen) and the Surface Pro was the superior laptop that also allowed one to use a Microsoft Pen.

Wait a min... it's still the superior tablet.

Fast forward, now the iPad is now a bunch of windows. You have to organize them and it is getting better with each new update, but it is still alot.

But that's the thing... you don't necessarily have to use Windowed Mode, Stage Manager can help with organizing windows.

There is no snapping technology--even with mac I can get BetterSnapTool or Magnet. Sometimes they forget where they are and I have to move them back where they are supposed to go. It is no longer as elegant--which does give it greater multitasking capabilities. Unfortunately, this means it is no longer the simple creature it once was.

But there is snapping technology when you use the traffic lights. And I told you before, when you have full screen window displayed... drag an app off the dock it will be placed in Splitview (that simple feature is back).

 

[SnowCrocodile]

Totally get that it wasn't everyone... but it was large enough for Apple to make a change (particular the iPad power users). And to add... it was the same multitasking system for 10 years.

There would be a whole lot less noise if they've added windowed mode while retaining Slide Over.

Instead they killed it, and then after a major pushback brought it back but in a slightly different way (I don't use it much but I believe you used to be able to drag an icon from the dock straight into the Slide Over mode, and it seems to be a different process now?)

It doesn't bother me a single bit, but I can see how people that were used to Slide Over functionality got upset.

 

[bcortens]

Wait a min... it's still the superior tablet.


But that's the thing... you don't necessarily have to use Windowed Mode, Stage Manager can help with organizing windows.


But there is snapping technology when you use the traffic lights. And I told you before, when you have full screen window displayed... drag an app off the dock it will be placed in Splitview (that simple feature is back).

You keep saying this but it isn't true. Split View is NOT back in the way it was in iPadOS 18.

In iPadOS 18 you could arrange multiple split views in their own dedicated spaces/groups accessible from the multitasking switcher view. it is impossible to do this with the windowing mode of iPadOS 26.
Stage manager gives you weird stacks of windows that I don't want either.

If you didn't care bout resizable floating windows (which many didn't) then iPadOS 18 offered the superior windowing experience.

 

[SnowCrocodile]

Personally, I find Slide Over very useful in combo with the multi-windowing system on the iPad. As I have probably mentioned before, I used a MacBook before I bought an iPad, and so when I first picked up an iPad and discovered Slide Over, I really found Slide Over handy for quick access to messaging apps and such, and thought that would be really cool on macOS. The way it works on iPadOS 26 in combo with the multitasking system is a dream come true for me, it’s so nice to be able to keep utility siloed off-screen for quick access when needed. And it travels with me between stages in Stage Manager, which is also handy. 👍🏻. When I dock my iPad at my desktop monitor, I still use Slide Over, and the plus is, I can even setup a separate app in Slide Over on the monitor vs the app in Slide Over on the iPad’s native display, so that’s a nice additional touch. 👍🏻. I’m a big fan of the new Slide Over implementation, I can make it bigger or smaller depending on the app I’m using in Slide Over, and I can move it somewhere else on the display. 👍🏻 The only downside is it currently doesn’t support stacking multiple apps in Slide Over. But given the other major improvements, that’s a fairly minor downside in my opinion, though maybe they could add that ability back. 👍🏻

Yeah, I do find that interesting when you mention it that way. I do tend to find I don’t like desktop OSes as much as iPadOS, and find them to be less efficient in several areas for my preferences and workflow. Maybe it’s a generational thing. I know people talk about the file system, personally, I don’t see what practical difference it makes whether I can access OS system files or not. I know it probably benefits some use-cases, but it doesn’t impact my workflow at all.

It doesn't benefit your workflow because you don't know what you would be using it for.

On Windows and Mac, I can set up links between documents. E.g. I can have a link in a Word document pulling a related spreadsheet. This won't work in iOS. Backup to an external drive and syncronization between drives or unrelated services are a lot harder to do. A cloud first setup is fine, but it's uncomfortably close to being cloud only.

I’ve never found the Files app to be very different from Finder on the Mac in terms of utility, though it is really nice being able to pin folders into the App Dock on iPadOS 26. And I was very relieved to find you can still set Quick Look as default for previewing images in Files on iPadOS 26, something I can’t do on macOS, on macOS, it feels like I have to jump through hoops to just scroll through a folder of images. It’s little things like this that make a big difference cumulatively for me. 👍🏻.

Personally, I vastly prefer to be able to source all of my software from one secure place, and have one system for managing app updates. I actually find that to be a plus of iPadOS. When I install apps on my Mac, I try to use the App Store whenever I can. Sadly, some app developers don’t allow to me to install their apps from the App Store on the Mac, and force me to side load their app. In the App Store, it’s easy to find apps, there’s less security risks (not zero, but dramatically reduced thanks to Apple’s app review), and I can see what data the app collects. And app updates are handled via the App Store, and I can choose automatic or manual updates if I so choose. Where on the Mac, I often end up having to look up an app’s page, make sure it’s actually that app’s real page and not a spoof page to trick users into installing a fake version loaded with malware, and there’s not really any way of ever knowing what kind of data the app collects.

You still can exclusively use Mac AppStore. Just don't load the apps which are not on it.

And there's been malware in AppStore as well.

And every app has it’s own different system for handling app updates, and many don’t allow you to opt out of automatic app updates, they just update regardless of whether you want them to or not. And that is especially annoying when there’s an app I haven’t used in a while, but need to quickly for something, but instead of being able to just use it, it first has to take a minute or so to update.

It's actually worse on the iOS, isn't it? I had an app that I used a lot, the vendor stopped developing and pulled the AppStore version, I still have my Windows version and my Mac version but I can no longer use the documents on my iPad or iPhone.

I get that on the Mac they support app side loading because they already supported it before the App Store concept, and I know some like or prefer app side loading, but I really think the App Store model is much better. That’s my opinion at least, YMMV. 🙂👍🏻

And you're still perfectly able to limit yourself to only using the apps which exist on AppStore, just like in iOS.

But yeah, I totally get others may disagree with my takes here, and I totally respect that others prefer desktop OSes. I would say, I’m actually not terribly surprised you find the Surface Pro to be a decent tablet experience. Windows 11 has made several improvements (read, they borrowed from Apple) that make Windows 11 feel a bit more tablet friendly, like the centered Task Bar design, more rounded edges, etc. I have an Asus Ally I use for some PC gaming. It’s got a 7” screen, but the scaling is not too bad. Many buttons and options within apps, however, are too small and closely spaced for me to tap precisely. So I definitely find the apps themselves tend to be more the limiting factor. But then again, I am using it on a 7” screen. Personally, I am very happy with the Xbox Mode introduced last fall, and haven’t used the desktop mode since. And everything is generally better scaled within the Xbox Mode, and I generally tend to navigate with the controller more than with the touchscreen. A family member of mine has an older Surface Pro X, and they really like it. I would also point out, Windows is kind of similar to iPadOS in several areas that macOS isn’t. App windows in Windows 11 typically open fullscreen by default. Images are previewed in a more Quick Look kind of thing that’s easier to scroll through a folder of images with like the way iPadOS does it. There are actually quite a few areas where Windows is a bit closer in some of those things. 👍🏻

Unfortunately Surfaces suck as tablets, and aren't very good laptops because of all the trade offs done for that tablet mode. As usual with MS, a brilliant concept killed by poor execution. By the way, I started on Windows Mobile and to this day, 15 years later, some of its features are unrivaled by either Android or iOS. MS should have owned the mobile market but again... poor execution.

I know this is a really long comment. But I guess that’s just some of my thoughts. But yeah, I do agree, maybe the desktop-first vs iPad-first delineation is part of this divide in perspective on this. 🙂👍🏻

 

[Ludatyk]

There would be a whole lot less noise if they've added windowed mode while retaining Slide Over.

I don't know. Integrating SlideOver multi-stack into Windowed Mode... just thinking about using that in practice, would introduce so much confusion.

Because you have a SlideOver multi-stack windows and then floating windows displayed, not saying it's not possible... but the reason why Apple removed the multi-stack from SlideOver because users can have more windows displayed onscreen (previously it was only 3).

You keep saying this but it isn't true. Split View is NOT back in the way it was in iPadOS 18.

Yes, it is true. The way to get into SplitView is back to the was in iPadOS 18.

In iPadOS 18 you could arrange multiple split views in their own dedicated spaces/groups accessible from the multitasking switcher view. it is impossible to do this with the windowing mode of iPadOS 26.
Stage manager gives you weird stacks of windows that I don't want either.

We had this discussion before... App Exposé in the manner in which you use it doesn't exist anymore, that is true. But you can have dedicated spaces/groups in Stage Manager mode. You bring a group into focus( or stage).. you manage that group.

The point of it is... you don't like the way it looks.

 

[Kal Madda]

There would be a whole lot less noise if they've added windowed mode while retaining Slide Over.

Instead they killed it, and then after a major pushback brought it back but in a slightly different way (I don't use it much but I believe you used to be able to drag an icon from the dock straight into the Slide Over mode, and it seems to be a different process now?)

It doesn't bother me a single bit, but I can see how people that were used to Slide Over functionality got upset.

Or, they were always planning on reincorporating Slide Over, but needed time to rework it properly for the new windowing system. Either could be true.

But yeah, I do understand it could be confusing for people who were used to Slide Over the way it was before. 👍🏻