Top Stories: Why iPads Don't Run macOS, iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe Changes, and More

[MacRumors]

With WWDC 2025 now firmly in the rear-view mirror, we've had a bit more time to digest all of Apple's announcements, dig deeper into the developer sessions and betas, and hear from Apple executives about this year's updates.

The Liquid Glass redesign is present pretty much across Apple's operating systems, but there are a lot more changes in store for the platforms as iPadOS has gotten more Mac-like, iOS has gotten new customizability options and features, and macOS Tahoe introduces some welcome changes, so read on below for all the details!

Apple Explains Why iPads Don't Just Run macOS

iPadOS 26 goes a long way toward satisfying power-users' requests for an operating system that matches the capabilities of the hardware, delivering a new windowing system, a menu bar, new apps, and more, so the question is naturally being asked about why Apple doesn't simply allow the iPad to run macOS at this point.

In an interview this week, Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi said that iPadOS 26's new Mac-like features strike a good balance between productivity and simplicity. He added that macOS is not optimized for touch-screens, although rumors suggest that might change one day.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Finally Coming After Two-Year Hiatus

Apple will finally deliver the Apple Watch Ultra 3 sometime this year, according to analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities Hong Kong.

The analyst expects both the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 to arrive this year (likely alongside the new iPhone 17 lineup, if previous launches are anything to go by), according to his latest product roadmap shared with investors.

It's been a long wait for Ultra fans. Apple skipped updating the rugged smartwatch entirely in 2024, choosing instead to simply add a black titanium color option to the existing Apple Watch Ultra 2. That means it will have been nearly two years when September rolls around since we've seen any meaningful changes to the Ultra lineup.

Apple's Terminal App Gets Colorful Redesign in macOS Tahoe

Apple's Terminal app is getting a visual refresh in macOS Tahoe, and it's the first notable design update since the command-line tool debuted.

The updated Terminal will support 24-bit color and Powerline fonts, according to Apple's Platforms State of the Union presentation at WWDC 2025. The app will also adopt the new Liquid Glass aesthetic with redesigned themes that align with macOS 26's broader visual overhaul.

iOS 26: Five Changes Coming to Your iPhone Lock Screen

With iOS 26, Apple has made some additions to the iPhone Lock Screen that aim to make it more customizable than ever.

Of course, things can always change before the software makes its way to the general iPhone-owning public, but as of the current developer beta there are some nice enhancements including an optional dynamically resizing time, a Spatial Scenes feature to turn your 2D photos into 3D wallpapers, animated album art while playing music, and more.

CarPlay on iOS 26: Here's Everything New

Apple last week announced iOS 26, and the upcoming software update includes many new features and changes for CarPlay.

The Liquid Glass redesign that spans Apple's new operating systems extends to CarPlay, while Messages on CarPlay gains support for pinned conversations and the ability to react with Tapbacks from the car's display. A new compact view means incoming phone calls will no longer take over the entire screen and hide other important information such as turn-by-directions, while widgets and Live Activities will expand the functionality available through CarPlay.

Google Says iOS 26 Copies Three Android Features

In the latest installment of its #BestPhonesForever series of ads promoting its Pixel phones, Google has poked fun at Apple for introducing several new phone features in iOS 26 that have existed on Pixel phones for years.

Live Translation, Call Screening, and Hold Assist were all featured in Apple's WWDC keynote, but nearly identical features are nothing new for Pixel users.

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Article Link: Top Stories: Why iPads Don't Run macOS, iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe Changes, and More

 

[DrJR]

I'm glad iPad doesn't run iOS. It wasn't built for that. I like what I see coming though.

 

[macdisciple]

I think Gen whatever is the youngest will no longer be interested in desktop computers and will prefer iPads to laptops for productivity at home. The home market for desktops is collapsing and Apple is smart to shift productivity features to iPad OS. Theres probably data on this - or not.

 

[G5isAlive]

I downloaded the betas on my devices and enjoy finding out for myself rather than read all negative comments from folks that just look at pictures…transparent glass is in its infancy but it’s great

 

[dandy1117]

Offering macOS on iPadOS could stifle iPad software development. Many major Mac app developers would likely delay or discontinue their iPadOS versions, instead suggesting that iPad users install the Mac versions on their devices. This would require iPad users to invest in a keyboard and mouse for optimal use. In this scenario, many iPad users would be at a disadvantage; many do not seek a version of macOS in a different form factor, as they want a versatile and powerful tablet computer.

 

[Edgecrusherr]

It doesn’t matter how many times Apple or other people list reasons why the iPad shouldn’t run macOS, or be more macOS-like; for me personally, the iPad would be significantly more useful if it ran macOS, or was much more like macOS (iPadOS 26 is a step in the right direction, but having used it since the beta released, it’s still not a device I could ever use daily).

 

[Edgecrusherr]

I downloaded the betas on my devices and enjoy finding out for myself rather than read all negative comments from folks that just look at pictures…transparent glass is in its infancy but it’s great

Yeah, I agree that the liquid glass is a great direction to take. I just hope Apple actually develops it before release this autumn, instead of tweaking it over several years.

 

[macduke]

It’s not really a two year hiatus if the Ultra 2 came out two years ago? More like a year. I don’t see why people need to upgrade their Apple Watch yearly anyway. It’s a watch and it barely changes year to year. Especially the Ultra since it has such a long battery life, mine will be two in September and I use it for exercise an lot and still get over two days.

The terminal updates sound interesting, but what I really want is terminal for the iPad Pro.

 

[Colpeas]

It doesn’t matter how many times Apple or other people list reasons why the iPad shouldn’t run macOS, or be more macOS-like; for me personally, the iPad would be significantly more useful if it ran macOS, or was much more like macOS (iPadOS 26 is a step in the right direction, but having used it since the beta released, it’s still not a device I could ever use daily).

Microsoft tried to make a one-for-all OS with Windows 8 and failed miserably. I think it’s a good thing that macOS remains a computer-oriented OS without sacrificing ergonomy in favor of unification.

 

[Edgecrusherr]

Microsoft tried to make a one-for-all OS with Windows 8 and failed miserably. I think it’s a good thing that macOS remains a computer-oriented OS without sacrificing ergonomy in favor of unification.

I think Microsoft fails miserably just about everything. The only reason Windows is so popular is due to it being available for any PC manufacturer that wanted to have a price war.

 

[Colpeas]

I think Microsoft fails miserably just about everything. The only reason Windows is so popular is due to it being available for any PC manufacturer that wanted to have a price war.

So is linux. And for free. Yet barely anyone uses it.

 

[I7guy]

iPadOS it’s about sporks. lol.

 

[Edgecrusherr]

So is linux. And for free. Yet barely anyone uses it.

I love Linux, but it's just not for the average user. That would take an essay to elaborate on. The other factor is that Linux came a little later (it defiantly wasn't ready for the average user in time to be a competitor to Windows and Mac OS), so it missed the window of opportunity. I'm really glad to see it starting to take hold in the gaming market.