Window Differentiation in iPadOS 26

[Macintosh101]

Two things that are bugging me on the iPadOS 26 betas, the first more so than the second (I’ve submitted feedback to Apple on both issues btw)


1. Window Differentiation in iPadOS 26

When using windowed mode on iPadOS 26, it’s currently difficult to visually distinguish between overlapping windows when using dark mode. There’s no clear indicator to show which window is in front - no drop shadows, outlines, or layering effects - which can make multitasking much more challenging, and impact usability.

By comparison, macOS Tahoe uses subtle outlines around windows and drop shadows, making them much easier to differentiate. This small visual cue not only improves usability but would also support accessibility.

I’ve attached two screenshots: the first from my iPad, running iPadOS26, and the second from my Mac running the Tahoe Beta (where windows are clearly distinct),



iPadOS26



MacOS Tahoe


2. Dock Behavior Differences

In macOS, windows can slide behind the dock, and the dock can remain permanently visible (see second screenshot). On iPadOS 26, however, the dock auto-hides when a window approaches it, with no option to keep it fixed in place.

This difference disrupts the visual and functional continuity between platforms. Adding an option in iPadOS settings to make the dock always visible in windowed mode would help bridge this gap.

If any of you agree with the above, please submit feedback to Apple 👍🏼

 

[richpjr]

I agree with your first point, those even with the subtle border on macOS, it is not always easy to differentiate windows.

Second item doesn't really bother me.

 

[chabig]

When using windowed mode on iPadOS 26, it’s currently difficult to visually distinguish between overlapping windows when using dark mode.

I agree. It's worth feedback to Apple. There are several features in iPadOS that should help. One of them might appeal to you.

1. The Window menu in the menu bar lists all open windows at the bottom.
2. Pressing and holding on the Safari dock icon, lists all open windows in a popup menu.
3. Press and hold on the Safari icon, then select Show all Windows to see all windows at once.
4. Swipe up and hold mid-screen to enter Exposé, which displays all your windows.

 

[Macintosh101]

I agree. It's worth feedback to Apple. There are several features in iPadOS that should help. One of them might appeal to you.

1. The Window menu in the menu bar lists all open windows at the bottom.
2. Pressing and holding on the Safari dock icon, lists all open windows in a popup menu.
3. Press and hold on the Safari icon, then select Show all Windows to see all windows at once.
4. Swipe up and hold mid-screen to enter Exposé, which displays all your windows.

Thanks or this.I do use those 4 regularly. My issue is a visual / UI one. If Apple are going to all in on windowing, they need to make sure those windows can be easily differentiated from each other.

 

[revs]

Agree on window differentiation. As for the dock, I always keep that (and the menubar) hidden on macOS (and iPadOS now).