iPadOS 26 introduces features that make the iPad function more like a traditional computer.
A complete look at the new features that might finally make your Ipad a true laptop replacement
Amazon: 11-inch iPad Air M2 for 19% Off
Save $170 (19%)
Don't miss Amazon's special offer on the iPad Air M2, released in 2024. The Blue, 512GB version is currently discounted by 19%, saving you $170.
Buy at Amazon
Amazon: 11-inch iPad Air M2 for 19% Off
Save $170 (19%)
Don't miss Amazon's special offer on the iPad Air M2, released in 2024. The Blue, 512GB version is currently discounted by 19%, saving you $170.
Buy at Amazon
Amazon's special offer on the iPad Air M2, released in 2024, shouldn't be missed. The Blue, 512GB version is currently discounted by 19%, a savings of $170.
Amazon's special offer on the iPad Air M2, released in 2024, shouldn't be missed. The Blue, 512GB version is currently discounted by 19%, a savings of $170.
Amazon: 13-inch iPad Air M2 for $200 Off
Save $200 (15%)
The 13-inch iPad Air M2 is ideal for users who desire substantial power and a larger display. This model delivers exceptional performance and clear images, and it is now available at reduced prices! The 1TB Purple model is available for $200 less.
Buy at Amazon
Amazon: 13-inch iPad Air M2 for $200 Off
Save $200 (15%)
The 13-inch iPad Air M2 is ideal for users who desire substantial power and a larger display. This model delivers exceptional performance and clear images, and it is now available at reduced prices! The 1TB Purple model is available for $200 less.
Buy at Amazon
The 13-inch iPad Air M2 is a great choice for users wanting more power and screen space. It offers amazing performance and sharp visuals, and is now more affordable! You can purchase the 1TB model in Purple and save $200.
The 13-inch iPad Air M2 is a great choice for users wanting more power and screen space. It offers amazing performance and sharp visuals, and is now more affordable! You can purchase the 1TB model in Purple and save $200.
Amazon: iPad Pro 11-inch M4 for 10% Off
Save $103 (10%)
The iPad Pro M4 has arrived! At Amazon, you can purchase the 11-inch model, which features a new OLED screen and a powerful M4 chipset, for 10% less than its original cost.
Buy at Amazon
Amazon: iPad Pro 13-inch M4, Wi-Fi: $104 Off
Save $104 (8%)
Do you need a bigger screen? If so, consider the larger iPad Pro M4 from Amazon. This tablet provides the best iPad experience with its remarkable M4 chipset. The 256GB model is currently $104 off.
Buy at Amazon
Multitasking Without Sacrificing Performance
True, Mac-like Windows: The dated Split View and Slide Over are gone. A true windowing system lets you freely resize, stack, and move apps.
Floating Windows with familiar controls: App windows have Mac-like "stoplight" buttons for easy layout management.
The Files app is improved: The Files app has been upgraded with colored folders, resizable columns, and options to select default apps for file types.
Background Tasks: Start a video export or large download, then switch to another app without slowdowns.
New Apps and Enhanced Connectivity
Dedicated Phone app: Make and receive calls directly on your iPad with a dedicated app.
The Journal app arrives: The memory-logging app from the iPhone is now on the iPad, ideal for the larger screen.
Games app: A central Games app helps to organize games. A new Game Overlay offers quick access to settings.
Dedicated Preview app: A dedicated app lets you view and markup PDFs and images with the Apple Pencil.
Improved audio control: Choose which microphone an app uses. Voice Isolation blocks background noise during calls.
Apple Pencil and Note-Taking Improvements
New "Reed Pen" tool: Artists can enjoy a traditional writing experience in apps like Notes.
Enhanced Handwriting: "Smart Script" cleans up handwriting, making it easy to edit like typed text.
Technical Information
Older iPads Not Supported: iPadOS 26 requires an Apple Neural Engine, leaving older iPads behind. Supported models:
iPad Pro (M4)
iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)
iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later)
iPad Air (M3)
iPad Air (M2)
iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
iPad (A16)
iPad (8th generation and later)
iPad mini (A17 Pro)
iPad mini (5th generation and later)
Improved Cursor: The cursor is now Mac-like, and shaking the mouse makes it larger.
Apple Aims at Productivity Tablets
Apple has promoted the iPad as a computer replacement, while devices like Microsoft’s Surface Pro have combined tablet and computer functionality. The iPad's software has been a barrier, as its hardware has long been powerful.
With iPadOS 26, Apple focuses on software. By incorporating a familiar windowing system, they are responding to user complaints about doing serious work on an iPad. This update validates the "Pro" in iPad Pro, signaling Apple's intent to compete with laptops on productivity, not just portability.
A Good Time to Be Excited About the iPad
I've often tried to use only an iPad, but multitasking felt difficult. This update, especially the windowing system, removes this barrier.
It’s more than one feature: It’s real windows, a useful Files app, and a dedicated Preview app. These improvements reduce the frustration of getting work done. While the design is good, the productivity upgrades make me consider leaving my laptop behind, at least for travel.
iPadOS 26 Brings MacBook-like Features
A report says that the next iPad update could make it the closest thing to a touchscreen MacBook
"Iconic Phones" Coming This Fall!
Relive the most unique phones of the last two decades! "Iconic Phones" is a book coming out soon!
"Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" is a coffee table book for every phone enthusiast. It covers over 20 popular phones, and takes you on a journey through the tech that shaped us. Sign up now for an early discount!
Amazon: iPad Pro 11-inch M4 for 10% Off
Save $103 (10%)
The iPad Pro M4 is here! At Amazon, you can purchase the 11-inch model, which features a new OLED screen and a powerful M4 chipset, for 10% less than its original cost.
Buy at Amazon
Amazon: iPad Pro 11-inch M4 for 10% Off
Save $103 (10%)
The iPad Pro M4 is here! At Amazon, you can purchase the 11-inch model, which features a new OLED screen and a powerful M4 chipset, for 10% less than its original cost.
Buy at Amazon
The iPad Pro M4 has arrived! At Amazon, you can purchase the 11-inch model, which features a new OLED screen and a powerful M4 chipset, for 10% less than its original cost.
The iPad Pro M4 has arrived! At Amazon, you can purchase the 11-inch model, which features a new OLED screen and a powerful M4 chipset, for 10% less than its original cost.
Amazon: iPad Pro 13-inch M4, Wi-Fi: $104 Off
Save $104 (8%)
Do you need a bigger screen? If so, consider the larger iPad Pro M4 from Amazon. This tablet provides the best iPad experience with its remarkable M4 chipset. The 256GB model is currently $104 off.
Buy at Amazon
Amazon: iPad Pro 13-inch M4, Wi-Fi: $104 Off
Save $104 (8%)
Do you need a bigger screen? If so, consider the larger iPad Pro M4 from Amazon. This tablet provides the best iPad experience with its remarkable M4 chipset. The 256GB model is currently $104 off.
Buy at Amazon
Do you need a bigger screen? If so, consider the larger iPad Pro M4 from Amazon. This tablet provides the best iPad experience with its remarkable M4 chipset. The 256GB model is currently $104 off.
Do you need a bigger screen? If so, consider the larger iPad Pro M4 from Amazon. This tablet provides the best iPad experience with its remarkable M4 chipset. The 256GB model is currently $104 off.
Technical Information
Older iPads Not Supported: iPadOS 26 requires an Apple Neural Engine, leaving older iPads behind. Supported models:
iPad Pro (M4)
iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)
iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later)
iPad Air (M3)
iPad Air (M2)
iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
iPad (A16)
iPad (8th generation and later)
iPad mini (A17 Pro)
iPad mini (5th generation and later)
Improved Cursor: The cursor is now Mac-like, and shaking the mouse makes it larger.
Apple Aims at Productivity Tablets
Apple has promoted the iPad as a computer replacement, while devices like Microsoft’s Surface Pro have combined tablet and computer functionality. The iPad's software has been a barrier, as its hardware has long been powerful.
With iPadOS 26, Apple focuses on software. By incorporating a familiar windowing system, they are responding to user complaints about doing serious work on an iPad. This update validates the "Pro" in iPad Pro, signaling Apple's intent to compete with laptops on productivity, not just portability.
A Good Time to Be Excited About the iPad
I've often tried to use only an iPad, but multitasking felt difficult. This update, especially the windowing system, removes this barrier.
It’s more than one feature: It’s real windows, a useful Files app, and a dedicated Preview app. These improvements reduce the frustration of getting work done. While the design is good, the productivity upgrades make me consider leaving my laptop behind, at least for travel.
Relive the most unique phones of the last two decades! "Iconic Phones" is a book coming out soon!
"Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" is a coffee table book for every phone enthusiast. It covers over 20 popular phones, and takes you on a journey through the tech that shaped us. Sign up now for an early discount!