iPadOS 16 tightens iPad's resemblance to Mac computer, prompting the question: Which device is the better pick now? Apple offers insight.

In the realm of tech enthusiasts, the introduction of iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025 has left a thunderous impact. The air at Apple's Cupertino headquarters was rife with palpable excitement as the features announced for iPadOS 26, particularly those that bridge the chasm between iPads and Macs, garnered widespread acclaim.

Historically, while iPads are renowned for their Apple Silicon potency, the transition from a Mac to an iPad as a primary computer has been hesitant for many. But with iPadOS 26, doubts about this switch have been substantially alleviated.

Tom's Guide chillingly revealed an entire symphony of upgrades. The incorporation of a new windowing system facilitates a smoother multitasking experience, a feature long-sought after in the iPad universe. Additionally, Mac-like controls for closing, titling windows, and even an authentic menu bar have been introduced. These changes merely scratch the surface of what iPadOS 26 is capable of.

Craig Federighi and Greg Joswiak from Apple sat down with Tom's Guide during WWDC to discuss these changes and their implications for customers. The revelation? Joz suggests buying both an iPad and a MacBook.

Is Multitasking Done Right Now?

Apple has made multiple attempts at incorporating multitasking on the iPad, with features such as Slide Over, Split View, and Stage Manager. However, these attempts have been met with more criticism than applause. The new iPadOS 26 offers a genuine windowing system that makes handling multiple applications concurrently much more manageable.

Apps open in full-screen mode by default, but with a grab bar at the bottom right corner, users can swipe diagonally for a windowed mode. Windows can also be effortlessly tiled in any desired position. Apple strives to preserve the touch-based interface, allowing users to flick a window to either side of the screen to occupy that specific portion.

"I've gotten some questions where people are saying, 'Gosh, did you, you know, the fourth time's the charm,' or something like, sort of, 'Where were you? Were you guys just sort of shooting in the dark?' And actually, this has been what I think of as a thoughtful evolution," shared Federighi.

"You have people hooking iPads up to external displays. You have people, many of us, using cases that are have track pads and keyboards. You have apps where people are doing many more productivity workflows. So iPad has changed. The hardware has changed. The interaction has changed."

So, Mac or iPad?

With many of the features synonymous with the Mac now available on the iPad, one might wonder if a new iPad or a new MacBook is the better choice. Apple maintains that these two devices remain unique despite the blurring of lines.

Joz proposes a simple solution: "I recommend buying both." While this statement might strike some as unusual or even comical, it gains credence when considering the significant overlap in the user bases of iPads and Macs.

"We'd love you to buy both, but that's just the reality," asserted Joswiak. "People love to have both. You can use your Apple Pencil and do Procreate and do some incredible things on your iPad and then turn around and export it to the Mac and do some other stuff. They're both incredible tools, and they are very different from each other."

The addition of iPadOS 26 will undoubtedly make the decision between an iPad and a MacBook a more intricate one for consumers. The versatility of the new iPadOS should make the purchase consideration a challenging yet rewarding process. But remember, only you know what suits your needs best!

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Sources:

[1] Apple Insider – Link[2] Mac Rumors – Link[3] Tech Radar – Link

Here are some enriching details:

New Design Language and User Interface
Liquid Glass Design: The interface has been updated to present a more modern and immersive visual experience, complete with animations that flow like liquid across the screen, hence the name Liquid Glass[3][1].
Menu Bar: The new menu bar introduces more system-level controls and affords quick access to features, further enhancing the desktop-like experience[3].
Multitasking and Window Management
Advanced Windowing System: This system simplifies managing multiple windows and provides more flexibility in arranging them on the screen, similar to what one finds on a Mac[1][3].
Exposé and Multitasking: Features inspired by macOS, such as Exposé, help users manage multiple open windows efficiently, making multitasking feel more desktop-like[3].
Improved Background Processes Support
Background Tasks: Enhanced support for background processes ensures apps can run more reliably and efficiently in the background, improving multitasking efficiency for workflows involving file transfers, rendering, or other resource-intensive tasks[1][3].
Professional and Creative Tools
Preview App: The dedicated Preview app for iPad now offers robust PDF viewing and editing, including Apple Pencil Markup and AutoFill[1][3].
Enhanced Files App: The Files app has been supercharged with new organization and customization features, including folders in the dock for quick access to frequently used files[1][3].
Audio and Video Capabilities: iPadOS 26 offers support for audio input selection, local capture, and improved background tasks, making it a strong choice for creative professionals working with media[1][3].
Integration of Apple Intelligence
Smart Features: Apple Intelligence is deeply integrated into iPadOS 26, providing groundbreaking communication tools (Live Translation), creative features (Genmoji, Image Playground), and intelligent automation with Shortcuts[1].
Intelligent Actions: Shortcuts and automation are more capable and accessible, streamlining repetitive tasks[1].
Control Center and Dock Improvements
Folders in Dock: Users can create folders in the dock for direct access to important documents and downloads, mirroring desktop workflows[1].
Control Center Enhancements: Quick access to essential settings and controls is now more intuitive and customizable[3].

Technology's influence is evident in the integration of Mac-like features in iPadOS 26, addressing the doubts about using an iPad as a primary computer. With the addition of a genuine windowing system, improved multitasking, and more, iPadOS 26 offers a compelling argument for consumers considering a new iPad or MacBook, inadvertently bringing the question: Mac or iPad? Apple, however, suggests investing in both devices, emphasizing their unique strengths and the potential for a harmonious workflow between the two.

iPadOS 16 tightens iPad's resemblance to Mac computer, prompting the question: Which device is the better pick now? Apple offers insight.