Apple’s latest iPads, armed with top-tier chipsets like the M4, continue to dominate in raw performance. However, users have felt that the lack of certain features made it difficult to fully harness this power, with many still relying on MacBooks for daily tasks. But with the preview of iPadOS 26, Apple has introduced productivity-enhancing features such as flexible app windowing, support for advanced keyboard shortcuts, and a floating menu bar. These additions bring iPads closer to Mac functionality, though they still maintain distinct differences.
In a recent interview, Apple executives discussed how integrating Mac-like features wasn’t an impulsive decision. Apple approached these changes cautiously, recognizing that as iPads became more powerful, users sought to accomplish more with them, mirroring tasks typically reserved for Macs.
Kurt Knight, Senior Director of Platform Product Marketing, and Sebastien Marineau-Mes, Vice President of Software Engineering, explained that as iPads and Macs now share similar internals, it was an opportune moment for Apple to extend more features to iPad owners. This shift was influenced by users’ desires to perform Mac-like tasks on their tablets.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, previously emphasized that iPadOS and macOS would remain separate, as the iPad’s simplicity is key. He maintained that those seeking the best touch computer experience naturally gravitate toward an iPad. Both Knight and Marineau-Mes echoed this sentiment, discussing the balance between maintaining simplicity and introducing enhanced productivity features.
The development of new multitasking capabilities, including an optimized windowing system, has been a long-term project for Apple. The introduction of iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025 was the result of years of development, rather than a single brainstorming session. This redesigned system enhances multitasking across the entire iPad product line.
Apple remains committed to keeping iPadOS and macOS distinct, acknowledging that while this might frustrate some consumers, merging the two could be detrimental to its business model.
