Apple Launches iPadOS 26 with Mac-Like Windowing, Retains App Store Lockdown

Apple's iPadOS 26 introduces a transformative update that makes the iPad far more Mac-like, featuring proper windowing with the ability to open, position, size, and overlay multiple app windows alongside a new menu bar. This update represents a culmination of years of hardware capabilities, as iPads have had Mac-level chips since 2021, but software considerations like maintaining the iPad's touch-first, low-latency interaction model delayed such functionality. The revamped iPadOS 26 also enhances productivity with improvements to the Files app and document editing in Preview, making the iPad a viable Mac alternative for many users, especially those seeking multitasking capabilities at a lower cost. However, despite these advances, the iPad remains limited by its walled garden App Store, restricting the freedom to install apps from outside sources, which contrasts with the more open macOS ecosystem. The shift reflects Apple's evolving design philosophy, moving from the iPad's original single-task simplicity toward a more complex, desktop-like environment, a change that some view as both empowering and detracting from the device's original ease of use. Overall, iPadOS 26 represents a significant step in blurring the lines between tablet and computer, catering to users who desire greater flexibility without fully committing to a traditional Mac.