iPadOS 26 introduces significant updates, transforming the iPad into a device with capabilities and a user interface more akin to a Mac.
A key advancement is proper windowing, allowing users to open, position, size, and overlay multiple apps, mirroring the functionality of a Mac. This includes the addition of a menubar.
Apple's software head, Craig Federighi, explains that the delay in implementing these features was due to the iPad's need for faster responsiveness compared to Macs, given its touch-first interface.
The shift towards increased keyboard and trackpad usage on iPads also contributed to the timing of these updates.
iPadOS 26 was built from the ground up, which is why older iPads can now have full windowing, unlike the Stage Manager feature.