Experimenting with the Public Beta of iPadOS 26: My Top 5 Features to Test
iPadOS 26, the latest iteration of Apple's operating system for iPads, introduces several key features and improvements that significantly enhance user experience, multitasking, and productivity compared to previous versions.
Redesigned Cursor and Enhanced Multitasking
One of the most noticeable changes is the system cursor, which has been redesigned from a round blob to a more precise pointer similar to macOS. This includes the “shake to find” feature for locating the cursor quickly. Additionally, the new windowing system allows for closing, minimizing, resizing, and tiling windows on the iPad, making multitasking feel more like using a Mac.
Background Tasks and Live Activities
A major improvement allows apps to perform intensive tasks (like video exporting or 3D rendering) fully in the background. Progress is displayed via Live Activities at the top of the screen, marking the first time Live Activities are available on iPadOS. This fundamentally shifts the iPad's background app activity, enabling more robust multitasking without keeping apps on screen.
Liquid Glass Design Overhaul and More
The Liquid Glass design refresh updates controls, toolbars, and navigation elements, giving the interface a glossy, modern look that enhances usability and cohesion with macOS aesthetics. New audio controls are accessible from Control Center, including Local Capture, Voice Isolation, and an Input Picker to select microphones for specific apps.
The Preview app has been tailored for iPad, and the Files app has received upgrades, including custom folder options to better organize documents. A reed pen option is added for traditional calligraphy styles in Apple Pencil tools. Other notable improvements include enhanced parental controls, password history support, customizable alarm snooze durations, improved Wi-Fi captive portal syncing, new monogram styles in Contacts, and better handling of audio output switching.
Comparison with Previous iPadOS Versions and Other Apple Operating Systems
The cursor redesign and window management are significant usability improvements, aligning iPad more closely with macOS and addressing long-standing criticisms about iPad multitasking. The introduction of Live Activities on iPad bridges a feature gap with iPhone, where it was already available. The Liquid Glass design, Control Center audio tools, and other improvements reflect Apple's broader design language and functionality improvements typical of iOS 26 and macOS updates, fostering a more unified ecosystem experience.
New Apps and Features
The Journal app from iPhone is now available on the iPad, and the Games app organizes installed games for easier access and launching. Image Playground receives an upgrade on iPadOS 26, featuring expanded functions like generating images with ChatGPT in various visual styles. The Phone app is now available on the iPad, allowing for making and receiving phone calls.
Availability
iPadOS 26 is expected to be released in September 2025, with a public beta currently available for early adopters. The Manhattan skyline image depicted above in the article is inaccurate.
In summary, iPadOS 26 focuses on powerful multitasking, refined UI/UX, and expanded background functionality, positioning the iPad as a more capable productivity device while continuing to close the gap with macOS and iOS features.
- The redesign of the system cursor and the introduction of a new windowing system in iPadOS 26 make multitasking feel more like using a Mac, significantly enhancing productivity.
- The availability of Live Activities on iPadOS 26 bridges a feature gap with the iPhone, allowing apps to perform intensive tasks while displaying their progress, fundamentally shifting the iPad's background app activity.
