Apple is introducing a completely new M5 iPad Pro this autumn, coinciding with its largest iPad software launch yet in iPadOS 26. Below are the iPadOS 26 features that are generating considerable excitement about the new iPad.
### New iPad Pro Hardware Will Provide the Ultimate iPadOS 26 Experience
For years, iPad users have been requesting software that fully utilizes the increasingly robust iPad hardware. iPadOS 26 is Apple’s long-awaited solution. While users have expressed minor concerns, particularly regarding the elimination of Slide Over, the overall upgrade is substantial. The upcoming M5 model is not anticipated to have as many alterations as the M4, but the advancements in iPadOS 26 are promising.
### Windowing Features
iPadOS 26 enables users to resize app windows freely and display as many as 12 apps simultaneously on the screen. Users can maintain multiple windows for each app, differing in size, which can be visible, hidden, minimized, or closed entirely. This feature, long available on Mac, is expected to strain the iPad’s hardware, making any performance enhancements from the M5 chip highly eagerly awaited.
### Dock Enhancements
iPadOS 26 facilitates working with a larger array of apps due to an enhanced dock. Users can now keep the dock visible at all times, akin to the Mac. The number of apps allowed in the dock has considerably increased, accommodating up to 29 apps on a 13-inch iPad Pro. Furthermore, folders from the Files app can now be incorporated into the dock, improving workflow efficiency.
### Enhanced Stage Manager
The Stage Manager function has received upgrades in iPadOS 26, increasing its utility for multitasking. It now accommodates the new windowing features and provides distinct “stages” or “spaces” for organizing tasks. Users can design specific stages for various projects, each featuring its unique collection of pre-set app windows, making this feature more aligned with its macOS counterpart.
### iPadOS 26 and M5 iPad Pro: Conclusion
The iPad Pro is an essential device for many users, and any hardware improvement garners interest. With iPadOS 26 unlocking fresh productivity capabilities, the M5 iPad Pro stands out as an exciting upgrade. The integration of new hardware and software improvements is poised to significantly enhance the iPad experience.
