During the WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple showcased its forthcoming iPadOS 26 software update. In addition to a fresh design dubbed Liquid Glass, Apple also unveiled true multitasking capabilities for the iPad, aligning the tablets more closely with Mac computers.
Nevertheless, iPadOS 26 is set to enhance productivity for iPad users not just through the new design but with multiple features that transform the iPad with a Magic Keyboard into the ultimate laptop alternative. Here are five methods by which iPadOS 26 will elevate productivity for iPad users:
**Dock Folders:** For the first time, users will have the ability to access downloads, documents, and other folders directly from the Dock, making it more reminiscent of macOS.
**Enhanced Files app:** The Files app is essential to the iPad experience. With iPadOS 26, Apple enhances this application, introducing a refreshed list view with adjustable columns and collapsible folders. Users can incorporate colors and other customization features, facilitating the retrieval of important documents. They may also designate default applications for opening specific file formats.
**Updated Preview app:** Accessing, editing, and annotating PDFs and images is now simpler than ever. Apple states that the new Preview app has been crafted for an optimal Apple Pencil experience, meaning signing documents and jotting down notes should be quicker and more dependable than before.
**Background Operations:** Believe it or not, iPadOS 26 finally enables genuine background operations. Users can now export or download large files in the background while multitasking. This might be among the most significant productivity features of iPadOS 26.
**Improved windowing framework:** Apple has redesigned the iPadOS 18 windowing framework. Forget about Stage Manager, Split View, and Slide Over. With the anticipated iPadOS 26 update, users will be capable of opening multiple windows simultaneously and freely resizing and arranging them. Additionally, new methods to manage windows with a familiar menu bar and Mac-like controls are introduced.
