Here’s How Apple’s iPadOS 26 Update Will ‘Completely Revamp Multitasking’ On The iPad To Make It More Mac-Like

The iPad has always been a point of discussion among individuals about whether it is the perfect replacement for a computer. While Apple has tirelessly worked to bridge the gap between a tablet and a computer, some would argue that the company should port macOS to the iPad. Apple is believed to do nothing of the sort, as it will only cannibalize the Mac lineup. This brings us to today’s report that suggests that iPadOS 26 will revamp the multitasking on the iPad, potentially featuring similar controls and elements similar to the Mac.

iPadOS 26 will introduce Mac-like multitasking, the Preview app, and visionOS-inspired design for a major productivity upgrade

Apple’s WWDC event is scheduled for Monday, June 9, and we have high hopes for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. iOS 26 is reported to be Apple’s biggest update since the release of iOS 7, and it could come with a major facelift where it takes design cues from visionOS. iPadOS 26, on the flip side, will be an equally important update and a new report from Mark Gurman mentions that the update will ‘completely revamp multitasking’ on the iPad.

Gurman iterates that iPadOS 26 is “completely revamping multitasking features on the iPad to be more Mac-like.” The notion indicates that the company is willing to let go of some of the previously introduced features, making iPadOS more like macOS, which could be part of a bigger redesign oriented towards the iPad. The way the new multitasking features would work on the iPad is a bit unclear at this stage, but it could require the use of an external keyboard and a trackpad. This means that certain new features will be disabled until the iPad is connected to an external input device.

Gurman did not share details on a Mac-like menu bar for the iPad, which could be a great addition for the iPad. However, he mentions that iPadOS 26 will introduce the Preview app on the iPad, making the iPad more productive and closer to a computer replacement.

Apple is bringing its longstanding Preview app from macOS to iPadOS and iOS for the first time, giving iPad and iPhone users an in-house solution to PDF management, annotation, and editing. The software looks similar to the Mac version, and its launch screen is in the same style as apps like Pages and Keynote. It includes a big logo on the top portion of the screen advertising the Preview name and a gallery of document options below it. The app will be preinstalled rather than launched via the App Store.

We have shared details on the Preview app previously, and the application is also making its way to the iPhone. It remains to be seen what the company will have in store for us, but based on last-minute details, we can suspect the update to be bigger than expected. Apart from this, the iPadOS 26 update will also bring design elements inspired by visionOS, which will be a welcome addition. Apple will announce iPadOS 26 on Monday, and we will cover the releases in extensive detail, so be sure to stick around.