iPadOS 26 has officially turned the iPad into the most Mac-like device ever — but there’s more happening under the surface.

Fernando from 9to5Mac hits it right on the head. The iPad is getting closer and closer to being very Mac-like with the new iPadOS 26 and I really like it.

The 5 biggest improvements for me have to be…

• True background processes, so you don’t have to babysit things like video exports.
• The Files app acts more like the Finder with functionality like being able to pin files and rearrange column headers.
• The new windowing system lets you resize and reposition apps to your liking.
• The top menu bar for easy access to app-specific shortcuts and keyboard commands.
• Preview app to scan documents and annotate PDFs.