iPadOS 26 Will Bring Mac-Like Multitasking and the Preview App to iPad – But It’s Still Not macOS
Apple is once again redefining what the iPad can be – without going so far as to make it a true Mac replacement. With the upcoming release of iPadOS 26, the company is introducing a complete overhaul of multitasking features, making the iPad feel more Mac-like than ever before, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
This shift is significant, though still measured. Despite long-standing user requests for macOS on the iPad, Apple seems determined to preserve the distinction between MacBooks and iPads. The tech giant is expected to strike a delicate balance – pushing the iPad forward for productivity, without cannibalizing its own Mac lineup.
The new multitasking system is said to lean more toward the desktop experience. While details remain scarce, early reports suggest a stronger reliance on accessories like external keyboards and trackpads. Some new features may remain inactive unless the iPad is paired with such input devices – signaling Apple’s commitment to turning the iPad into a serious productivity machine, but only for those willing to expand their setup.
Alongside multitasking improvements, Apple is finally bringing its powerful Preview app – a macOS staple – to iPad and iPhone. For the first time, users will have access to a native PDF management and annotation tool directly from Apple, streamlining workflows without needing third-party apps. The app’s design is consistent with other iWork apps like Pages and Keynote, with a polished interface and intuitive document gallery. And best of all, it’ll be preinstalled with the OS, ready to go from day one.
iPadOS 26 will also inherit visual elements from visionOS, Apple’s AR platform, introducing a cleaner, more futuristic UI. This facelift aligns with what’s expected from iOS 26 – which is rumored to be the most ambitious redesign since iOS 7.
Yet, even with all these enhancements, iPadOS 26 will still operate within Apple’s walled garden. Unlike macOS, it remains locked to the App Store and the broader iOS ecosystem. For power users seeking full computing freedom, this may still feel limiting. But for many, these changes bring the iPad closer than ever to being the portable productivity device Apple has always promised.
Apple is expected to unveil iPadOS 26 during its WWDC keynote on June 9. Stay tuned – the future of iPad is about to get a lot more interesting.