With the arrival of iPadOS 26, the iPad is finally stepping into the big leagues-and it’s bringing a more Mac-like experience than ever before. Apple’s latest software update introduces a redesigned multitasking system that replaces the clunky Stage Manager with intuitive window control, smoother resizing, and side-by-side tiling. 
The addition of Exposé and a Mac-style menu bar further blurs the line between iPad and Mac, making it clear Apple is no longer holding back on making the iPad a true productivity machine.
These updates come just in time for what could be Apple’s next big move: a 15-inch iPad. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this long-rumored device now makes more sense than ever. A bigger screen isn’t just about entertainment-it’s about unlocking the full potential of the iPad’s improved multitasking and giving users the workspace they need to get serious work done.
Apple’s roadmap appears to be headed toward even more crossover between iPads and Macs, with future devices likely to share the same core apps and interfaces. The key difference? How we interact with them-touch for iPads, keyboard and trackpad for Macs. Gurman also hints at a 19-inch foldable device in development for 2028, combining tablet and laptop elements in one futuristic package.
But to make this vision work, Apple will need to convince developers to fully embrace large-screen layouts and create apps that feel at home on a bigger iPad. The company also has to balance power with portability-a 15-inch tablet needs to stay light and ergonomic enough for daily use.
Still, iPadOS 26 already changes the game. Using it with a keyboard and trackpad feels surprisingly close to a Mac, and the new windowing system is a joy. A larger iPad could be the missing piece that finally makes the iPad lineup feel complete-not just as a content consumption device, but as a real productivity tool.
It’s no longer about whether the iPad can replace a laptop-it’s about how Apple will reshape what we expect from tablets altogether.