Apple has recently updated the iPad to iPadOS 26, adopting a new naming standard based on the year of release. This update brings significant changes, especially concerning design and productivity features.
New Design Elements: Liquid Glass and Control Center
Liquid Glass Effect
iPadOS 26 introduces a new "liquid glass" design, visible in elements like the Docker. This effect gives a flowing, transparent appearance to certain interface components.
Redesigned Control Center
The redesigned Control Center has received mixed reviews. The new design employs a blur effect that some users find makes elements less clear. Compared to the previous Gaussian blur, the current iteration can weaken the contrast with underlying content, potentially causing issues when white text is present behind it. However, the left screen interface seems to mitigate this problem when the background is a solid color. When swiping the page below, the upper right corner of the screen still has the glass texture with a certain lens effect. Users can customize the icons within the Control Center, including making them transparent.
Innovative Wallpaper and Spatial Photo Features
Customizable Wallpapers
The wallpaper design in iPadOS 26 allows for customization. Users can adjust the size and position of the time display, even obscuring it if desired. A small icon indicates the option to generate a spatial scene.
Spatial Photo Support
A notable feature is the ability to create a sense of depth in photos, even those not initially captured as spatial photos. The system can analyze existing photos (even those taken with phones like the OPPO Find N5) and generate a 3D effect. This creates the illusion of depth, differentiating foreground and background elements. Photos with spatial data are marked with a special icon. This new feature promises a fresh user experience when browsing photos on iPads and iPhones.
Enhanced Productivity Features
Multi-Window Management
iPadOS 26 significantly enhances multi-window management. A small arc in the bottom right corner of an app window can be dragged to detach the window, allowing it to be positioned anywhere on the screen.
Flexible Window Arrangement
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Freeform Resizing: Windows can be resized to resemble phone screen dimensions.
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Multiple App Display: Multiple apps can be opened and displayed simultaneously, akin to a desktop operating system.
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Split View: Similar to macOS, iPadOS 26 allows for split-screen views. Apps can be quickly arranged side-by-side by dragging them to the left or right.
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Multiple Apps on Screen: Up to four apps can be displayed on a single screen.
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Stage Manager Improvements: Holding the green button reveals arrangement options, including a four-app grid.
This update should significantly benefit users of the 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro. These window arrangements are retained in the background for easy access. The touch-pad cursor is also updated, it looks like a mouse.
New Menu Bar and App Updates
A pull-down menu bar is introduced, similar to macOS. Native applications now feature a menu bar with options such as "Window," "Display," "Arrangement," "Format," "Insert," "Edit," and "Text."
Other Updates
New Preview Application
The update introduces a new native PDF viewer, accessible through the Files app. Users can add folders to favorites or the Dock for quick access, mimicking the macOS file interaction.
Folder Customization
Users can now customize folder icons. For example, assigning a book icon to a folder.
Conclusion
iPadOS 26 represents a substantial step forward in enhancing the iPad's productivity capabilities, while retaining its strengths in entertainment, reading, and touch-based interaction. The liquid glass design is just one aspect of a broader update that empowers users to leverage the iPad for more demanding tasks. The update is available for iPad Pro (all generations after the first), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (8th generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later). While the productivity features may be less impactful on the smaller iPad mini screen, the new design elements will be appreciated.