This article reflects the personal views and opinions of the author. The recent unveiling of iPadOS 26 has added some exciting features, particularly the introduction of floating windows. This new functionality allows apps to hover, glide, and resize on your screen, giving your iPad the illusion of being a MacBook with commitment issues. While it sounds thrilling, the reality may be different for many users.
The average person likely isn’t eager to open multiple apps simultaneously and juggle them on an 11-inch display. There’s a simplicity and tranquility to using the iPad as a single-task device that feels almost meditative. However, what truly stands out in iPadOS 26 is the ability to perform extensive background tasks without crashing your current work. No longer do users need to face the frustration of halting important tasks like rendering videos just to check emails.
In the past, multitasking on an iPad felt more like a suggestion than a feasible option, often leading to disrupted workflow and a significant amount of frustration. With the new update, apps can continue background operations while users switch between them, allowing for seamless multitasking. Activities such as rendering, exporting, and uploading can proceed uninterrupted, which is a game changer for users who rely on their iPads for professional tasks. Apple may not have made a big deal about this feature, but it has the potential to elevate the iPad from a simple device to a genuine creative tool.
Though I’ll likely continue to use my iPad in a single-app mode for a peaceful experience, the capability to shift focus to other applications without losing progress is a significant enhancement. It means my colleagues will hopefully stop teasing me about my choice of device for work. Preslav, a PhoneArena team member since 2014, embodies a hands-on approach to mobile technology, constantly finding ways to integrate new tech into his work and hobbies.