Apple’s (AAPL) iPad is set to receive major upgrades that could significantly boost its appeal as a laptop replacement.
The enhancements come with the launch of iPadOS 26, announced during Apple’s WWDC 2025 event on Monday. Among the most notable changes are expanded multitasking features designed to make the iPad function more like a Mac—and less like an iPhone.
“Apple’s iPad is getting some major enhancements that should make it a far more useful laptop replacement.”
This marks a significant shift in Apple’s approach. For years, the company has been reluctant to add too many multitasking tools to its iPad line, in part to avoid cannibalizing MacBook Air sales.
“It’s an enormous departure from Apple’s previous strategy, which saw the company hold off on adding too many multitasking features to its iPad line out of fear of cannibalizing its MacBook Air.”
With iPadOS 26, users will now be able to open windowed versions of apps—dragging and resizing them freely, just like on a Mac. Previously, app resizing was limited, and apps were confined to predefined areas of the screen.
“The updates include the ability to use windowed versions of apps that you can move and resize just as you would on a Mac. Previously, apps could only be resized in certain instances, and apps snapped to specific areas of the iPad’s screen.”
Now, users can layer apps, keep some slightly offscreen, and easily shift between them as needed for more dynamic multitasking.
“Now, you’ll be able to layer apps on top of each other and have even more of them slightly offscreen to make room for other apps.”
Apple is also introducing a new menu bar at the top of the screen, giving users quick access to app-specific commands, further aligning the iPad experience with the Mac. Additionally, the Files app is getting improvements for better file navigation, and the Preview app is finally making its debut on iPad, offering fast access to PDFs and photos.
“Apple also added a new menu bar at the top of the iPad’s screen where you can access options like app-specific commands, similar to the Mac. The company also updated its Files app, so you can navigate your saved documents, videos, and photos more easily. And Apple is finally bringing the Preview app to the iPad for when you need to quickly access a PDF file or photo.”
These changes are all part of iPadOS 26’s broader evolution, which also includes the sleek new Liquid Glass design and a host of Apple Intelligence features, such as live translation in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages.
“The sweeping changes are all part of Apple’s iPadOS 26, which includes the company’s new Liquid Glass design language and a number of Apple Intelligence features such as live translation in the Phone, FaceTime, and Messages apps.”
Despite its expanded capabilities, the iPad remains Apple’s smallest product line. In 2024, it generated $26.6 billion, a 6% year-over-year decline, compared to the $201.1 billion brought in by the iPhone and $29.9 billion from Mac sales. However, the new features could make the iPad a more compelling alternative to the MacBook Air, potentially boosting its appeal.
“Apple’s iPad segment is its smallest business, bringing in $26.6 billion of the company’s $391 billion in total revenue in 2024, down 6% year over year. The iPhone brought in $201.1 billion, while the Mac generated $29.9 billion. The software update, however, could give consumers a bigger reason to choose an iPad over a MacBook Air, helping to goose sales.”
That said, the MacBook Air isn’t going away anytime soon. Full-sized laptops still offer superior performance and flexibility, especially for users with more demanding needs.
“Still, the move isn’t exactly a death knell for the Air. A full-size laptop still offers more performance and flexibility than a tablet. And customers looking for more powerful systems will continue to opt for the MacBook Pro.”
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