Installed the latest betas for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS version 26 - my experiences shared
In the world of technology, Apple continues to push boundaries with its latest operating system updates. The much-anticipated iPadOS 26 is set to revolutionize the iPad Pro, turning it into a more productive device for users.
New Windowing System for Enhanced Multitasking
iPadOS 26 introduces a full multitasking window manager, allowing users to open and work with multiple apps simultaneously in floating or resizable windows. This new system provides a desktop-like experience, greatly enhancing multitasking and productivity.
Liquid Glass Design for a More Transparent Aesthetic
A major visual overhaul with Apple's new Liquid Glass design brings a more transparent, rounded, and subtle animated aesthetic to icons, menus, navigation bars, and UI controls. This visual redesign enhances clarity and usability on the larger iPad Pro display.
Revamped Files App and Menu Toolbars for Streamlined Workflows
Improved file management is at the heart of iPadOS 26, with a redesigned Files app and new, contextual menu toolbars that streamline workflows and speed up common productivity tasks.
Enhanced Live Activities for Real-Time Interactive Notifications
Integration of Live Activities on iPad, adapted from iPhone and Mac, provides real-time interactive notifications that help users keep track of ongoing tasks without disrupting their workflow.
Improved Apple Pencil Features for Creative Productivity
The addition of a new reed pen option for Apple Pencil supports traditional calligraphy, enhancing creative productivity for artists and note-takers.
Expanded Background Task Capabilities for Professional Workflows
iPadOS 26 improves background tasks, allowing more efficient multitasking and app performance, benefiting professional workflows.
New Apple Intelligence Features for Boosted Creativity and Communication
Including Visual Intelligence for screenshots, Live Translation in Messages, Phone, and FaceTime, plus enhanced AI-driven tools like Image Playground and Genmoji, these features boost creativity and communication.
Other Notable Productivity Tweaks
Customizable snooze times for alarms, local capture of video calls for higher quality recordings, password history in the Passwords app, and improved parental controls improve everyday usability and security.
These advances collectively bring a more Mac-like multitasking experience without losing the unique interface advantages of the iPad, turning the iPad Pro into a far more versatile and powerful productivity machine. The update applies across all supported iPad models, although it is especially transformative on the high-end iPad Pro models with their larger displays and processing power.
Call Screening Feature in iOS 26 for Reducing Spam Calls
In addition to iPadOS 26, iOS 26 also offers significant improvements. The Call Screening feature saves users from dealing with hundreds of spam and robot calls.
The Spotlight in macOS Tahoe 26 for Quick Multi-Step Task Completion
The new Spotlight in macOS Tahoe 26 is comprehensive and designed to complete multi-step tasks quickly without requiring the app to be opened.
Public Betas Available for Testing
Apple has unveiled the public beta for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, and tvOS 26 (visionOS 26 isn't getting a public beta). The Apple betas are worth updating to, but it's important to back up your device before installing any beta software to avoid potential damage.
The Liquid Glass Design: Polarizing yet Innovative
The Liquid Glass design, a new glass-like interface unified across Apple's devices, has been polarizing since its first release. However, its innovative approach to design continues to set Apple apart in the tech industry.
iPadOS 26's New Menu Bar and Windowing Engine
iPadOS 26 introduces a new menu bar, emulating the experience of desktop computers, providing easy access to settings, shortcuts, and options. Additionally, the operating system also features a new windowing engine, significantly improving multitasking capabilities on the iPad.
The iPad Becoming a Computer of Choice
The iPad's transformation into a more useful device for productivity is evident. For some users, the iPad Pro is now a computer of choice, offering a unique blend of portability and power.
iPhone's Preview and Files Apps: A Mini-Computer Feel
The iPhone's Preview and Files apps in iOS 26 are similar to those on the iPad, providing a mini-computer feel. This integration further strengthens the iPad's position as a versatile productivity tool.
The release of iPadOS 26 in September 2025 is an exciting step forward for Apple users, offering a more seamless and productive experience across their devices.
Technology has played a significant role in transforming the iPad Pro, as seen in the latest iPadOS 26 update. The new operating system introduces a full multitasking window manager, allowing users to work with multiple apps in floating or resizable windows for a desktop-like experience, thereby enhancing productivity. This new technology also brings a more transparent and subtle aesthetic to the interface, thanks to Apple's Liquid Glass design, which improves clarity and usability on the larger iPad Pro display.
