Exploring iPadOS 26: Assessing its impact on Apple's most affordable tablet
In a groundbreaking move, Apple's latest iPadOS 26 update brings significant productivity enhancements to the entry-level iPad, bridging the gap between it and its Pro and Air siblings.
The update introduces Stage Manager, a multi-tasking system previously exclusive to iPad Pro and Air, to the baseline iPad. This feature allows users to view and manage multiple apps in an Expose view, a significant step towards a Mac-like workflow experience. The entry-level iPad can now resize app windows freely and save them in multi-app clusters, a feature previously unavailable.
Background tasks can now perform complex operations like video or 3D rendering while apps stay active, providing a smoother and more efficient workflow. The update also brings support for new Apple Pencil tools like the Reed Pen for calligraphy and improvements for podcasters via "Local Capture," enabling simultaneous high-quality recording during streams or calls.
Smarter Shortcuts with AI-powered automation using Apple’s on-device and cloud AI models and tighter integration of workflow tools make complex automations easier than before. Multitasking modes now include full screen, windowed apps, and stage manager, allowing users to choose immersive or flexible productivity setups.
Despite the CPU and memory constraints, the baseline iPad's implementation of Stage Manager works smoothly. The user does not experience any crashes or background activity issues with grouped apps on the baseline iPad with iPadOS 26.
However, the lack of external display control on the baseline iPad leaves unused space on the external display when mirroring its screen, which could potentially be used for more spacious app windows or additional app instances.
The update also introduces a new design language called Liquid Glass, and each app can display its tools in a menu bar at the top, reducing clutter as developers embrace the change.
The baseline iPad continues to perform well for the user's workflow, handling applications like WordPress, Asana, Teams, Photoshop, Adobe Express, Canva, and some sketching applications. Users often spend over a hundred dollars on a keyboard case for the baseline iPad.
Despite the lower price point, the latest iPadOS 26 update is beneficial to users within the Apple ecosystem, particularly those who use a Mac for daily work, regardless of whether they have an expensive iPad Pro or the entry-level iPad. The update dramatically enhances the value of the entry-level iPad for productivity users.
- To further boost productivity, the latest iPadOS 26 update equips the entry-level iPad with technology similar to the iPad Pro and Air, such as the addition of the multi-tasking feature, Stage Manager, which allows users to manage multiple apps using gadgets like the Apple Pencil.
- As the entry-level iPad adopts more advanced technology, like the new Apple Pencil tools and the multi-tasking system, it effectively bridges the gap between the iPad lineup, making it a viable option for those seeking gadgets that support productivity enhancements on a budget within the Apple ecosystem.
