iPadOS 26 Public Beta: A Step Forward, But Still Not a Mac Replacement

When will Apple make the iPad we all want?

As a long-time user of Apple’s ecosystem, I’m always eager to dive into new software releases, and the iPadOS 26 public beta is no exception. Having spent a week with it on my iPad Pro 13-inch, I can confidently say it’s a monumental leap from previous iPadOS versions. The “Liquid Glass” design language brings a beautiful, fluid aesthetic, and the enhanced multitasking features with a new windowing system truly push the iPad closer to a desktop-like experience.

The ability to fluidly resize app windows, place them exactly where I want, and manage multiple applications simultaneously is a game-changer for many users. The addition of a Mac-like Preview app for PDF annotation and the improved Files app with features like colored folders and a more intuitive layout are welcome additions that undeniably boost productivity. For quick, simple tasks like checking email, managing my calendar, or even light document editing while multitasking with other apps, iPadOS 26 shines. It feels more capable and versatile than ever before.

However, despite these significant advancements, after a week of intensive use, I’m still firmly in the camp that iPadOS 26 is in no way a replacement for macOS. My workflow on my MacBook is almost automatic – I don’t think about how to do something, I just do it. Simple actions like dragging a file directly to the desktop or seamlessly saving a document to a specific, easily accessible location are still a struggle on iPadOS. While the file system has improved, it lacks the intuitive fluidity and directness of Finder on a MacBook.

The display, too, presents a challenge for my specific workflow. I’m using the iPad Pro 13-inch, and its almost square 4:3 aspect ratio, while great for some content consumption, simply doesn’t work for my professional tasks. I find myself constantly wishing for more horizontal screen real estate. This is where devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, with its wider display and the desktop-like experience offered by Samsung DeX, truly stand out as a better option for power users seeking a more traditional computing layout in a tablet form factor.

I understand that this is just the beginning for iPadOS 26, and Apple will continue to refine it. But it begs the question: why can’t Apple give us what many power users truly desire? A MacBook with a detachable display that functions as a tablet running a tabular version of macOS. Imagine the seamless transition from a full desktop environment to a touch-first tablet, all powered by the same robust operating system. This would truly bridge the gap between portability and professional capability, offering the best of both worlds without the inherent compromises that currently exist between iPadOS and macOS.

iPadOS 26 is undoubtedly a significant step forward for the iPad, making it a more powerful and versatile device than ever before. But for those of us who demand the full, uncompromised functionality of a desktop operating system in a portable form, the wait for a truly converged Apple device continues.