iPados 26 brings new ways to work on your iPad

With iPadOS 26, Apple is changing how you use multiple apps on your iPad, making it feel more like a Mac. The update removes the old Split View and Slide Over features, which let you work with apps side by side or in a floating window. Instead, you can now open several app windows at once and resize or move them freely on the screen.

This works on all iPads that support iPadOS 26, but older models can only handle up to four apps at a time, while newer ones can manage more. You can arrange windows however you like, stack them, or place them side by side for easy viewing. The windows stay in place even if you turn off your iPad or close an app. A simple swipe-up gesture shows all open apps in a clear, Mac-like view, making it easy to switch between them.

Each app window also features familiar Mac-style buttons (red, yellow, green) for resizing or closing, as well as a menu bar for quick settings adjustments. This new system is more flexible than the old features, so most users likely won’t miss Split View or Slide Over.

iPadOS 16 makes working on an iPad smoother and more powerful, turning it into a stronger tool for getting things done, especially for those using the base $ 329 model. The update is in developer beta now, with a public beta coming soon and a full release expected this fall.