iPadOS 26 Review: Does It Enhance Apple’s Budget Tablet Experience?

iPadOS 26 Review: Does It Enhance Apple’s Budget Tablet Experience?

The baseline iPad continues to exceed expectations, proving that quality doesn’t have to come at a premium price. Having spent years testing this entry-level model priced at $350, I can confidently say it gets the job done for a wide variety of tasks.

I relied on it for my daily workflow without a hitch, even after investing more than $100 on a keyboard case. It managed everything from WordPress and Asana to Photoshop, Adobe Express, and Canva, and even my clumsy attempts at sketching.

Interestingly, over the years, the divide between the basic iPad and its Pro and Air counterparts has widened significantly. Features like Stage Manager, ProRes video capture, and specialized software have contributed to this experience gap.

However, with iPadOS 26, Apple has chosen not to deepen this divide. Instead, it has enhanced productivity capabilities specifically for the entry-level iPad, which is a significant development that I eagerly welcome.

iPadOS 26 Brings Fresh Optimizations

The most noticeable change with iPadOS 26 is its new design language, dubbed Liquid Glass. While I’m not its biggest fan, it creates an appealing aesthetic against darker wallpapers.

The real game-changer lies in the productivity enhancements. Apple has adopted a more macOS-like approach, streamlining in-app functionalities. Now, rather than navigating through complex menu structures, each app features a straightforward menu bar at the top, making it easier to access tools.

Though this design bears strong similarities to macOS, it features a unique menu bar style that will soon adapt as developers embrace this change. The clutter will likely diminish as they remove redundant tools from the main app view, allowing for a cleaner workspace.

Transitioning to this new setup isn’t without its challenges. Certain developers may resist altering their designs to align with iPadOS, particularly if they wish to maintain a consistent experience across all platforms. Yet, for users within the Apple ecosystem, this improvement is undeniably beneficial, regardless of whether they’re using an iPad Pro or the entry-level variant.

One of the underrated features introduced is the three-button window sizing and tiling control, inspired by macOS. It simplifies multi-tasking, allowing me to quickly perform tasks like a Google search or respond to message alerts while streaming content.

A Smoother Multi-Tasking Experience

Switching to the beta version of iPadOS 26 on my 11th Gen iPad was a pleasant surprise. The Stage Manager—a feature previously exclusive to the iPad Pro and Air—was now accessible, even on the basic model. This unexpected inclusion showcases Apple’s commitment to enhancing functionality across its devices.

Operationally, everything works seamlessly, just as it does on higher-end models. You can switch between different viewing modes effortlessly from the Control Center, and the ability to resize app windows and save them in multi-app clusters adds a new level of versatility.

If you’ve hesitated to purchase the basic iPad because of its limited multitasking capabilities, the latest updates eliminate those concerns. The workflow is now exceptionally smooth and efficient—as long as you’re comfortable working on an approximately 11-inch display.

However, there’s a caveat: external display support remains unavailable on the entry-level iPad. Connecting it to a monitor only mirrors the display, lacking extended controls available on more advanced models. This limitation can be frustrating, especially since it leads to wasted screen space.

Ultimately, I’m thrilled that iPadOS 26 not only revitalized the design and functionalities of the operating system but also integrated features typically associated with pricier iPads. The wait for these enhancements was worth it, and I’m thoroughly enjoying my experience with the budget-friendly iPad.

What improvements does iPadOS 26 offer for the basic iPad?

iPadOS 26 introduces a more intuitive menu system similar to macOS, along with features like Stage Manager and enhanced multitasking capabilities, significantly improving productivity.

Can you run multiple apps simultaneously on the basic iPad?

Yes, with the Stage Manager feature in iPadOS 26, you can run multiple apps in a multi-window setup, which greatly enhances productivity.

What is the new Liquid Glass interface in iPadOS 26?

The Liquid Glass interface is a design aesthetic in iPadOS 26 that offers a modern and sleek look, particularly attractive when paired with dark wallpapers.

How has multitasking improved in iPadOS 26?

Multitasking has been elevated through features like a new window sizing and tiling control system, making it easier to manage multiple tasks and activities seamlessly.

Now that you’ve seen what’s new in iPadOS 26, consider exploring articles on related topics and features to elevate your experience even further. For more insights, be sure to check out Moyens I/O.