The baseline iPad has consistently impressed me over the years, proving that a $350 tablet can effectively handle a variety of tasks. After five years of testing the entry-level variant, it has become a reliable tool for my workflow.
Equipped with a keyboard case, the iPad has effectively managed applications like WordPress, Asana, Teams, Photoshop, Adobe Express, and Canva. While my sketching attempts might not win awards, it’s still been a worthwhile companion.
However, as time has passed, the gap between the baseline iPad and its Pro and Air counterparts has widened. Features such as Stage Manager, ProRes video capture, and advanced software options have differentiated the user experience.
Fortunately, iPadOS 26 hasn’t exacerbated this gap. Instead, it has introduced new productivity features to the entry-level iPad that I genuinely appreciate.
iPadOS 26: A Boost for the Basic iPad
The most striking update is the new design language, known as Liquid Glass. While I’m not fully committed to it, under the right conditions, such as a dark wallpaper, it looks quite appealing.
More importantly, iPadOS 26 enhances productivity. Apple has taken a more macOS-like approach to in-app functionalities, allowing each app to present its tools through a menu bar at the top, simplifying navigation.
This menu design mirrors macOS, although iPadOS features a disappearing menu bar. As developers continue to adapt to this new layout, I anticipate a decluttering that will enhance usability and maximize working space.
That’s a win for users, especially those who juggle tasks across the Apple ecosystem and rely on their devices for daily work.
Another notable improvement is the new three-button window sizing and tiling feature, reminiscent of macOS. Whether I need to search for something quickly, respond to a Teams message, or check my email, the preset tiling options relieve the frustration of resizing windows manually.
Enhanced Multi-Tasking Capabilities
Upon upgrading to iPadOS 26 on my 11th Gen iPad, the inclusion of Stage Manager was a pleasant surprise. Apple has typically restricted this feature to iPad Pro and Air models with M-series processors. However, to my delight, it’s now available on the baseline iPad.
This was unexpected, given the hardware limitations of the entry-level model. Despite this, the system performs admirably, offering seamless transitions between the standard view and Stage Manager.
Thanks to iPadOS 26, users can freely resize app windows and create clusters of apps, which simplifies multitasking. I haven’t encountered any significant performance issues related to grouped apps.
If you’ve previously hesitated to purchase the basic iPad because of its limited multitasking features, now is an excellent time to reconsider. The streamlined workflow is truly impressive, provided you’re comfortable working with an approximate 11-inch screen.
One caveat remains: Unlike iPad Pro and Air models, the basic version doesn’t support external display functionality as more advanced iPads do. Connecting to a monitor only mirrors the iPad’s screen, lacking the extended display capabilities that could enhance productivity.
The design of the external display could be better, but it’s not overwhelmingly distracting during use, especially with dark mode enabled, which blends the interface seamlessly.
Overall, iPadOS 26 has substantially improved the functionality and design elements of the software, introducing features previously limited to pricier models. After the wait, I’m thrilled with the current experience on my budget-friendly iPad.
What features does iPadOS 26 bring to the basic iPad?
iPadOS 26 enhances the basic iPad with a new design language, improved multitasking with Stage Manager, a more intuitive menu bar, and better window sizing options.
Is the baseline iPad suitable for professional use after the iPadOS update?
Yes, the enhancements in iPadOS 26 make the baseline iPad a capable device for professional tasks like word processing, design work, and multitasking.
Can I use external displays with the baseline iPad?
No, the baseline iPad does not have extended display support; it only mirrors the iPad screen when connected to an external monitor.
How does iPadOS 26 compare to previous versions in terms of productivity features?
The update introduces macOS-like functionalities, improving overall productivity with features like a new menu bar and advanced multitasking capabilities.
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