Window management at last: iPadOS 26 as the new dream operating system?

Apple is notorious for delaying the introduction of features that users have been demanding for years (and that have long been available on other systems). The new window functions in iPadOS 26 can hardly be described as "delayed", users have been asking for them for so long, practically since the iPad was launched in 2010. But now it has finally happened: Apple is allowing app windows to be moved around the screen completely freely. Restrictions that previously applied to Stage Manager have also been removed – The often unpopular Window Manager is now completely optional.

Drum roll please: Windows, freely manageable for the first time

A look at the developer beta of iPadOS 26, which has been available since Monday, shows that Apple is doing many things right, but still needs to make improvements in some areas. First of all, every open window now has an area at the bottom right that can be dragged. This turns a full-screen view into a window that can be made larger or smaller as required. The internal UI changes with it, showing less content if necessary. You can then use your finger to position the app as you wish – Why not do it like this, Apple? At the top left, you can also see the famous traffic light icons for further window management or for closing an app. These are initially rather small, but if you move your finger over them, they become large and a long press allows you to tile the windows, i.e. arrange them next to each other. The traffic light area casts a somewhat strange shadow.

iPadOS apps now also have a menu bar. However, this is not displayed by default, but only appears as required at – or when you drag down from the top of the screen. It would be nice, if it could be displayed permanently. It is also positioned in the middle and the font size is rather small, so many users may not understand what they can do with it. Many apps currently only show standard functions, such as for inserting or accessing help. A settings menu is available and leads to the appropriate area of the system settings, which is practical.

Keyboard and trackpad make it even nicer

The Dock in iPadOS 26 has been adapted even more closely to the Mac. You can create the familiar stacks of files. There is also an Exposé mode for the app overview for the first time using a swipe gesture (which takes some getting used to). It may be confusing at first that the home screen icons are not visible in window mode; they are automatically hidden. If you want to interact with them, press the "Desktop" button and the windows will move to the side. Window operation can also be used quite well without a keyboard. With a keyboard (and trackpad/mouse), however, it is much nicer. You can use shortcuts and a new cursor, which now looks more like a mouse pointer (a kind of triangle).

All in all, the first developer beta of iPadOS 26 makes a good impression, as developers report. Their main criticism is that many things are not self-explanatory at first glance. The good thing is that Apple is not forcing anyone to use the new operating mode: You can continue to use your iPad in full-screen mode, possibly supplemented with the existing window management functions or even the Stage Manager. The new windowing is completely optional. Also charming: apps can now move processes to the background. With Final Cut Pro, you can render a project without blocking the entire iPad. This is also a matter of course, considering the performance of the M chips in the iPad. Apple is now finally implementing this.

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