Experimented with the pre-release versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26, sharing my personal experience
iPadOS 26 introduces a major transformation to the iPad experience, especially on the iPad Pro, with a new Mac-like windowing system, a menu bar, and a striking Liquid Glass design overhaul.
A Mac-like Windowing System
Apps launch in fullscreen by default but can now be freely resized and repositioned anywhere on the screen without entering a special mode. Windows remember their size and position across launches. The system includes "traffic light" controls (close, minimize, tile) on each window’s top-left corner and an Exposé view to see all open windows, enabling full desktop-style multitasking.
Menu Bar for iPad
Similar to macOS, a menu bar appears when swiping down from the top or moving the cursor near the top. This bar contains app-specific controls, replacing the traditional keyboard shortcut menus and providing a familiar hub for app actions. Although it lacks standalone menu bar apps like macOS, it enhances access to functions.
Liquid Glass Design
The entire software interface adopts a new translucent, glass-like aesthetic called Liquid Glass. This real-time rendered design mimics how light interacts with glass, giving app icons depth and a layered glass effect, enhancing visual appeal and focus on content. Some icons also have a translucent option to reinforce the glass-like theme.
Additional Enhancements for iPad Pro Users
The dock becomes more powerful, improving multitasking and app organization. The Files app upgrades and preview support provide better file management. A refined cursor experience closer to macOS and the ability to run background tasks improve productivity. AI integration in Shortcuts and new apps such as Journal enhance usability and creativity.
Together, these features make the iPad Pro feel more like a macOS device in terms of window management and user interface fluidity, significantly expanding its multitasking and productivity capabilities beyond previous iPadOS versions. The combination of aesthetic and functional enhancements demonstrates a clear push toward a desktop-class experience optimized for iPad Pro hardware.
iPhone Integration
iPhone Mirroring in macOS Tahoe 26 supports Live Activities directly within the Mac’s notifications menu. The new Phone app in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 offers improved contact management and a unified dialer.
macOS Tahoe 26
Spotlight in macOS Tahoe 26 is improved, offering comprehensive search results and the ability to complete multi-step tasks. The new Spotlight is designed to quickly complete multi-step tasks and routines without requiring the app to be opened. The menu bar consolidates all the options hidden in the settings menus, various keyboard and menu shortcuts, and tips and tricks.
Public Beta and Cautions
The new public beta includes a new glass-like interface called Liquid Glass. It is advisable to back up your device before installing any beta software, as beta software can irreparably damage your device.
Apple has released the public beta for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, and tvOS 26. The new multitasking system combines the best aspects of Stage Manager and Apple’s previous multitasking features. The context menus have been vastly improved, providing the full suite of desktop options that you would see in the Finder and Preview apps on a Mac.
Liquid Glass has been polarizing since its first release, but Apple has been iterating on it. The new features and improvements in iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 promise to deliver a more seamless and productive experience across Apple devices.
- The new Mac-like windowing system in iPadOS 26 allows users to freely resize and reposition apps on the screen, with windows remembering their size and position across launches, offering a desktop-style multitasking experience.
- The menu bar in iPadOS 26, similar to macOS, provides access to app-specific controls and enhances access to functions, helping to close the gap between the iPad and a traditional desktop computing experience.
