Discover the various features of iPadOS 26: The most important iPad update
iPadOS 26 is the most significant change ever to iPad OS, making multitasking on the iPad easier, smoother, and more productive without any issues. Apple offers iPad users the best forms of multitasking, from full-window mode to the new multitasking experience. You can find a detailed guide to all aspects of multitasking offered by iPadOS 26, according to 9to5mac:
Background Tasks
In older versions of iPadOS, if you left an app like Lumafusion running at any capacity, the export process would automatically cancel. This wasn't a Lumafusion bug; it was a limitation imposed by iPadOS. So, I had to wait for the video to export and then start editing the thumbnails in Affinity Photo. However, with iPadOS 26, multitasking is now possible, and this limitation is gone. You can now start exporting in Lumafusion, then open Affinity Photo in window mode and start editing the thumbnails, and the video export will continue without any problems.
Spotlight: A Powerful Multitasking Tool
Another excellent use of multitasking in iPadOS 26 is Spotlight Search. It's a faster and easier way to multitask with any app, not just those on the app bar. No matter where you are in the operating system—on the Home screen, in a single app, or with 10 apps open—pressing CMD+Space will bring up the Spotlight Search bar. You can then quickly type the name of the app you're looking for, tap it, or drag it into view. This way, you can multitask with the new app.
Could it replace a Mac now?
For years, iPads have consistently outperformed their software, and iPadOS 26 marks the first time Apple has delivered a multitasking system that is both flexible and seamlessly integrated with the hardware.
Background tasks are now a game-changer for device workflows, and the return of Split View gives the iPad a familiar and intuitive experience. Spotlight adds speed and power to keyboard-based workflows.
Finally, the multi-file windows allow for real file management on the iPad, and there's still room for Apple to simplify things further. Multitasking on the iPad seems to be heading in the right direction, so the iPad could now replace laptops and their use cases for most people.