IPadOS 26: You Need To Try These New Multitasking Features [Video] - 9to5Mac

iPadOS 26 is easily the most significant change to the iPad software we’ve ever seen. Between the new multitasking windows in 26.0, the slide-over refinements in 26.1, and now the return of Split View in 26.2, multitasking on the iPad finally feels natural, intuitive, and productive without compromise. It’s as if Apple finally heard what I have wanted from the iPad since it got its own operating system with iPadOS 13. The best part is that Apple is giving iPad users the best of all forms of multitasking, from full windowed mode, Stage Manager, and the new multitasking. After using it for a few months, I’ve discovered some of my favorite features and use cases.

Be sure to check out the in-depth walkthrough of every single aspect of multitasking that iPadOS 26 has to offer.

Also, keep in mind that any iPad that can run iPadOS 26 or newer will get all of these features, even the iPad 11 and iPad mini. There are some insane deals for Black Friday on Amazon, where the iPad 11 is $279 (normally $349), the iPad mini is $399 (normally $499), the M3 iPad Air is $449 (normally $599), and the iPad Pro is $899 (normally $999).

1. Background tasks

This, for me, was a massive update in terms of overall quality of life and usability in my personal flow. Two of my most-used apps on the iPad Pro are Lumafusion (for video editing) and Affinity Photo 2 (for thumbnail creation). While the apps have always been fantastic on any version of iPadOS, there was always one gripe I had. When I finish my video edit, you, of course, have to export it. In older versions of iPadOS, if I left the Lumafusion app running in any capacity, the export would simply cancel itself. This was not a fault of Lumafusion; rather, it was a restriction imposed by iPadOS. So I would have to wait for my video to export, and then I could start my thumbnail edit in Affinity Photo. In steps iPadOS 26 multitasking, and that restriction is gone. I can now start my export in Lumafusion, then open up Affinity Photo in a windowed mode and start editing my thumbnail. The video export continues. So this effectively doubled my productivity because I no longer have to just waste my time waiting for this export. This is an absolute game-changer for me.

2. Spotlight is a multitasking superpower

Another excellent use case for multitasking on iPadOS 26 is the use of Spotlight Search. We are all aware that your most-used apps can be placed on the dock for quick access. If you are in an app or in windowed mode, you can drag the dock up and then select an additional app to add to your multitasking view. However, I actually found a faster and easier way to multitask with any app, not just those on the dock. The answer is the Spotlight shortcut. No matter where you are in the operating system, whether 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 in the name of the app you are looking for and either tap or drag it into your view. Then voila, you’re multitasking with the new app.

What I like about this is that you are not limited to just the dock apps, and it is so easy to bring up.

3. Multiple instances of one app

The idea of multiple instances of the same app on the iPad is not new. We’ve had it for a few years now; it was just a matter of which apps supported it. We have been able to do it with a few native apps like Safari, Notes, Files, and a few others. But the best scenario is going to be in the Files app and file management. I like to use external SSDs, such as my Lexar SL500 or the Samsung T7 and T9 (all of which are currently on sale). I transfer large video files from my iPad storage to my SSDs and also use SD cards. So, combining the new multitasking mode with the revamped Files app and background task management has been excellent. It is easy to move files from one device to another with ease. Also, knowing that I can move multiple files across multiple storage devices all at once speeds up my workflow and makes it so simple to manage. I used to use my M4 Mac mini for this part of my video creation because it was just simple on MacOS. But now iPadOS 26 has me covered nicely.

Final take: Can it replace a Mac now?

For years, the iPad’s hardware has consistently outpaced its software. iPadOS 26 is the first time Apple has delivered a multitasking system that feels flexible, coherent, and built for the hardware.

Background tasks are now a game changer in m workflow
Split View’s return gives the iPad a familiar and controlled experience.
Spotlight adds speed and keyboard-driven workflow power.
And multiple Files windows finally bring real file management to the iPad.

There’s still room for Apple to simplify things even further, but for the first time in a long time, iPad multitasking feels like it’s moving in the right direction. However, I genuinely believe that if you are not rendering 3D animations, consistently working with huge video files, or if you do not require terminal or coding access, then yes. The iPad can replace laptops and laptop use cases for most people now.

What do you think? Can you go all in on iPad? If not, what is holding you back? Let’s discuss below!