iPadOS 26 introduced the biggest innovation in multitasking for the iPad. One of the most important additions is the support for windows. This allows you to open apps in separate windows, which you can freely move, resize and even overlap across the screen, similar to what you know from macOS.
In addition, iPadOS also offers the option to use a menu bar. This menu bar is hidden by default, but you can easily activate it and use it directly to perform various tasks. We explain how you can approach this.
Multitasking on an iPad
In the past, Apple has often tried to enable multitasking on an iPad. Options such as Split View, Slide Over and Stage Manager were introduced, but each time it turned out not to be a complete success. Since iPadOS 26, you can multitask on an iPad as you would expect with windows, menu bar and buttons. Below we list the options for you.
Choose from three multitasking options
As an iPad user, you have the choice between three options that you can set as default on the iPad. This way you can always use full-screen apps, stage manager or the new apps in windows.
- To do this, open Settings
- Go to ‘Multitasking and gestures’
- Choose a desired multitasking
You can also enable the automatic closing of windows via the appropriate button. To use the menu bar you must use ‘Apps in Windows’ or ‘Stage Manager’.
Menu bar for iPad apps
You can quickly access the available commands, settings and options in an app via the menu bar. You can easily display the menu bar on the screen, just swipe down from the top of the display or move the cursor up. If you are looking for a specific feature or related tips, the search function offers a solution. And developers can also customize the menu bar for their apps.
Also available on external screens
The above innovations are not only available on the iPad itself, but also when you have connected the iPad to an external screen. This allows you to fully use the iPad as a computer.