iPadOS 26: Ready for Laptop Duty?

MKBHD tests iPadOS 26 for 3 weeks as a MacBook Pro replacement and concludes the question is no longer ‘can it’ but ‘do you want to.’

• iPadOS 26 introduces true windowed multitasking: up to 8 simultaneous windows (vs. 4 in Stage Manager), fully resizable via drag.
• A toggleable ‘windowed apps mode’ in Control Center switches between classic full-screen iPad UX and Mac-like windowing — no commitment required.
• iPad Pro is ~1 lb lighter than a MacBook Pro; MKBHD found the weight reduction meaningfully improved daily carry.
• Key limitation: iPad cannot play two audio sources simultaneously — background music stops when a YouTube video plays.
• Adding keyboard, mouse, and display to match laptop functionality negates the iPad’s weight and thinness advantage.
• New Files app supports external storage, server connections, and file metadata — but AirDropped media doesn’t land in Downloads like macOS.
• MKBHD’s verdict: buy a laptop if you only need a computer; choose iPad if you also want touch, stylus, rear cameras, or cellular in one device.

2025-07-29 · Watch on YouTube