Overview

• Craig Federighi said Apple evaluated whether to adopt established Mac UI elements or design new features from first principles to suit a touch-driven iPad experience.
• The update reuses Mac-style windowing and cursor metaphors selectively to maintain familiarity across devices without undermining touch-first usability.
• iPadOS 26 introduces a Liquid Glass visual overhaul alongside AI-powered multitasking tools and a revamped windowing system to boost productivity.
• Federico Viticci’s in-depth analysis highlights how these changes support Apple’s push for ecosystem consistency while preserving the iPad’s unique identity.
• The redesign reflects Apple’s broader strategy to merge its software platforms and drive innovation by balancing cross-platform uniformity with device-specific strengths.