Apple brings Stage Manager support to more iPads with iPadOS 26

In July 2025, Apple introduced iPadOS 26, significantly enhancing multitasking features on iPads by expanding Stage Manager, a feature initially limited to M-series iPads, to additional models. Previously, Stage Manager was introduced with iPadOS 16 in 2022, but it was restricted to M-series iPads only. Apple later extended this functionality to iPad Pro models using A12X and A12Z chipsets in the follow-up iPadOS 16.1 update. However, with iPadOS 26, users can now enjoy improved multitasking capabilities on various older models, like the 2020 iPad Air, marking a significant shift in Apple's commitment to enhancing the user experience on non-M-series devices. The new version of Stage Manager allows users to manage multiple applications simultaneously, mimicking the multiple desktop functionalities found in macOS. This advancement brings considerable improvements, such as the ability to resize and rearrange windows freely, providing a more organized and efficient multitasking experience. Users can choose to group windowed applications across different spaces, promoting a more focus-driven environment for completing tasks. This evolution in the iPadOS aims to elevate productivity among users who rely on their iPads for work or study. Stage Manager's enhancements were showcased during Apple's Annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2025, where developers and enthusiasts alike were eager to see how these updates would transform the user interface and multitasking capabilities of the iPad line. What makes this update especially noteworthy is that it offers a more versatile and powerful toolset for iPad users who may not own the latest models. This strategic move by Apple indicates their desire to cater to a broader user base and leverage the extensive install base of older iPad models that are still widely in use. As the iPadOS 26 Public Beta becomes available, the rollout is expected to reach stable forms by September 2025, coinciding with the anticipated launch of the iPhone 17. Evaluating how users adapt to these changes will be interesting, as it will provide insights into Apple's effectiveness in balancing innovation with the expectations of customers who may have felt sidelined by previous limitations in multitasking capabilities.