Apple has once again raised the bar for tablet productivity with iPadOS 26, rolling out major enhancements to its acclaimed Stage Manager feature and expanding support to a wider range of iPad models. The update, announced at WWDC 2025, is set to redefine multitasking on the iPad, making desktop-class workflows more accessible than ever before.
Stage Manager, first introduced in iPadOS 16, is Apple’s answer to true multitasking on the iPad. It allows users to run multiple apps in overlapping, resizable windows, easily switch between tasks, and even connect to external displays for a more desktop-like experience. Stage Manager has been praised for bringing Mac-level productivity to the iPad, but until now, it was limited to only the most powerful iPad Pro models.
Apple hasn’t just expanded Stage Manager’s reach; it’s also packed in new features and refinements that make multitasking smoother and more intuitive:
Improved Window Management: Effortlessly resize, overlap, and arrange windows with enhanced gestures and keyboard shortcuts.
External Display Enhancements: Connect your iPad to a monitor and run up to eight apps simultaneously, with drag-and-drop support between screens.
Custom Workspaces: Save and recall custom app layouts for different workflows, making it easier to switch between tasks.
Performance Boosts: Thanks to Apple Silicon, Stage Manager is faster and more responsive, even with multiple demanding apps open.
For years, power users have clamored for more robust multitasking on the iPad. With iPadOS 26, Apple is finally delivering a feature set that rivals the MacBook, blurring the lines between tablet and laptop. Students, professionals, artists, and anyone who relies on their iPad for productivity will find Stage Manager indispensable for managing complex workflows on the go.
Once you’ve updated to iPadOS 26, enabling Stage Manager is simple:
Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner.
Tap the Stage Manager icon.
Instantly, your apps will snap into resizable windows, ready for multitasking.
For external display support, simply connect your iPad to a compatible monitor using a USB-C or Thunderbolt cable and activate Stage Manager.
iPadOS 26 marks a turning point for iPad productivity, making Stage Manager available to millions more users and introducing powerful new features for multitasking. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or a business user, the latest update ensures your iPad is more capable than ever.
