Early leaks about an upcoming Apple computer with an 18- to 20-inch folding display were vague about whether the device will be an iPad or the first Mac with a touchscreen. In the wake of the introduction of iPadOS 26, the answer now seems obvious: Apple’s extra-large folding tablet will be an iPad.
Recent comments by a high-level Apple executive about not merging macOS and iPadOS add weight to the theory.
It’s World Wi-Fi Day, which highlights the ability of wireless internet access to bring people together. But I’d like everyone to instead consider the advantages of an earlier tech: wired networking via good old reliable Ethernet.
Ethernet is easy to overlook now that almost everything has gone wireless, but it still has a role to play: filling in a flaw in Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t build Ethernet ports into MacBooks, but adding one is easy and inexpensive.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, turned to a pair of metaphors in a recent interview to explain why macOS will not replace iPadOS on the iPad. Perhaps the most notable: “We don’t want to build sporks.”
Questions about iPad’s future came up after the unveiling at WWDC last week of iPadOS 26, which moves Apple’s tablet closer to the Mac than ever before.
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iPad cases that fold into stands are old news, but the Moft Dynamic Folio takes that idea and builds on it. The front flap can be folded into a variety of shapes to support the tablet at a range of angles, in both landscape and portrait orientations. A highlight is one that lifts the iPad up about 3 inches so it’s easier to see.
Plus, the case/stand is lightweight and very easy to attach and remove. There are versions for all recent Apple tablets.
I tested the flexible iPad accessory for several weeks. Here’s what I found out.
Apple now offers tools and parts to repair your own iPad, but the instructions provided by Apple show that working on one of its tablets is not for the faint of heart.
Just removing the screen from an iPad Pro is a 32-step process that requires special tools to detach the glue, tape and screws holding everything together.
iPadOS 26 moves the iPad closer to the Mac than ever before. But don’t take the upcoming operating system as a stepping stone toward an eventual unification between iPadOS and macOS. That’s clearly not going to happen.
The reason can be summed up with a phrase that Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software development, used in an interview at WWDC this week: “iPad’s gonna be iPad.”
Those who want their iPad to function more like a Mac got their wish: iPadOS 26 includes multitasking features very similar to the ones in macOS. This year’s iPad upgrade also borrows plenty of other things from Apple’s desktop OS.
I loaded the initial iPadOS 26 beta on my iPad Pro. Here’s what it’s like to use it … and why pro users should be excited while non-pro users shouldn’t worry.
A major new addition to Apple’s software lineup at WWDC25, the Games app, centralizes gaming experiences across all Apple devices, the iPhone giant said Monday. And it adds powerful social features that turn even single-player games into shared experiences with friends.
“The Games app is going to be a game changer for playing on iPhone, iPad and Mac,” said Tim Garbos, creative director and cofounder of game brand Triband. “The app makes it easy for us to create moments just for groups of friends. The new challenges feature works great and feels natural for our games on Apple Arcade, including our latest release, What the Clash?, and we’ve been having a lot of fun with it!”
iOS 26 adds a new Adaptive Power Mode to newer iPhones to extend their battery life under heavy load. It will achieve this by lowering the display brightness and making other under-the-hood changes.
Additionally, iOS 26 revamps the Battery Usage menu, providing more details about power consumption from various apps.
iPadOS 26 lets Apple’s tablets act more like a Mac than ever before. It also includes a new design that makes all Apple computers look more similar, further bringing iPads and Macs together.
“iPadOS 26 is our biggest iPadOS release ever, with powerful features that take the experience to the next level and transform what users can do on iPad,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, during Monday’s WWDC25 keynote. “With a beautiful new design, an entirely new powerful and intuitive windowing system, even more features powered by Apple Intelligence, huge improvements to working with files, and new capabilities for creatives to power their workflows, iPadOS 26 makes our most versatile device even more capable.”
Classical pianist Simone Dinnerstein has performed on stages around the globe, from solo recitals to collaborations with prestigious orchestras. Famed composer Philip Glass even wrote a concerto specifically for her to perform. But stage fright nearly ended it all — until iPad saved her career, according to a new interview.
We’re used to iPhone saving lives and what-not, so it’s cool to see Apple’s tablet get some credit.
Apple’s Freeform app for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro is a digital whiteboard you can use to brainstorm or gather ideas in one infinitely scrolling canvas.
You can use Freeform to throw together ideas with a colleague. You could build a presentation using Freeform’s scenes, kind of like using Prezi. Or, you can use Freeform as a drawing app with your iPad and Apple Pencil.
Freeform comes with all kinds of features for adding text boxes, rich links, drawings, clip art, sticky notes, files, photos, videos and more. It’s a great way to build a mood board or connect big ideas.
Keep reading below or watch our video guide to find out how to use Freeform.
Apple just added iPad to its Self Service Repair program. All the tablets it introduced in 2024 and earlier this year are included.
The DIY program provides customers access to parts and tools they need to fix their own devices, and already includes many models of iPhone and Mac.
Rumors point to iPadOS 19 bringing the biggest improvements to iPad in years. The news is especially good for those who want their tablet to act more like a Mac.
With WWDC25 and the unveiling of iPadOS 19 mere weeks away, here’s what we already know about it.
Rumors swirling ahead of WWDC25 give us a decent idea about what to expect in iOS 19. The new operating system, which Apple will showcase when its annual developer conference kicks off June 9, shapes up as one of the more significant iPhone software updates lately.
The iOS 19 overhaul promises to transform how users interact with their devices through big design changes, enhanced AI capabilities and improved cross-platform integration.
Rumors point to iPadOS 19 blurring the line between the iPad and Mac. With Apple reportedly focusing on “productivity, multitasking and app window management,” we put together a very specific iPadOS 19 wish list for features that could unlock the full potential of Apple’s tablets.
With WWDC25 just around the corner, here’s what we want to see in iPadOS 19.
iPad shipments shot up 14% year over year during the first three months of 2025, according to a market analysis firm. That marks the fourth quarter in a row with an increase in iPad demand.
Replacing tablets bought years ago during the pandemic is only one of the reasons for the continuing strong growth.
You want the best iPad, but shopping for one can be overwhelming. Apple sells six iPad models in a wide range of sizes, prices and capabilities. Our iPad comparison explains the strengths and weaknesses of each model. You don’t want to get one that doesn’t have all the features you want, but you also don’t want to pay too much for features you won’t use.
Here’s some straightforward advice on picking the best iPad for you.
Apple engineers exploring ways to improve the Apple Pencil got a patent for a stylus tip that can change its shape or stiffness. The goal might be to make a paintbrush for an iPad so digital painting feels more like the real thing.
It’s a concept the company has looked into for years.
President Donald Trump’s newly announced 54% tariff on Chinese imports sent shock waves through the tech industry, with Apple potentially facing billions in additional costs. This raises an urgent question for consumers: Should you rush to buy that new iPhone or MacBook before prices skyrocket?
You might want to accelerate the timing of that upgrade you had in the back of your mind. But those who aren’t desperate to upgrade might benefit from playing the waiting game. See the ins and outs below.
You can easily change the default browser on your iPhone if you prefer to use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge or any other alternative. Maybe you use a PC at home and want your bookmarks, history and passwords to sync to your iPhone. Or maybe you simply prefer something other than Apple’s Safari browser.
Whichever browser you set as your iPhone’s default will open when you tap on a link from Messages or Mail, get AirDropped a URL, scan a QR code, search the web with Siri and perform other tasks. This doesn’t mean Safari will be deleted, however. Apple’s stock app will remain installed on your iPhone if case you decide to switch back (which is super-easy).
Here’s how to change the default browser on your iPhone — and transfer your bookmarks and data, too. Keep reading or watch our quick video.
It’s World Backup Day, a good opportunity to learn how to clear iCloud storage of old backup files made by iPhone and iPad. Are you running out of iCloud storage space? Worried about privacy? You might want to delete some old backups from the cloud.
The good news is erasing these files is easy if you know the steps to follow. Here’s how.
Big updates across Apple’s Final Cut Pro video-editing software lineup introduce AI-driven Image Playground integration, plus improved workflows and enhanced recording options.
Apple released Final Cut Pro updates Thursday that add Image Playground for Mac and iPad users. Plus, iPad users can use the software in portrait orientation for the first time.
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Anyone who constantly moves around with multiple devices knows finding a reliable power bank for laptop charging can be a challenge. After more than a week of using the new Alogic Roam 21,000mAh Power Bank, I’m ready to share my hands-on experience with the premium charger. Is it worth the investment? Yes. Let’s dive in, and I’ll tell you why.
★★★★☆
The M3 iPad Air can do it all, as I found while testing Apple’s midrange tablet for this review. At its core, the thin, lightweight device proves perfect for living room reading, watching and browsing. Add the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, and you can get some serious work done. It’s fast, powerful and remarkably capable.
I never previously owned my own personal iPad. I’ve used Windows PCs and Macs since 2002, switching to the Mac full-time in 2012. Between my Mac mini and Vision Pro, I haven’t felt the need for an iPad in my life.
Nonetheless, for this M3 iPad Air review, I went all-in, using the tablet with a Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil for as much of my work as I could to see if I was missing out. Here’s what I discovered — keep reading or watch our video review.