Apple’s iPadOS 26 introduces significant enhancements that bring the iPad experience closer to that of a Mac. With features like a new windowing system, a macOS-style menu bar, and improved multitasking capabilities, the iPad is evolving into a more versatile device. However, despite these advancements, there are still several essential functionalities present in macOS that iPadOS 26 lacks.
1. Absence of Terminal and Comprehensive Coding Tools
For developers and tech enthusiasts, the lack of a Terminal application in iPadOS 26 is a notable omission. The Terminal in macOS provides direct access to the command line, enabling users to execute scripts, manage files, and perform system-level tasks efficiently. On the iPad, while applications like Textastic and Swift Playgrounds offer basic coding environments, they fall short of providing the full-fledged development experience that Terminal and Xcode offer on the Mac. This limitation means that tasks such as compiling code, managing version control systems, or deploying applications directly from the device remain out of reach for iPad users.
2. Lack of Multi-User Support
Multi-user support has been a staple of macOS, allowing multiple individuals to have personalized accounts on a single device. Each user can maintain their own settings, applications, and files, ensuring privacy and customization. In contrast, iPadOS 26 continues to operate as a single-user system. This design choice overlooks scenarios where an iPad is shared among family members or colleagues. Without multi-user support, managing personal data, applications, and preferences becomes cumbersome, as all users must operate under a single profile. This limitation is particularly perplexing given that macOS has long supported multiple user accounts, and even tvOS 26 has introduced new profile support tools for its TV app. The absence of this feature in iPadOS suggests a deliberate decision by Apple, possibly to encourage individual device ownership.
3. Limited External Display Functionality
iPadOS 26 has made strides in enhancing external display support, especially for higher-end models like the M4 iPad Pro. Users can now connect their iPads to external monitors, enjoying a more expansive workspace. However, this functionality is still limited compared to macOS. On a Mac, users can connect multiple external displays, arrange them in various configurations, and utilize them as independent workspaces. In contrast, iPadOS 26 supports only a single external display, and the extent of its functionality varies depending on the iPad model. For instance, features like Stage Manager and full external display support are limited to newer models with M1 or M2 chips, leaving users of older devices without these enhancements. This restriction hampers the iPad’s potential as a comprehensive workstation, especially for professionals who rely on multi-monitor setups for tasks like video editing, graphic design, or extensive data analysis.
4. Inability to Run macOS Applications
Despite the hardware capabilities of modern iPads, iPadOS 26 does not support running macOS applications. Many professional-grade applications, such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Adobe’s suite of creative tools, are optimized for macOS and are not available on iPadOS. While there are iPad versions of some of these applications, they often lack the full feature set found in their macOS counterparts. This limitation means that professionals who rely on specific software for their work cannot fully transition to using an iPad as their primary device. The inability to run macOS applications also affects workflows that depend on specialized software, limiting the iPad’s appeal to certain user groups.
5. Restricted File Management Capabilities
The Files app in iPadOS 26 has seen improvements, such as enhanced list views, resizable columns, and the ability to set default apps for specific file types. However, it still lacks the depth and flexibility of the Finder in macOS. For example, the Files app does not support features like smart folders, advanced search parameters, or the ability to run scripts and automate file management tasks. Additionally, while users can now customize folders with colors and icons, the overall file organization and management experience remains less robust than on a Mac. This limitation can be particularly frustrating for users who manage large volumes of files or require complex organizational structures for their work.
Conclusion
iPadOS 26 represents a significant step forward in bridging the gap between the iPad and the Mac. Features like the new windowing system, menu bar, and improved multitasking bring the iPad closer to a desktop-like experience. However, the absence of essential functionalities such as Terminal access, multi-user support, comprehensive external display capabilities, the ability to run macOS applications, and advanced file management features highlight the distinctions that still exist between iPadOS and macOS. For users whose workflows depend on these features, the iPad remains a complementary device rather than a full replacement for a Mac. As iPadOS continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if future updates address these gaps, further enhancing the iPad’s versatility and appeal.
