I've Tried Making My iPad An Almost Mac With iPadOS 26 Beta
Apple hasn't made my ultimate fantasy true yet, but with iPadOS 26 it comes closer than ever.. The newest operating system for iPads, expected to officially debut this fall, is now available to try in a public beta. It adds Mac-like features galore including a new multitasking mode, flexible windows, little window-sizing buttons that can snap things into formation, menu bars, even a Preview app. The little mouse icon you get in keyboard-and-trackpad mode is now like a Mac arrow, too. It's a lot to take in and try.
I generally like all the changes Apple's made on iPadOS 26, and while I normally recommend people skip public betas and just get the final version in the fall,the changes this time are probably worth trying now if you're at all interested in Mac-ifying your iPad.
I'm using the iPad as a Mac replacement to write and even file this article now, and it has its ups and downs.
Watch this: iPadOS 26 Almost Turns Your iPad Into a Mac
01:22
Menu Bars (sort of) replicate menus on the Mac
Apps now have pull-down menus in iPadOS 26 that can show a whole bunch of actions that were previously hidden, or relegated to icons, gestures and obscure keyboard shortcuts. Apple auto-populates menu bars for existing iPad apps with all the keyboard shortcut actions in that app, plus a general set of actions that are consistent across apps.
I love the change.: Menu bars hide until you scroll over them with a mouse cursor with keyboard/trackpad, or pull them down with your finger. They don't get in the way. The nested list of extra functions is easier for me to browse than guessing at whatever user interface magic trick I was supposed to know in that app and forgot.
For writing - like this story - it makes using the iPad feel even more laptop-like. But, as I expect in beta software, some apps aren't working perfectly with menu bars yet. Google Docs is currently acting weird, for instance. Also, on iPad, Google tries to force you to launch into its Docs standalone app rather than write in-browser. That's a taste of the strangeness that still lurks in iPadOS 26, and hopefully gets fixed by the fall launch.
Much like what Apple promised back at WWDC, it's more possible to stack lots of apps at once. Your limit is mostly screen size.
Apple Screenshot
Windows are far more flexible
Thanks to new sets of colored dots in the upper left of each window, which mirror what's already on Macs, you can minimize/maximize/resize iPad windows a lot more fluidly. Tiling options pop up in the same way they do on Macs, and any window can be dragged around and resized. The window size freedom also seems more flexible. Before, the UI would try to bounce you back to certain size options. There are still minimums to how much you can shrink the width and length of apps, but it feels better.
You can also keep stacking and layering windows as much as you'd like within your particular iPad's limits. Apple's been somewhat vague on this aspect, but more powerful iPads can simultaneously layer more apps. On an M1 11-inch iPad Air, I simultaneously had 11 apps open and going without it stopping me. I didn't see any signs of limits ahead. Yes, my small screen started to feel like an impossibly layered clutter, and I had no way of seeing everything at once unless I swiped up with three fingers to see icons of all my open apps, but it was still serious multitasking.
The layout and design of certain apps still isn't ideal for all this new screen sizing. I find some apps still have way too much empty space or large mobile-friendly icons, and I wish they'd shrink to more laptop-style layouts to fit the new possibilities. Google's Docs app is a prime example.
Safari still isn't quite the same as Mac browser
I still find working in-browser on an iPad to be a weird experience. iPads are more about apps, just like the iPhone. Also, web pages aren't always going to load or function the same on an iPad as on a Mac. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don't. My work CMS, where I produce this and other articles, works mostly fine in iPadOS Safari, but not on Google's Chrome iPadOS browser. Some in-browser tools don't load or work the same. It's still a bit hit and miss, and even though it's gotten better, I feel a lot more comfortable with a Mac's fully functional browsers.
Other apps may vary, too
That's the biggest ongoing challenge with living your life on an iPad vs a Mac: the app libraries are literally different. Apple's been improving the crossflow feel between both, and the Files browser on iPad now shows folders and stackable views in ways that feel more Mac-like. But dragging and dropping files can still feel weird depending on how an app is prepped to handle it. Dragging photos into browsers doesn't feel the same as on a Mac, for instance. It's close, but a little different.
Pro apps on iPads still need to evolve. Apple has a subscription-based version of its Final Cut and Logic Pro apps on iPad while you can fully buy the versions on Mac. Some art tools on iPad exceed what Macs can do, but other graphics or coding tools are likely to still feel better on Macs. I don't live in those realms much. For my life, I'm more of a writer and editor living in CMS and with a bunch of work apps.
I can get things done on the iPad now better than before, but there are some uncanny moments. That's why I'm still using a Mac for work. But I'm ready to bridge, and I hope iPadOS 26 is part of that bridge. Try it out, but as good as the improvements are, it's not all there yet.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Engadget
an hour ago
- Engadget
Apple's MacBook Air M4 is on sale for a record-low price
If you've put off getting a new MacBook then today is your lucky day. Right now, the 2025 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air M4 are available on Amazon for record-low prices. The 13-inch model is our pick for best MacBook to buy this year. You can pick up the 13-inch MacBook Air M4 for $799, down from $999 — a 20 percent discount. This model comes with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. You can upgrade to 512GB SSD for $999, down from $1,199, another all-time low price, or 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $1,199, down from $1,399. Then there's the 15-inch MacBook Air M4, whose cheapest model is on sale for $999, dropping from $1,199. The 17 percent discount is the best deal we've seen since the pair debuted in March. As with the 13-inch model, the 16GB and 512GB SSD option is also a record-low price, dropping to $1,199 from $1,399. Then there's the 24GB upgrade, which is $1,399, down from $1,599. We're big fans of the MacBook Air M4, giving it a 92 in our review. Part of that comes from an already lower starting price for the MacBooks than their predecessors. The 2025 models also get a speed boost thanks to the M4 chip and are very thin with a 0.44-inch thickness. Neither the 13- or 15-inch will drag you down, weighing 2.7 pounds and 3.2 pounds, respectively. Plus, they both have excellent battery life, lasting over 18 hours while playing an HD video. The big differences in the 15-inch model mostly come down to size. The screen is obviously bigger, as is its trackpad. Other than that, it offers better speakers than its 13-inch sibling. Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Do Macs Get Viruses? How to Scan for a Mac Virus
Remember those old I'm a Mac, I'm a PC ads? In one, the Mac looks on, concerned, while the PC keeps sneezing from a virus it's caught, eventually crashing backward onto the ground. For a while, Macs did seem mostly immune to computer viruses. But when Apple's market share ballooned, with it came a new fan club: hackers. Yes, MacOS comes with XProtect, Gatekeeper and other tools, and most Mac owners get by just fine with these plus a dash of skepticism. Still, security firms keep spotting fresh malware strains, and some of the old tricks (like phishing and social engineering) still work. So while your Mac isn't helpless, it's not untouchable either. Read more: Best Antivirus for Mac for 2025 Can Macs get viruses? Yes, Macs can get viruses, and they always could. The idea that they can't comes from a time when most malware was aimed at Windows users. But when Macs grew in popularity, they caught hackers' attention. Apple does include some built-in tools to help keep things safe. XProtect checks downloaded files for known malware. The Malware Removal Tool tries to clean up anything that slips through. And Gatekeeper stops you from opening apps that haven't been approved. These features run quietly in the background, and most Mac users don't even notice them. They're not foolproof, though. They rely on Apple's list of known threats, which doesn't always update as fast as threats evolve, so newer types of malware can still sneak in. If you're curious, you can take a look at XProtect's malware database by opening this folder on your Mac: /Library/Apple/System/Library/CoreServices/ Screenshot by Marshall Gunnell/CNET That's where Apple keeps files like and which list known malware signatures. The GateKeeper database is It's not exactly beginner-friendly reading, but it's all there if you want to poke around. Do Mac viruses differ from Windows viruses? Not as much as you might think. Macs and Windows machines can both be hit with the usual stuff, like ransomware, spyware and phishing scams. The main difference is how the bad stuff gets in. On Macs, it's often a Trojan virus hiding in a fake app or phony software update. Adware is another common one. It clutters your screen with pop-ups or messes with your browser. And then there are supply chain attacks, where hackers sneak malware into legit apps before you download them. Most malware doesn't care what system you're running. A lot of it is built to work on anything, so using a Mac won't shield you from it. Signs that your Mac might have a virus Macs usually run smoothly, so if something feels off, it's probably not a fluke. Keep an eye out for some of these issues that could indicate your Mac has a virus: It's running noticeably slower than usual, even with just a few apps open. The fan is constantly going, and your Mac's running hotter than usual. Pop-ups start showing up even when you're not browsing. Your browser's homepage or search engine has changed without you doing anything. You're redirected to random sites. You notice apps or files you didn't install. Storage space drops suddenly, or your battery drains way faster than it used to. Your Mac crashes or freezes more than normal. Just because you experience one of these things doesn't necessarily mean your Mac is infected with a virus, but if the problem persists or several happen at once, it's probably time to check for malware. How to scan for Mac viruses If anything listed above sounds familiar or if something else is off with your Mac, check for viruses. There are a few ways to do this, some built-in and some not. You can start with Activity Monitor, which shows you what's running on your Mac. Here's how: Open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities. Look through the list of processes for anything that seems weird or is using a lot of CPU or memory. If something stands out that you don't recognize, Google the name. It might be harmless, or it might be malware. Screenshot by Marshall Gunnell/CNET XProtect and the Malware Removal Tool are already running in the background, blocking known threats and cleaning up anything suspicious when your system restarts. You won't see them working, but they're there. That said, if you want a full scan, it's a good idea to run a third-party antivirus app. There are plenty out there that are Mac-friendly. Do I need to get rid of Mac viruses? Yes, even if things seem mostly fine. Some viruses or malware hang out quietly in the background, logging what you do or slowing things down. Others can steal personal info, mess with your files, or make your Mac act weird in ways that are hard to trace. If you ignore it, you're giving it time to do more damage. You could end up losing data or exposing your passwords. Or, if you get rid of your Mac, you could accidentally pass the problem along to someone else. Even if the symptoms are minor, it's not worth the risk. If you think your Mac might have a virus, it's best to deal with it as soon as possible. Best ways to get rid of Mac viruses Here are some simple steps to clean things up if you think your Mac might be infected: Delete any apps you don't recognize. Open your Applications folder and look for anything unfamiliar. If you see something you didn't install, drag it to the Trash and then empty the Trash. Check what's running at startup. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items. If there's something weird launching when your Mac boots up, remove it. Reset your browser. If your homepage changed on its own or you're getting pop-ups, reset your browser settings and remove any sketchy extensions. Run a virus scan. Use a trusted antivirus app to scan your system and remove anything suspicious. Reinstall MacOS (if it's really bad). As a last resort, back up your files and do a clean reinstall of MacOS. It'll wipe everything and give you a fresh start. Try the basic stuff first. Most issues don't need a full reset to fix. Do MacBooks need virus protection? Apple builds some solid security into macOS. We've already mentioned XProtect and Gatekeeper. Safari also helps by warning you about shady websites and stopping trackers. If you keep your system updated, you're already in decent shape. That said, Macs are very popular, which means hackers are paying attention. Malware can still get in through sketchy downloads, phishing emails and bad browser extensions. And if you're using public Wi-Fi a lot or installing stuff from outside the App Store, you're opening the door a little wider. So, do you need a third-party antivirus? Maybe not if you're super careful, but a good antivirus adds an extra layer of protection that's nice to have.
Android Authority
an hour ago
- Android Authority
Pixel Watch 4 leak once again points to life-saving feature (APK teardown)
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Recent code findings in the Satellite Gateway app corroborate that the Pixel Watch 4 could feature emergency satellite communications. This satellite connectivity feature appears to be exclusive to Pixel Watch devices, with code specifically referencing 'isPixelWatch.' It's possible the feature could be routed through a satellite-compatible Pixel phone, potentially allowing it to come to older Pixel Watch generations in the future. The Pixel Watch 4 is expected to introduce some nifty changes, like its polarizing new charger, which you can love and hate simultaneously, and even a Breathing Emergencies tool to detect when your oxygen level falls too low. Leaks have suggested that we can look forward to Emergency Satellite Communications on the Pixel Watch 4. Now, we've spotted more clues to corroborate that this feature is indeed coming to Google's upcoming smartwatch. Authority Insights story on Android Authority. Discover You're reading anstory on Android Authority. Discover Authority Insights for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else. An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release. The Satellite Gateway app is one of the apps responsible for the Satellite SOS features on Pixel phones. In the latest v20250707 of the Satellite Gateway app, we've spotted several bits of code that directly reference the feature within the context of a smartwatch: Code Copy Text " Here, ' references the Adaptive Connectivity Service app, which helps direct the UI for pointing your device towards a satellite for connection. We also see a mention of 'watchui' in the activity, which clearly indicates the feature making its way to a smartwatch. But is the emergency satellite communications feature coming to all Wear OS smartwatches? Several parts of the obfuscated code for the satellite connectivity feature includes checks like 'isPixelDevice:%s' and, more importantly, 'isPixelWatch:%s,' indicating that the feature is most likely destined only for the Pixel Watch. The next question is whether the emergency satellite communications feature will be exclusive to the Pixel Watch 4. We haven't spotted any code that specifically ties the emergency satellite communications to the Pixel Watch 4. Further, devices need specialized hardware for satellite connectivity. We've seen Google's biggest competitor, Apple, offer features like Emergency SOS via satellite for the Apple Watch, but this connection is routed through a compatible iPhone rather than undertaken through the smartwatch itself. It would make sense if Google adopts a similar route, as internal space is significantly constrained within a smartwatch. Suppose Google routes Pixel Watch 4's upcoming emergency satellite communications feature through the phone (potentially a Pixel phone only, i.e., serving merely as an extension for Satellite SOS on Pixel). In that case, there's also the possibility that the feature could come to older generations of the Pixel Watch. Don't hold your breath, though, as the company might keep the feature exclusive to the new watch hardware and only open it up to older watches through software updates farther in the future. Google hasn't shared any confirmation for the Pixel Watch 4 or its leaked Satellite SOS feature. We'll keep you updated when we learn more. Follow
