Last year, Apple reinvented iPad multitasking with windowing in iPadOS 26, initially removing simpler options like Split View and Slide Over. While those features eventually returned, they required using the new clunky windowing system. Despite hoping iPadOS 27 would improve the experience, the author argues the situation remains problematic.

The current system forces users to choose between full-screen apps or the complex windowing mode, lacking flexibility for casual iPad use. The author proposes a dual-option solution: a "Classic" mode offering full-screen apps with Slide Over and Split View choices, and a "Pro" mode retaining the windowing system with an optional Stage Manager toggle. This approach would cater to both laptop-replacement users and those wanting a simpler iPad experience.

The critique highlights that dragging windows incorrectly can accidentally trigger Split View, and long-pressing traffic lights for toggles feels unintuitive for basic usage. Ultimately, bringing back a simple multitasking option would significantly improve the experience for users who view the iPad as a tablet first.