iPadOS 26 introduces a significant new windowing system that brings Mac-like multitasking to the iPad. The update allows users to resize windows freely, overlap them, and adds a menu bar with direct Mac inspiration. While these changes are substantial, one particular setting has made the biggest difference for users transitioning from macOS.

Inside the Multitasking & Gestures menu in Settings, iPadOS 26 includes a new 'Automatically Show & Hide Dock' toggle. This setting, familiar to Mac users, works differently on iPad. While macOS always shows the dock unless in full-screen mode, iPadOS 26 lets users keep the dock visible even while working in apps. The key is ensuring app windows don't encroach on the dock's territory.

By enabling this setting and resizing windows appropriately, users can keep the dock constantly visible, making app switching easier and pairing nicely with the dock's new ability to hold Files app folders. For many, including the author, this single change has made their iPad feel more like a Mac than ever before. The dock setting represents Apple's continued effort to bridge the gap between iPad and Mac experiences while maintaining the iPad's unique touch-based interface.