After a full year of daily use on an M5 iPad Pro, iPadOS 26 proves to be the most substantial software upgrade in the tablet's history. The addition of proper app windowing transforms how I work, allowing free resizing and persistent dock placement that finally matches the hardware's capabilities.

Apple's Files app overhaul paired with the new Preview app brings file management nearly on par with macOS. The menu bar serves as a useful control hub, while Apple Journal extends beyond productivity features. These changes make iPadOS feel like a genuine computer operating system rather than a mobile OS stretched to tablet size.

However, persistent bugs undermine the premium experience. Apps crash regularly and reset windows to fullscreen despite the powerful hardware, while Slide Over actually regressed from iPadOS 18 functionality. Trackpad interactions suffer from laggy right-click responses and window management conflicts.

Despite these frustrations, iPadOS 26 establishes a solid foundation for future development. The update successfully bridges the gap between tablet convenience and desktop productivity, even if polish remains incomplete. It's the strongest iPad software iteration yet, warts and all.