Apple's upcoming iPadOS 26.4 update brings back the Compact Tab Bar in Safari after its removal in iPadOS 26. The feature, accessible through Settings > Apps > Safari, condenses tabs, buttons, and the address bar into a single row to maximize screen space. Users can still choose the 'Separate Tab Bar' option if preferred.

Another productivity enhancement addresses window management in iPadOS 26.4. The new 'Hidden Windows' popup appears when multiple windows are open, showing how many windows are running and allowing quick access to all of them. This helps users track and close unnecessary windows to preserve computing power.

The update also introduces AI-powered features to Apple Music and Freeform. Playlist Playground lets users create custom playlists using text prompts, with suggestions available or custom instructions accepted. Freeform gains Creator Studio features including OpenAI image creation, premium image content hub, AI crop suggestions, and upscaling for low-resolution images.