iPadOS and macOS used to be very different platforms, but since iPadOS 26, the two have become increasingly similar. This trend continues with iPadOS 27, which introduces three new features that make the iPad more Mac-like than ever.

The first feature adds app names to the status bar. While working on an M5 iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard, the lack of a clear 'active app' indicator has been a long-standing issue for keyboard users. Now, iPadOS 27 displays the active app's name next to status bar elements like time and date, mirroring the Mac's approach of showing the active app in the top-left corner.

The second feature offers an always-on menu bar. Last year, Apple brought the menu bar to iPad for the first time, but unlike the Mac, it would only appear when explicitly summoned. iPadOS 27 adds a new toggle under Multitasking & Gestures called 'Automatically Show and Hide Menu Bar.' With this turned off, the menu bar stays visible at all times.

The third feature brings Mac-like speed for everyday tasks. Apple focused on bug fixes this year, resulting in faster context menus when using a cursor, file browsing and transfers that are up to 5x faster, more responsive app launches, and quicker window management.

These changes represent a significant step toward bridging the gap between iPad and Mac experiences.