The star of last week’s WWDC25 keynote was the new iPadOS 26 windowing system. It’s not only a long-requested user feature, but it’s easily the best-designed and executed multitasking system the iPad has ever had. It’s an exciting change and one that will start a new chapter for the Apple’s tablet.
In an interview with Federico Viticci of MacStories, Apple’s Craig Federighi offers insight into the development of iPadOS 26. The Apple VP discusses how the company approached the new iPadOS for an “environment that had very simplicity at its core,” and how modern iPad technology helps enable iPadOS 26’s capabilities.
Like many others, when I first saw iPadOS 26’s windows and new UI elements, I thought I was looking at macOS–so much so that some users won’t be able to tell the difference at a quick glance. Which brings up the idea of the long-rumored hybrid touchscreen Mac device. But before we get carried away, Federighi put the kibosh on the idea when asked by Viticci. “We don’t want to create a boat car or, you know, a spork,” said Federighi, who also reiterated that each platform has its own reasons for existing.
He referred to a conversation between Steve Jobs and Walt Mossberg back in 2010 (not long after the iPad was introduced), where Jobs used the analogy of cars (iPads) and trucks (Macs), an analogy that Federighi contends still holds today. In case that’s not clear enough, Federighi then tells Viticci that he doesn’t think the iPad should run macOS. But he does say that Apple looked to the Mac for inspiration for iPadOS.
Of course, Apple has been adamant about things not happening in the past, like the iPad mini. But with rumors of a folding iPad, Apple has probably shelved any possibility of a touchscreen Mac, at least for now.
Viticci’s article isn’t just a conversation with Federighi. It examines the evolution of iPadOS, where it’s been, and where it could be headed. He provides keen insight as one who uses the iPad as his primary computing device. Give it a read.
Author: Roman Loyola, Senior Editor, Macworld
Roman is a Macworld Senior Editor with over 30 years of experience covering the tech industry, focusing on the Mac and other products in the Apple ecosystem. He is also the host of the Macworld Podcast. His career started at MacUser, where he received Apple certification as a repair technician (when Apple did that kind of thing). He's also worked for MacAddict, MacLife, and TechTV.