iPadOS is becoming more like MacOS
iPadOS 26 introduces a new toggle allowing the dock to remain visible within applications, enhancing the iPad’s functionality to resemble macOS, according to 9to5Mac. The update to iPadOS 26 incorporates a redesigned windowing system for applications, enabling free resizing and overlapping of windows, a capability that Stage Manager previously attempted. This system operates similarly to window management on a Mac. Furthermore, iPadOS 26 integrates a menu bar, drawing inspiration from the Mac interface. These additions contribute to a more Mac-like user experience on the iPad.
A key feature contributing to this resemblance is a new setting located within the Multitasking & Gestures menu of the Settings app in iPadOS 26, labeled “Automatically Show & Hide Dock.” This option, while familiar to macOS users, operates with a distinct behavior on iPadOS. On macOS, the dock is typically visible by default unless the user opts for automatic hiding or an application is in full-screen mode, with the setting termed “Automatically hide and show the Dock.”
Image credit: 9to5Mac
On the iPad, the dock is consistently visible on the Home Screen. However, within applications, it generally remains hidden unless specifically invoked. The new “Automatically Show & Hide Dock” toggle in iPadOS 26 allows the dock to stay visible even when users are actively working inside applications. For this functionality to be active, two specific conditions must be met: the application window cannot be in full-screen mode, and the window must not occupy the bottom portion of the screen where the dock is positioned. When these requirements are satisfied, the dock remains visible during in-app usage.
This persistent dock visibility is intended to facilitate easier application switching. It also complements the dock’s newly added capability to hold folders directly from the Files app. Enabling this setting and adjusting window sizes to accommodate the visible dock significantly alters the user experience, making the iPad feel more akin to a Mac. This enhancement is part of a broader effort to improve productivity features within iPadOS 26.