APPLE REVERSES MULTITASKING CHANGE IN LATEST IPADOS 26 DEVELOPER BETA AFTER DEVELOPER BACKLASH

Apple's newest iPadOS 26 Developer Beta quietly reverses one of its most controversial design decisions, restoring a multitasking feature that developers and early testers had heavily criticized. The change marks a rare public retreat for Apple's software design team and highlights how the company is responding more directly to developer and user feedback during its beta cycles.

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THE FEATURE THAT STARTED THE DEBATE

Earlier iPadOS 26 betas removed the ability to freely resize app windows in Stage Manager, Apple's multitasking interface introduced with iPadOS 16. The restriction forced windows into preset grid alignments, mirroring macOS Sonoma’s default window behavior but frustrating professionals who rely on flexible layouts for productivity.

Developers and power users quickly voiced concern on forums, Reddit, and Apple's own Feedback Assistant, arguing that the change turned iPad multitasking into a “glorified split screen.” Many said it compromised workflows involving Pro apps like Final Cut Pro for iPad, Logic Pro, and Affinity Designer, where floating tool panels and preview windows are essential.

Apple now appears to have listened. The new iPadOS 26 Developer Beta (build 26.1.2) restores full manual window resizing and overlapping support in Stage Manager, reintroducing the dynamic multitasking model that users praised in iPadOS 17 and 18.

APPLE’S NEW FLEXIBILITY