Apple has released iPadOS 26.4, introducing a new multitasking tool designed to help users manage multiple open windows more effectively. The update focuses on a “hidden windows” feature, addressing a common pain point for power users who juggle numerous tasks across different applications.
Streamlining the Multitasking Experience
Since the introduction of Stage Manager in iPadOS 26, Apple has worked to make the iPad feel more like a desktop computer. Stage Manager allows users to group, resize, and switch between apps, keeping active tasks in the foreground while others remain accessible in the background.
However, as users open more windows, it becomes increasingly easy to lose track of specific tasks. The new update addresses this with two primary methods for window retrieval:
- The App Icon Shortcut: If you have multiple windows open for a single app, you can long-press the app icon to select “Show All Windows” from the pop-up menu.
- The Hidden Windows Button: If several windows of the same app are tucked away, a button labeled “X Hidden Windows” (where X is the number of windows) will appear at the bottom of the screen. Tapping this instantly brings those windows back into view.
Practical Use and Limitations
While the feature provides a helpful safety net, it is not without its nuances. In practical testing, the “Hidden Windows” button only appears if the windows are completely hidden from view. If a window is even partially visible, the shortcut may not trigger.
For most users, this feature serves as a digital “memory aid.” It is particularly useful for preventing lost progress—such as a half-written message or a calendar invite that was never finalized—by making it clear that a task is still active in the background.
Device Compatibility
The iPadOS 26.4 update is available on a wide range of hardware, including:
- iPad Mini: 5th & 6th gen, and iPad Mini (A17 Pro)
- iPad: 8th to 10th gen, and iPad (A16)
- iPad Air: 3rd to 5th gen, and iPad Air 11-inch/13-inch (M2 to M4)
- iPad Pro: 11-inch (1st to 4th gen), 12.9-inch (3rd to 6th gen), and 13-inch (M4 to M5)
The Bigger Picture: Is the iPad Becoming a Mac?
This update is part of a broader trend of “desktop-ification” for the iPad. By adding features like window management controls (the red, yellow, and green buttons) and a menu bar, Apple is steadily blurring the line between mobile tablets and desktop computers.
This evolution raises an interesting question for the industry: as iPadOS continues to adopt Mac-like capabilities, will we eventually see similar advanced multitasking features brought to the iPhone, or will Apple maintain a strict functional divide between its mobile devices?
This update provides a much-needed organizational layer for heavy multitaskers, continuing Apple’s push to transform the iPad into a more capable professional workstation.
