When Apple first introduced the iPad Pro, it came with bold claims: powerful chips, a large display, and accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil. The message was clear—this isn’t just a tablet; it’s your next computer. But for years, users and professionals alike felt the gap between promise and reality. iPadOS, with its limitations, always held back the hardware’s potential.

Now, with iPadOS 26, showcased at WWDC25, Apple seems determined to change that. But has it done enough? And more importantly—is the iPad Pro finally a computer, or just a more capable tablet?

Desktop-Class Features, Finally on a Tablet

The most striking features of iPadOS 26 revolve around its new development capabilities, including Xcode Mini, enhanced terminal support, and native git integration. For the first time, developers can run, test, and build Swift-based projects directly on iPad. Coupled with full external display support and improved Stage Manager, the multitasking experience now closely mimics macOS.

File handling has also improved. Apps can now access a shared container with more relaxed sandboxing, and Apple introduced a new “Pro Files” mode, allowing apps like Filza File Manager to offer much deeper file system access—something previously reserved for jailbroken devices.

The Experience Is Better, But Still Fragmented

Despite the improvements, iPadOS 26 still suffers from some key limitations:

Xcode Mini isn’t full Xcode—advanced workflows and package dependencies are still limited.
Terminal access is sandboxed and lacks root-level controls unless you're using developer entitlements.
Background tasks and process scheduling remain restricted compared to macOS.
Full desktop browser support is still inconsistent—Safari on iPad feels like it’s halfway between iOS and macOS.
In essence, you can now do more, but you're still being reminded it’s a tablet.

Hardware No Longer the Bottleneck

With Apple’s M4 chip powering the latest iPad Pro, there’s no question about performance. It matches, and in some cases surpasses, the MacBook Air in raw speed and graphics capability. The bottleneck is now entirely software, and iPadOS 26 is Apple’s clearest attempt yet to remove that friction.

Developers can finally edit and test real-world code. Designers can run full versions of apps like Affinity Photo and Final Cut Pro for iPad. Musicians can use multi-track DAWs with plug-in support. But for professionals managing files, working with shell scripts, or building cross-platform software, the experience is still watered down compared to macOS.

Enter Third-Party Tools

For users looking to push boundaries further, tools like Filza File Manager—available via TopStore—offer system-level browsing, advanced file management, and even access to areas of the iPadOS filesystem that Apple restricts. While Apple has opened some doors with iPadOS 26, platforms like TopStore continue to support those who want more flexibility without jailbreaking.

Filza isn't an IDE or development platform on its own, but it unlocks file-level control essential for power users, developers, and tinkerers alike.

Final Verdict: A Step Forward, Not a Full Leap

iPadOS 26 is Apple’s strongest move yet toward turning the iPad Pro into a true productivity device. For students, creators, and light developers, it may finally be enough. But for hardcore devs and professionals who demand full control, macOS is still irreplaceable.

Still, the gap is closing. And with each new iPadOS version, Apple inches closer to delivering on its promise: a tablet that’s also your computer—if you’re willing to accept the trade-offs.