Radical change is rarely instantaneous. Closer examination almost always reveals a journey and, quite often, careful planning. That's the true story of iPadOS 26, as told to me by the people who made it. But first, some history.
Apple's iPad could have been the star. The tablet was, after all, conceived before the iPhone, but Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs ultimately pivoted to the iPhone, and the rest is history. The iPad became a supporting player in the Apple show.
