iPadOS 26 expands Stage Manager support to more iPads: What it means for iPad users

Stage Manager is now available on more iPads
Apple has broadened support significantly. The feature now works on:
• 13” iPad Pro (M4)
• 12.9” iPad Pro (3rd gen and later)
• 11” iPad Pro (1st gen and later)
• iPad Air (3rd gen and later)
• iPad mini (5th gen and later)
• iPad (8th gen and later)

All compatible iPads get new windowing
Regardless of whether you use Stage Manager, iPadOS 26 brings Mac-style windowing to all supported models. You can now freely resize, layer, and rearrange app windows — a first for non-Pro iPads.

Stage Manager becomes optional, not default
Stage Manager is now just one multitasking option. Users can activate it via the Settings app. This gives you the flexibility to stick with the standard multitasking model or switch to a more desktop-like experience.

Classic Stage Manager benefits still apply
You can still group apps into different workspaces, move between them easily, and enjoy a focused, clutter-free experience. It’s ideal for power users juggling multiple workflows.

“Traffic light” controls come to iPads
When in Stage Manager, apps now get familiar Mac-style red-yellow-green window controls. These allow easier resizing, minimizing, or full-screening — again, very Mac-like.

External display support still limited
Despite wider iPad support, external display multitasking in Stage Manager remains restricted to M1-chip iPads and newer. Older devices get on-device Stage Manager, but not second-screen support.

Apple softens its stance on performance limits
Initially, Apple claimed Stage Manager needed the power of M1 to meet its “quality standards.” But with iPadOS 26, the company has clearly walked that back, bringing Stage Manager to a broader range of iPads — possibly in response to user feedback and performance tuning.