The iPad Is (Finally) Becoming a Real Productivity Tool – Almost

At last, the iPad is transitioning into its potential.

With its latest update unveiled at WWDC, Apple has taken a giant step towards transforming the iPad into something more than a beautiful, oversized iPhone. Beyond the breathtaking new liquid glass look—a smooth, almost ethereal visual overhaul—they've finally introduced a windowed interface to iPadOS. That is, the type of multitasking arrangement that's been standard on basically every other desktop and tablet operating system for years.

It's a long-overdue change, but it's welcome. This update takes all that the iPad already did so well and pushes it one step closer to being a true laptop replacement. In many ways, it now seems like a Mac in tablet form. That level of performance and portability is exactly what individuals have been clamoring for.

There is always a catch, though.

The iPad still doesn't natively have WhatsApp. It's a small thing, but for someone who uses WhatsApp as a main communication channel—especially for work—it's a dealbreaker. Without it, I'm still tethered to my MacBook. So close, Apple. So close.

Wait it out, little iPad. You're getting better with each version. One or two more steps, and maybe—just maybe—I can finally retire the laptop.