The iPads 26 just made the entry-level iPad the best value for the lineup. Why (Video)

The biggest part of Apple’s keynote yesterday was the introduction of the iPados 26 for me. Apple finally opened Floodgates and provided everything to iPad users. There is a real multitasking window manager, a new menu toolbar, better background tasks, and a revamped file app. All of this has changed the way people move their iPads forward. But the great thing is that this isn’t just reserved for the iPad Pro over $1300. This currently works on an entry-level iPad for $299. Apple has put the entry-level iPad at its highest value on the computer. Let me explain.

Watch the video talking about the A16 iPad.

The entry-level iPad has always been a solid choice for students, casual, families, children, and those who simply need a work content consumption machine. Updated in 2024, there are several new internal specifications, making it a modern standard. Below are some of the core specifications you should know:

• A16 Bionic Chip
• 10.9 inch liquid retina display
• USB-C port
• Front scenery 12MP Ultra Wide (perfect for video calls)
• Starts with 128GB of storage
• Apple Pencil USB-C Support
• Magic Keyboard Folio Support
• price: $349 MSRP (often under $300 on Amazon)

So there’s a decent spec list that handles things like the new iPados 26 update! As for previous updates, the entry-level iPad didn’t get some of the pro-level features like stage manager and extended monitor support, but the new iPads 26 update brings a window management system that effectively transforms this into a Macos Lite iPad!

iPados 26 windows and multitasking

The biggest surprise for WWDC this year is the new Mac-like features and updates iPads have got, and even bigger surprise is that the iPad (A16) gets all these multitasking features!

For the first time, this iPad supports:

• True Window Multitasking – Resizing and overlapping multiple apps like Mac.
• New Window Layout – Snap windows side by side to move freely.
• Persistent floating apps – You can keep tools like music and messaging open while working on another app (up to 12 apps can be opened at once)
• Drag and Drop Between Windows – Dramatically smoothes your workflow (especially using trackpads).

All stage managers and multitasking capabilities were reserved for professional-level iPads or M-powered iPads. However, this new update will allow us to change this better and increase the accessibility of iPad users to get this experience without spending more than $1500.

Building a great power iPad setup for under $450

So if you go all out on an entry-level iPad and buy everything from Apple, it’s $350 on an iPad, $250 on a keyboard, $80 on a USB-C Apple Pencil, and nearly $700 on an entry-level iPad. That seems a little sudden. But now, going through Amazon and getting third-party accessories can be much cheaper.

So they’re all spending $434 (before tax) on the most versatile computers on the market. It’s a tablet, consumption machine, e-book, memoting devices, and even a full-scale computer replacement. This is the most impressive thing that the new iPados 26 update has made, making this experience more economically accessible.

Final Thoughts

If you were like me, you might have dismissed the entry-level iPad as a “kid-friendly” type of product, but it’s time to reevaluate where this iPad is. With the iPads 26, Apple gave it real functionality and quickly became the best backing device in the iPad lineup. One last thing to note is that Apple Intelligence still lacks functionality, but (for now), you are not too lacking and it should not shake you up.

Please tell us what you think. Have your iPads 26 rethink the entry-level iPad? Are you owning it and excited to update? Have you installed the beta version? Let’s discuss it!