What’s new in iPadOS 26?

iPadOS 26 is set to release in Fall 2025.

iPadOS, Apple’s purpose-built software platform for the iPad, made its first official appearance in 2019 alongside the launch of iPadOS 13. Before that, iPads operated on a modified version of iOS, which was primarily crafted for the iPhone. As the iPad’s capabilities expanded—with features like expansive screens, Apple Pencil functionality, and seamless keyboard integration—it became apparent that a more tailored operating system was necessary. Apple responded by carving out a new identity for the iPad’s software, introducing iPadOS to spotlight its growing independence. The inaugural version introduced robust multitasking tools, a desktop-class browsing experience in Safari, and support for plugging in external storage devices.

From its inception, iPadOS has continued to grow more sophisticated, incorporating macOS-like features while preserving its intuitive, touch-optimized interface. iPadOS 14 brought cleaner UI elements and the Scribble feature for handwriting-to-text with Apple Pencil. The release of iPadOS 15 further sharpened multitasking with the addition of the Shelf, App Library, and streamlined controls for window management. iPadOS 16 was a game-changer for M1-equipped iPads, debuting Stage Manager—a feature that allowed apps to be resized and layered like on a desktop—nudging the iPad even closer to laptop territory. That version also introduced advanced productivity tools, better file management, and richer external display capabilities.

By the time iPadOS 18 launched in 2024, Apple had fully leaned into the iPad’s dual nature as a powerhouse for both creativity and productivity. That update introduced Apple Intelligence (on compatible devices), refined handwriting accuracy, and broader options for personalizing the interface. Throughout its journey, iPadOS has carved out its own niche—bridging the gap between iPhone and Mac by blending the best of both worlds. It reflects the evolving nature of the iPad itself: a device equally at home as a media playground or a professional-grade workspace.

What changes are coming in iPadOS 26?

Liquid Glass Redesign
With iPadOS 26, Apple unveils a striking new aesthetic overhaul called “Liquid Glass.” Drawing inspiration from visionOS and the retro-futuristic flair of macOS Tahoe, this fresh design language reshapes the visual feel of iPad. The user interface now glows with smooth transparency, layered fluidity, and icons that dynamically adapt to user interactions. Rounded edges and glass-inspired effects add depth and elegance, giving the entire system a sleek, cohesive, and forward-looking appearance.

A Desktop-Class Windowing Experience
iPadOS 26 redefines multitasking by introducing a full-fledged windowing environment reminiscent of macOS. Apps can now open in resizable windows complete with the familiar red-yellow-green traffic-light buttons for managing them. Swiping down from the top of any window reveals a new macOS-style menu bar, offering direct access to app menus and system controls. A revamped Exposé feature lets users visualize all active windows and spaces at once. This replaces the older Split View and Slide Over approaches, while still supporting Stage Manager on capable iPads.

A Smarter, Sharper Files App
File management on iPad reaches new heights with the redesigned Files app. A flexible list view now supports resizable columns and collapsible folder trees, making organization more intuitive. Users can tag folders with custom colors, icons, and even emojis—which sync seamlessly across all their Apple devices. Favorite folders can be pinned to the Dock for instant access. And for the first time, users can assign default apps for specific file types, bringing the iPad one step closer to desktop-level functionality.

macOS-Inspired Preview App
At long last, the beloved Preview app finds its home on iPad. This all-purpose viewer and markup tool empowers users to annotate PDFs and images, sign forms, sketch ideas, and more—using either touch or Apple Pencil. With the arrival of Preview, iPad gains a feature-rich utility long associated with macOS power users.

Four Brand-New Stock Apps
iPadOS 26 ships with four fresh Apple apps that significantly expand the platform’s capabilities. The Phone app syncs with your iPhone, enabling voice calls, voicemail access, call screening, Hold Assist, and live on-call translations. Journal offers a personalized space to write, draw, and record thoughts using Apple Pencil, voice memos, and location tagging. Games unifies Apple Arcade, Game Center, events, and leaderboards into a central hub—complete with an in-game overlay for stats and achievements. And, as previously noted, Preview now comes pre-installed to round out the toolkit.

Performance and Media Gains Under the Hood
Underneath the sleek new visuals, iPadOS 26 brings powerful upgrades for creators and pros. The new Background Tasks API lets apps carry out long operations quietly in the background, updating users via Live Activities. Local Capture introduces high-quality audio and video recording, including HEVC video and FLAC audio—ideal for content creators and media professionals. Advanced audio routing enables per-app control over input and output devices, while features like Voice Isolation and external mic support raise the bar for podcasting and streaming on iPad.

New Tools for Creators and Knowledge Workers
iPadOS 26 adds new layers of creativity and utility. A fresh reed pen mode delivers elegant, stylized strokes for handwriting and calligraphy fans. The long-awaited Calculator app arrives with support for advanced equations, graphing in 3D, and dynamic variables. In Notes, users can now import/export in Markdown and even record phone calls—with transcriptions handled by Apple Intelligence. Shortcuts receives a major boost, now offering AI-powered automations that can generate visuals, extract summaries from documents, and much more. Meanwhile, Safari introduces floating, rounded tabs, HDR image rendering, beefed-up privacy controls, and smoother handling of SVG files.

Messaging, FaceTime, and Accessibility Overhaul
Communication and inclusion get major attention in iPadOS 26. Live Translation now works across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, offering real-time multilingual conversations. Messages adds polls, custom backgrounds, real-time typing indicators, and better spam defense. FaceTime gains hold assistance, caller screening for unknown numbers, and live-translated subtitles. Accessibility takes a leap forward with tools like Braille Access, Accessibility Reader, real-time multilingual captions, Name Recognition via sound, Assistive Access, and the ability to export and share personalized accessibility profiles across your Apple ecosystem.

What iPads are supported on iPad OS 26?

Apple’s iPadOS 26 rolls out across a broad array of iPads but officially sunsets support for devices running the A10 Fusion chip and earlier. That means models like the iPad (7th generation) and anything older are now off the update path. Devices starting from the iPad (8th generation) onward—including the 9th and 10th generation—remain fully in the game and can update without issue.

The iPad mini family retains support for both the 5th and 6th generation models. While these pint-sized performers meet the core requirements of iPadOS 26, they don’t have the hardware to power Apple Intelligence, meaning AI features are left off the table.

In the iPad Air lineup, compatibility begins with the 3rd generation model and continues through to the latest releases. However, only the iPad Air (5th generation)—equipped with the M1 chip—unlocks access to Apple Intelligence features. While the 3rd and 4th generation Airs can install the new OS, they won’t benefit from the new AI-driven capabilities.

When it comes to iPad Pro, Apple casts a wide net. The update is available for all devices starting from the 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and 11-inch (1st generation) models. However, only models running Apple Silicon—namely the M1, M2, or M4 chips—can harness the full potential of Apple Intelligence. This includes the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro (M4, 2024), the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th and 6th generation), and the 11-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation) or newer. Older Pro models with A-series chips can still upgrade to iPadOS 26 but will miss out on the AI enhancements.

Bottom line: If your iPad packs at least an A12 Bionic chip, you’re good to go with iPadOS 26. But if you’re aiming to unlock everything Apple Intelligence has to offer, you’ll need a model powered by M1 or later.

📱 iPadOS 26 Compatibility Chart

How Do I prepare to upgrade to iPadOS 26?

Before diving into iPadOS 26, start by making sure your device makes the cut. This version requires an A12 Bionic chip or newer, which means only the iPad (8th generation and up), iPad mini (5th generation or newer), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), and iPad Pro models from 2018 onward are eligible. If you’re using something like the 7th-gen iPad, you’re out of luck—this upgrade simply isn’t in the cards. Verifying compatibility upfront saves time and frustration.

Next on the prep list: backing up your iPad. This is a must. Head to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now to create a cloud-based backup. Prefer a local copy? Plug your iPad into a Mac or PC and use Finder or iTunes to save everything locally. If the install hits a snag, you’ll be grateful your data is safe and sound.

With your backup complete, make sure your iPad is either fully charged or plugged in—you don’t want the battery running out mid-update. These installs can take a solid 30 minutes or more. Also, connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network. This is a large update, and Wi-Fi ensures both speed and stability. Apple strongly discourages updating over cellular data due to possible interruptions and slower performance.

You’ll also want to clear up some storage space before starting. iPadOS 26 may need 5 to 8 GB of free space to install cleanly. Navigate to Settings > General > iPad Storage to check what’s eating up room. Deleting old apps, archiving unused files, or offloading media to iCloud or your computer can free up the space you need in a flash.

Before you hit install, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with what’s new. iPadOS 26 brings major changes: a stunning new Liquid Glass design, a macOS-style windowing system, and fresh stock apps like Journal, Games, and Preview. Got an M1 chip or newer? You’re also getting Apple Intelligence—including smart features like Genmoji, on-device summaries, and context-aware replies. Knowing what’s ahead helps you get up to speed fast.

Now’s also the time to update your apps. Open the App Store and make sure everything is up to date. Developers often release new versions optimized for major iPadOS changes, and running outdated apps can lead to bugs or broken features.

If you’ve been testing a beta version of iPadOS 26, be sure to remove the beta profile before switching to the final public build. Just head to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, find the beta profile, and delete it. This ensures you’ll receive the stable official release, not another test build.

Finally, schedule your update wisely. Set aside some time when your iPad isn’t critical—maybe in the evening or over the weekend. Avoid updating when you’re traveling, in the middle of a workday, or up against a deadline. If something unexpected happens, you’ll want time and flexibility to troubleshoot.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be all set for a smooth, safe transition to iPadOS 26—ready to explore everything it has to offer.

Are there reasons I would not want to upgrade to iPadOS 26?

While iPadOS 26 delivers a wave of exciting features and visual upgrades, it may not be the right move for every user right out of the gate—especially if stability, app reliability, or workflow consistency is mission-critical for you.

A top reason to wait? App readiness. Most major developers race to support new OS versions, but smaller studios or niche tools might lag behind. If you rely on specific apps for work, school, or creative production, it’s smart to double-check that they’re fully functional under iPadOS 26. A surprise crash or missing feature could bring your productivity to a screeching halt.

Another consideration is performance on older devices. Although the update technically supports iPads with the A12 chip and newer, not all iPads will run it with the same finesse. Devices like the iPad (8th generation) or iPad Air (3rd generation) might feel the strain when navigating the new windowing system or juggling multitasking features. If your iPad already feels sluggish on recent updates, iPadOS 26 could make things worse instead of better—at least until further refinements are released.

Then there’s the early bug factor. Major iPadOS launches often ship with minor but pesky issues—unexpected battery drain, glitchy Bluetooth connections, or flaky Wi-Fi performance. Apple usually issues quick follow-ups (like iPadOS 26.0.1 or 26.1) to squash these bugs. If your iPad is a critical tool—for teaching, presenting, or client work—it might be wise to wait until the first patches roll out and things settle down.

Also worth thinking about: adjusting to new multitasking mechanics. iPadOS 26 shakes things up by introducing a macOS-like windowing system and phasing out Split View and Slide Over. For some users, this shift is a huge win. But for others who have built their muscle memory around the old system, it could cause confusion or temporary drops in efficiency. If your workflow thrives on familiarity, the learning curve might be more hassle than help—at least at first.

Finally, remember that not all features are available to everyone. If your iPad doesn’t have an M1 chip or newer, you’ll miss out on headline features like Apple Intelligence, Genmoji, and on-device Smart Reply. If you’re running an A-series chip and already content with iPadOS 17 or 18, you may find fewer compelling reasons to upgrade immediately.

In short, while iPadOS 26 is packed with potential, it may not be the right move right now for everyone. If your device is on the older side, your workflow depends on app stability, or you’re hesitant about major interface changes, the best move might be to sit tight for a few weeks. Keep an eye on app updates, read user reviews, and let early adopters test the waters before diving in yourself.

Why iPadOS 26 and not iPadOS 19?

Apple’s leap from iPadOS 18 straight to iPadOS 26, bypassing versions 19 through 25 entirely, is a deliberate move aimed at bringing harmony to the numbering schemes of its core platforms. This renumbering strategy underscores the increasing convergence of iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS, signaling a shift in the iPad’s identity—from a standalone tablet OS to a key player in Apple’s broader, interconnected ecosystem. By synchronizing version numbers with macOS (now at version 26 “Tahoe”) and visionOS, Apple is making it clear: these systems are growing from a shared blueprint and moving toward a unified technological future.

The version jump also serves a symbolic purpose: to call attention to the magnitude of the changes introduced. iPadOS 26isn’t just another annual refresh—it’s a milestone update, bringing transformative features like desktop-style windowing, brand-new apps, and the debut of Apple Intelligence on iPad. By skipping ahead numerically, Apple frames this release as a paradigm shift akin to a full macOS upgrade rather than just a standard feature bump. This helps users grasp that something truly substantial has arrived.

From a branding standpoint, a bigger version number conveys a sense of advancement and innovation. By leaping forward, Apple creates the impression of a giant stride, not a baby step. It sets the newest release apart from previous ones in a dramatic fashion, giving marketers a clearer narrative and users a stronger sense of progress.

There’s also a practical benefit for developers and the broader Apple ecosystem. Unified version numbers across platforms reduce ambiguity when it comes to compatibility and shared APIs. This consistency streamlines app development, simplifies documentation, and clarifies which capabilities are available where—making life easier for everyone building in the Apple universe.

All in all, iPadOS 26 represents more than a new number—it’s a statement of intent. Apple is positioning the iPad as a fully integrated, high-powered computing platform, marking a significant evolution in how the device fits into its expanding software landscape.

How does iPadOS 26 close the gap with iOS and macOS, how does it compare?

iPadOS 26 marks Apple’s most determined push yet to blur the lines between the iPad, iPhone, and Mac—bringing them into tighter alignment in both aesthetics and capabilities. Historically, iPadOS has lived in a hybrid space: more robust than iOS but not quite as feature-rich as macOS. With this release, Apple is closing that gap, advancing the iPad’s role as a powerful, standalone computing device while still embracing its distinct strengths.

The centerpiece of this evolution is the debut of a true desktop-style windowing system. Departing from iOS’s limited multitasking model, iPadOS 26 now lets users open and arrange multiple resizable windows, complete with macOS-style traffic-light buttons to minimize, maximize, or close them. A new swipe gesture reveals a dynamic menu bar, offering quick access to app functions and system tools, while an Exposé-style overview helps manage open apps and workspaces with ease. Together, these additions give the iPad a level of multitasking sophistication once exclusive to Macs—without sacrificing its touch-friendly nature.

Visually, iPadOS 26 embraces Apple’s new “Liquid Glass” aesthetic, inspired by macOS Tahoe and visionOS. This design language uses semi-transparent layers, glass-like textures, and soft gradients to create a sense of depth and harmony across Apple’s ecosystem. The result is an interface that feels unified whether you’re switching between an iPad, iPhone, Mac, or even a spatial device like Vision Pro.

Even with all these desktop-grade enhancements, iPadOS 26 remains firmly rooted in a touch-first experience. Apple Pencil support, gesture-based controls, and tablet-optimized app layouts remain central to the platform. New apps like Phone, Journal, and Preview—longtime staples on the Mac—make their iPad debut, offering expanded functionality while still tailored to the iPad’s unique input methods.

On the intelligence front, iPadOS 26 shares many of the same AI-powered features as iOS and macOS, including Live Translation, contextual summaries, and speech-to-text capabilities. Devices powered by M1 chips and newer can run these features on-device, taking advantage of the iPad’s hardware for fast, private, and seamless performance across the Apple ecosystem.

In short, iPadOS 26 draws the iPad ever closer to the Mac in power and design, while still honoring its identity as a versatile, mobile-first device. It combines the best of both worlds—macOS’s productivity tools and iPadOS’s intuitive touch experience—pushing the iPad further into the territory of a true laptop replacement.

• 
  What is the iPhone Air?
• 
  What does it mean when an external hard drive format is for Mac or for Windows?
• 
  Designed by Apple in California. Loved in Colorado.
• 
  How do I migrate my iTunes and App Store purchases to another Apple Account.
• 
  Boulder Mac Repair is currently purchasing Apple Devices for resale.
• 
  What’s new in iOS 26?
• 
  What’s new in iPadOS 26?
• 
  What’s new in macOS 26 Tahoe?