Apple has officially unveiled iPadOS 26, its most ambitious iPad software update to date. With a striking new design, a groundbreaking windowing system, deeper integration of Apple Intelligence, and powerful tools for creativity and productivity, the update reimagines what’s possible on iPad.
“iPadOS 26 is our biggest iPadOS release ever, with powerful features that take the experience to the next level and transform what users can do on iPad,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering.
A Bold New Look with Liquid Glass
iPadOS 26 introduces a visually rich interface built on a new material called Liquid Glass, offering dynamic, translucent aesthetics that shift based on user interaction and the environment. Updated app icons, vibrant light and dark themes, and refined navigation breathe new life into familiar apps like Safari, Mail, Music, and TV.
All-New Windowing System: Multitasking Reinvented
A standout innovation in iPadOS 26 is its intuitive new windowing system, designed specifically for iPad’s touch and Apple Pencil experience. Users can now:
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Resize and position windows freely
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Use familiar desktop-style controls for minimizing, closing, and tiling apps
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Open multiple windows per app and recall them in their previous state
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Group windows with Stage Manager or spread them across an external display
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Access new app menus via a smart menu bar with searchable options
Apple Intelligence Takes Center Stage
Apple’s new personal intelligence system is deeply woven into iPadOS 26, delivering smarter and more context-aware experiences, while prioritizing privacy.
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Live Translation works across Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, enabling seamless real-time communication across languages.
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Genmoji and Image Playground introduce playful, customizable visuals, with ChatGPT-style creative tools to generate art, emojis, and styles.
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Shortcuts gain AI-powered automation, allowing users to create workflows such as comparing transcriptions with handwritten notes.
File Management and Preview Supercharged
The Files app gets a major overhaul, offering customizable folders with emojis and colors, resizable columns, and the ability to pin folders to the dock. Users can also now set default apps for opening specific file types.
A dedicated Preview app arrives on iPad, allowing users to annotate, edit, and fill out PDFs with Apple Pencil. Combined with AutoFill and access to all stored files, it becomes a powerful tool for document handling.
Creative Tools for Audio and Video Pros
Leveraging Apple silicon, iPadOS 26 introduces Background Tasks for long processes, enhanced audio input control per app or website, Voice Isolation for clearer recordings, and Local Capture for high-quality AV content in conferencing apps. When paired with AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4, users gain studio-grade audio capture for calls and content creation.
Journaling, Gaming, and New Ways to Chat
The Journal app now comes to iPad, featuring location-based entries, multimedia support, and multiple journal categories. Meanwhile, the new Apple Games app becomes a central hub for gaming news, settings, and social features, supported by a Game Overlay interface.
In Messages, users can now apply animated chat backgrounds, use built-in polls, and access a redesigned group chat view. The Phone app also arrives on iPad, with features like Hold Assist and Call Screening for smoother call experiences.
Additional Enhancements
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A reed pen tool brings authentic calligraphy to Notes, Preview, and Markup.
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Calculator introduces 3D graphing in Math Notes.
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Notes supports Markdown import/export and integrates with Phone call transcripts.
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Accessibility Reader and Braille Access improve inclusivity, while Share Accessibility Settings allows for temporary configuration sharing.
Availability
Developers can test iPadOS 26 starting today via the Apple Developer Program. A public beta launches next month, with full release scheduled for fall 2025.
iPadOS 26 will be available on a range of devices including:
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iPad Pro (M4 and 3rd-gen or later 12.9″ models)
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iPad Air (3rd-gen and M2 or later)
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iPad (8th-gen and A16)
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iPad mini (5th-gen and A17 Pro)
Apple Intelligence features require supported devices like iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro models, and M1 or later iPads and Macs.
