With iPadOS 26, Apple is launching the most comprehensive update to the iPad operating system yet. The update introduces a new design, a completely redesigned windowing system, deeply integrated AI features, new apps, and numerous detailed improvements for everyday and professional use. Apple's goal is to make the iPad more flexible, powerful, and more customizable – for creative work, communication, organization, and entertainment.
The new features in iPadOS 26 affect almost every area of the system: from the user interface to multitasking and app usage to audio, video, and file management. New apps like Preview, Journal, and Apple Games expand the range of possible uses. Accessibility is also being improved and new tools for Apple Pencil and touch are being introduced. iPadOS 26 will be available as a free update starting this fall. Developers and beta testers can use it earlier.
New design with Liquid Glass
Apple has given the iPad a visual overhaul. The new design is based on a material called Liquid Glass. It's transparent, reflects the surroundings, responds to inputs, and brings content to the forefront. This makes the lock screen and Control Center appear more vibrant. App icons can be customized in light or dark colors and with new, clean designs. Navigation and controls have been expanded to many standard apps, such as Safari, Mail, Apple Music, and Apple TV.
Completely new window system
Multitasking works fundamentally differently in iPadOS 26. You can freely resize, adjust, and move windows, and use multiple apps side by side at once. Exposé clearly displays all open windows. Using familiar controls, you can minimize, close, or resize windows. Windows retain their position and size the next time you open them. Stage Manager has been further developed, and external displays are fully supported. A new menu bar lets you access commands with a swipe gesture or browse. Developers can also use the menu bar in their own apps.
Apple Intelligence
iPadOS 26 brings additional Apple Intelligence features to the iPad. This AI system processes tasks locally on the device to ensure privacy. It recognizes content, provides relevant suggestions, and automates processes. Features include:
- Live translation in messages, FaceTime and phone
- Automatic translation of incoming messages in group chats
- Transcription and reading of translated conversations
- Create personalized Genmojis with style options
- Image generation via Image Playground with new styles (e.g. oil painting)
- “Any Style” for custom image ideas with AI support
- Intelligent actions in shortcuts, such as text recognition or image generation
- Integration of Apple Intelligence models into your own workflows
Files app and file management
The Files app has been enhanced. It now displays more details in the list view and offers customizable columns and collapsible folders. Folders can be customized with colors, icons, and emojis. These customizations are synced across all devices. Folders can be dragged directly to the Dock. You can also now set a default opening app for specific file types.
Preview app on the iPad
Preview is new on iPad. The app lets you view, edit, and mark up PDFs and images directly with Apple Pencil or by touch. You can fill out PDF forms with AutoFill, create sketches, and add blank pages. All documents are directly accessible from the Files app.
Audio and video functions
For professional users, iPadOS 26 brings several new features:
- Long-running tasks such as exports are displayed as live activities
- A new API allows developers to control background tasks
- Microphones can be selected separately for each app or website
- Voice isolation filters out ambient noise during recording
- With certain AirPods you can record studio-quality audio
- Local Capture enables video recording directly from conference apps
- Echo cancellation ensures clear voice recording during meetings
New apps: Journal and Apple Games
With Journal, you can record personal entries – including text, drawings, photos, videos, locations, and mood. Multiple journals can be kept separately. A map view shows entries sorted by location. The Apple Games app offers a central overview of games, scores, events, and settings. With the Game Overlay, you can invite friends or chat with them – right while playing.
News and telephone
iPadOS 26 adds new features to the Messages app:
- Background images for chats, also created with Image Playground
- Polls in group conversations
- New detail view for quick media browsing
- Type displays in group chats
- Send and receive Apple Cash (US only)
- The phone app comes to the iPad for the first time
- “Hold Assist” and “Call Screening” help with call management
Further improvements and tools
- A new reed pen enables calligraphic writing in Notes, Preview, Freeform and more
- The calculator can now display 3D graphs in Math Notes
- Notes supports importing and exporting Markdown files
- Telephone conversations can be recorded and transcribed
- A system-wide accessibility reader improves access to texts
- New Braille support facilitates operation with a connected Braille display
- Accessibility settings can be shared between devices
availability
iPadOS 26 will be available as a free update starting in fall 2025. Its features are available on a wide range of iPads, including iPad Pro (M4 and later), iPad Air (M2), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and models with the M1 chip or later. Many Apple Intelligence features require an M1 chip or better. The public beta will be released in July through the Apple Beta Software Program.
iPadOS 26 takes your iPad to a new level
iPadOS 26 not only brings new features , but fundamentally changes how you use your iPad. More freedom for multitasking, smart assistance from Apple Intelligence, better tools for creative work, and thoughtful detail improvements make this update a clear step forward. Whether you're working productively, creating content, or simply using your iPad every day, iPadOS 26 brings the right innovations. (Image: Apple)
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- iOS 26 introduced: Apple brings major innovations to the iPhone
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- tvOS 26 significantly improves Apple TV – all information about the update
- Apple shows new design with Liquid Glass on all devices
