iPadOS 26 public beta is here — how to download it now

How-to
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Check out all the new features coming to iPads

iPadOS 26 home screen on an iPad
(Image credit: Shutterstock/Apple)

iPadOS 26 arrives this fall and promises to bring a slew of updates for the best iPads capable of running the new software.

You’ll see the difference right away, as iPadOS 26 will utilize the same Liquid Glass design language coming to all of Apple’s software platforms. A new windowing system designed for iPads allows you to move and resize apps to your liking. Those apps should be more useful since they will communicate better with one another thanks to Apple Intelligence.

While we'll have to wait until the fall for the full release, you can get started with iPadOS 26 right now by downloading the public beta that just launched. And though safer than the developer beta, keep in mind that you might experience bugs that could negatively affect your iPad, so proceed with caution.

Here’s how to download the iPadOS 26 public beta.

iPadOS 26: Compatible devices

Before moving forward, you need to know if your iPad is compatible with iPadOS 26. Here's a list of all supported iPads.

  • iPad Pro (M4)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
  • iPad Air (M2 and later)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (A16)
  • iPad (8th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (A17 Pro)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)

Of the tablets that can run the current iPadOS 18, only the 7th-generation iPad has lost support with this update.

How to download the iPadOS 26 public beta

Before you install the beta, make sure to back up your iPad, just in case anything goes wrong and you need to return to iPadOS 18.

1. Sign into Apple's beta software program site

(Image: © Apple)

First, head to beta.apple.com and sign up for the beta software program.

2. Check for software updates

(Image: © Apple)

Launch the Settings app and tap General, followed by Software Update.

3. Select the iPadOS 26 public beta

(Image: © Apple)

If you have the latest version of iPadOS, the iPadOS 26 public beta may already be waiting for you. If not, tap Beta Updates and select the iPadOS 26 Public Beta from the list.

4. Download the beta

(Image: © Apple)

Select either Update Now, which will start the beta downloading right away, or Update Tonight, which will delay the beta until later. You'll be prompted to enter your passcode, and if you've selected Update Now, the download will commence. Downloading betas can take a while, so make sure your iPad has enough power or is attached to a charger when you're downloading the iPadOS 26 beta.

5. Install the beta

(Image: © Apple)

Once you've downloaded the beta, you'll be prompted to either install it now or wait until later. When installation is done, your iPad will restart. After you enter your passcode, iPadOS 26 will be installed and ready to test. The download could take a while.

And that's how you download the iPadOS 26 public beta! Again, if you're worried that this beta could introduce bugs or other performance issues, you can wait for the full release this fall.

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Tony Polanco
Tony Polanco
Senior Computing Writer

Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on X/Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

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