iPadOS 26 is going to be a big deal. Announced during Apple's annual WWDC event, the operating system for the best iPads is getting a serious visual update thanks to the Liquid Glass design language coming to all Apple devices.
Liquid Glass is a universal design meant to bring better visual harmony between devices. Though unified, each platform will keep its distinctive look. For iPadOS, icons will be more rounded to better conform to the tablet's rounded edges. Apps and other elements sit above content and dynamically shift, depending on your actions.
iPadOS 26 has new features that make it easier to work, control, organize, and switch between app windows. This new windowing system allows folks to more seamlessly resize app windows and place them precisely where they want. Apple Intelligence should also be more useful on iPads since apps will better communicate with one another.
Here is everything you need to know about iPadOS 26.
iPadOS 26: Quick facts
- Liquid Glass UI coming to iPadOS 26
- New windowing system allows for easier app customization
- Apple Intelligence allows better communication between apps
- Easier file management
- Enhanced audio and video recordings
iPadOS 26: Availability
iPadOS 26 is now available for testing through the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com.
A public beta will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program next month at beta.apple.com.
iPadOS 26: Compatible devices
iPadOS 26 will be available as a free update for these 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)
Note that Apple Intelligence features are only available for iPads with the M1 chip or higher.
iPadOS 26: Liquid Glass design
The biggest change coming to iPad and all Apple devices is a brand-new design language called Liquid Glass.
While Liquid Glass delivers a visual overhaul, it maintains the simplicity and familiarity of iPadOS. As its name suggests, the UI has a glass-like quality that reflects and refracts its surroundings. On top of that, it reacts to your inputs and dynamically transforms to let you better focus on whatever you’re watching or working on. The Lock Screen and Control Center will also take advantage of the new UI.
You’ll be able to personalize your Home Screen with updated app icons that come in different hues and lighting. There will also be updated controls and navigation for apps like Mail, Safari, Apple TV, Apple Music, and more.
iPadOS 26: New windowing system
iPadOS 26 won’t exactly function like macOS 26, but the new windowing system should make it easier to get work done on Apple’s tablet. Perhaps more importantly, it’s designed to work seamlessly with the iPad’s touchscreen.
Window controls let you easily close, minimize, resize, or tile windows to your liking. For example, if you previously resized an app, it will open back up in the same size and position when you open it again. A feature called Exposé allows you to quickly see all your open windows spread out, which allows you to easily flip between the apps you need.
Stage Manager works with the new windowing system, so if you want to group your windows into distinct stages, and with an external display, you’ll be able to do so. There’s also a new menu bar that gives you access to an app’s commands with a simple swipe down from the top of the display or by moving your cursor to the top. You can quickly find a specific feature or related tips within an app by using search in the menu bar.
iPadOS 26: Apple Intelligence
As expected, iPadOS 26 will receive the latest Apple Intelligence features.
One major feature is Live Translations for Phone, FaceTime and Messages. For instance, incoming texts in Messages (including group messages) get automatically translated into your preferred language. On FaceTime, you can follow along with translated live captions while still hearing the speaker’s voice. On Phone, the translation is spoken aloud during the conversation.
Other updates include greater personalization for Genmoji and Image Playground, with the latter being helped by ChatGPT. Shortcuts will have new intelligent actions that let you create shortcuts like summarizing text with Writing Tools and creating images with Image Playground. You can tap into Apple Intelligence models that give you responses that feed into other shortcuts.
iPadOS 26: Other features
Managing, accessing and editing files should be easier on iPadOS 26 thanks to the enhanced Files app. New features like an updated List view allow you to see more of your document details in resizable columns and collapsible folders. New folder customization options like custom colors, icons and emoji make it easier to identify folders at a glance. Other features include the ability to drag any folder from Files to the Dock, and setting default apps to open specific files or file types.
Preview is coming to iPad to let you view, edit and mark up PDFs and images with Apple Pencil or by touch. You can access all of your PDFs and images in the Files app from Preview, create an empty page, use Apple Pencil to draw and write on it, and use AutoFill to fill out PDF Forms.
iPadOS 26 brings new audio and video recording features. For instance, you’ll have better control over your audio input with the ability to choose different microphones for each app and even individual websites. With Local capture, you can produce high-quality recordings right on your iPad with any video conferencing app. Features like Voice Isolation and Echo cancellation should ensure everything sounds clean and clear.
Outlook
Though it doesn't seem like iPadOS 26 will be as functional as macOS 26, the new features coming to the operating system certainly get us another step closer. The windowing feature isn't exactly new if you're a Windows 11 user, but having it on iPad and working well with touch controls is still a boon for iPad users.
We'll bring you the latest iPadOS 26 updates, so make sure to bookmark this page so you don't miss out!
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