Apple today previewed iPadOS 26, calling it the most powerful and feature-packed update ever for iPad. The release introduces a stunning new design, a groundbreaking windowing system, and deep integration of Apple Intelligence. It also brings major improvements to file management, creative tools, multitasking, and communication.

A New Look for iPad

iPadOS 26 brings a visually expressive update with Liquid Glass, a translucent material that reacts to user input and surroundings, adding depth and motion across the UI. The redesigned Lock Screen, Control Centre, app icons, and widgets offer more personalisation with light and dark tints, dynamic appearances, and a stunning clear mode.

The design update also extends to system apps like Safari, Mail, Music, Apple TV, and more, making the overall experience more cohesive and immersive.

Intuitive Multitasking with New Windowing System

A completely new windowing system transforms how users multitask. Apps can now be resized, moved, tiled, and recalled in their last-used position. Exposé allows users to view all open windows at once, while Stage Manager and external display support continue to provide more flexibility for power users.

A new menu bar gives users quick access to app commands with a swipe or cursor, and developers can now customise it for their own apps.

Apple Intelligence Across the System

Apple Intelligence becomes even more deeply integrated into iPadOS 26. Features like Live Translation work across Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, translating both audio and text in real time while maintaining user privacy through on-device processing.

Users can now create Genmoji and customise them with expressions and personal traits. Image Playground lets users generate images based on descriptions or use styles like oil painting for Contact Posters. Shortcuts has also been supercharged with intelligent actions and the ability to summarise text or create AI-generated images directly.

Enhanced File Management

The Files app receives its most powerful update yet. Users can view document details in resizable columns and collapsible folders, customise folder icons with colours and emojis, and drag folders to the Dock for quicker access. Default apps can now be set for specific file types.

Preview App Comes to iPad

The Preview app, long available on macOS, is now on iPad. Users can open, annotate, and fill PDF forms with Apple Pencil or touch. The app integrates directly with Files, letting users access, mark up, and organise documents easily.

Advanced Audio and Video Features

Creative professionals gain new tools in iPadOS 26. Background Tasks allow long-running processes to continue with Live Activities for progress tracking. Developers can leverage an updated Background Tasks API.

Audio input selection now supports per-app and per-website control. Voice Isolation improves recording quality, while studio-grade recording is now available with AirPods 4, AirPods 4 ANC, and AirPods Pro 2. Users can record their side of video calls with Local Capture, and Echo Cancellation ensures clear, isolated audio.

New Apps and Features

Journal, previously exclusive to iPhone, arrives on iPad with Apple Pencil support and new tools like map view for location-based entries.

The all-new Apple Games app serves as a central hub for game updates, events, and Apple Arcade titles. Game Overlay lets users access settings, friend invites, and calls without leaving a game.

In Messages, users can personalise chats with custom Backgrounds, create Polls, and view shared content with a new details view. Group chats are enhanced with typing indicators and Apple Cash support. The Phone app also makes its debut on iPad, complete with Hold Assist and Call Screening.

Additional Tools and Accessibility Updates

• The new reed pen mimics traditional calligraphy in Notes, Freeform, Journal, and more.
• The Calculator app now supports 3D graphing through Math Notes.
• Notes gains markdown export/import and audio transcription support.
• Accessibility Reader enhances readability across apps, while Braille Access improves compatibility with braille displays.
• Share Accessibility Settings lets users temporarily apply their settings to another device.

Availability

Developers can test iPadOS 26 today via the Apple Developer Program. A public beta will be available next month at beta.apple.com. The official release arrives this fall for the following devices:

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

Apple Intelligence features require devices with M1 or newer chips, iPhone 15 Pro series, and iPad mini (A17 Pro). Supported languages at launch include English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese, with more languages coming by year’s end.