iPadOS 26 superguide: What you need to know about the new iPad update

It’s been six years since Apple rebranded the iPad branch of iOS to iPadOS, but it’d be fair to say it’s not entirely certain why that was decision was made.

While some features tend to shuffle across from the iPhone a year later, iPadOS 26 (you didn’t miss any years, Apple has changed its naming convention) is offering a bunch of features that make it well worth the download.

WWDC finally confirmed iPad users will get a host of Mac-like features, which might make the purchasing decision between a laptop and a tablet just a tad trickier. iPadOS 26 will revamp the Files app, add background processes, and perhaps most importantly of all, finally give us proper window management tools.

Here’s everything you need to know about the latest update, including when you’re likely to be able to get your hands on it, and compatible devices.

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iPadOS 26 is what we always wanted! #wwdc #apple #ipad

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iPadOS 26 release date: When is the new iPad software coming out?

• Full version: September 15 (predicted)

The official release date has not been announced, but Apple currently has an annual cycle with its operating systems that happens in the September timeframe. Based on recent history, iPadOS 19 could be released to the public on September 15 or 22. There have been years when iPadOS has arrived later alongside macOS in October.

iPadOS 26 supported devices

• The update is available for more recent devices
• Even the first-generation 11-inch iPad Pro will run the latest software

When Apple updates the operating system for its devices it sometimes means that certain models are no longer supported.

iPadOS developer and public betas

• Developer beta: from June 9 (expected)
• Public beta: from July 14 (estimated)

Apple makes betas of its operating systems available before the official release in September. A developer beta is released first following the WWDC keynote, so developers can immediately begin testing it with their products. The WWDC25 keynote will be held on June 9, so the developer beta should be available later that day after the keynote presentation.

Apple then releases a public beta for everyone else, which usually arrives in July, about a month after the first developer beta. Then, whenever Apple issues beta updates, the updated public beta follows a day or two after the updated developer beta.

If you are interested in using the beta, you can join Apple’s beta program. The beta program involves running software that will have some stability issues, and you are expected to provide Apple with details of any issues through the Apple Feedback app.

For help installing iPadOS beta on your iPad see our guide to installing the iOS beta (the method is very similar).

iPadOS 26 New features

• Huge redesign
• Window management overhaul
• Audio input changes
• Background processes

iPadOS 26 is bringing plenty of new features, along with the first major visual overhaul of iOS/iPadOS since iOS 7.

Major design overhaul

Apple’s codename ‘Solarium’ update is here, with the company dubbing the overhaul “Liquid Glass”. It’s being applied to all of this year’s OS updates, so anyone moving between them will see the more transparent, lighter designs. (See what Liquid Glass means for macOS Tahoe, iOS 26 and watchOS 26).

Bonafide windowing options

After years of asking, iPadOS 26 will finally revamp window management to make it much closer to a more conventional Mac.

Tiling options, and the removal of the Stage Manager grid, make it much more flexible. In fact, Expose is here, too, bringing the iPad closer to macOS than ever before.

Nothing hammers that home more than iPad finally gaining a menu bar, albeit one that’s central to the display as opposed to being in the top-left corner.

These features work across external displays, too, and Stage Manager is still available, too.

Audio Input

There’s a new audio input setting to allow podcasters to record from external mics, while Voice Isolation can keep your voice sounding crisp.

AirPods will also be able to record “studio quality” audio, according to Apple, while you can record local capture of video calls.

Background Functions

You’ll be able to run processes in the background on your iPad, without needing to keep your Final Cut export or Google Drive upload sitting in the foreground. That’s a huge boost for everyone.

iPadOS 26 new and updated apps

• New Games app
• Journal
• Revamped Files app

There are a number of updates said to be coming to Apple’s own apps, some of which may be enhanced by Apple Intelligence.

New Games app

The new Apple Games app that had leaked is very real indeed, helping players find the latest updates for the games they’re playing regularly, as well as curated recommendations for new releases. There’s also a series of competitive leaderboards for playing with friends, with Apple Arcade seemingly being rolled into it.

Messages

iPadOS 26 will gain the features from iOS 26 for messages, allowing users to run polls in group chats and custom backgrounds.

Translation

iOS 26 will be able to translate messages instantly through Live Translation, and iPadOS 26 will get the same treatment, too. It’ll also work in FaceTime, letting you translate throughout a call across language barriers.

Files

Files is getting an updated list view and folder customization options just like (you guessed it) macOS, as well as default apps for opening certain file types. You can even add folders to your dock, and Preview is finally on iPadOS with Apple Pencil markup and autofill.

Journal

Yep, Journal is FINALLY on iPad, and it has Apple Pencil support. Yes, we thought it was already there, too.