iPadOS 26: Major Updates and New Features Preview

iPadOS 26 has been officially unveiled by Apple, marking the most substantial enhancement to iPadOS to date. This new software version introduces sweeping design changes, robust multitasking improvements, deeper integration of Apple Intelligence, and innovative apps aimed at boosting productivity and creativity.

A Refreshed Design with Liquid Glass

The visual redesign of iPadOS 26 is anchored by Liquid Glass, a new translucent interface element that adds fluidity and depth to the iPad experience. This feature responds dynamically to touch and environmental factors, enhancing the Lock Screen, Control Center, and Home Screen. Users will enjoy animated icons, new colour shades for themes, and refreshed user interface elements throughout key apps like Safari, Mail, and Apple Music.

New Windowing System Reinvents Multitasking

A key highlight of iPadOS 26 is its innovative windowing system. Users are now able to resize app windows freely, arrange them easily with gestures, and utilise Exposé for quick access to all open windows. A revamped menu bar enhances navigation and command access in any application, with support for developers to customise it.

Exposé allows users to see all open windows at a glance, which simplifies switching to the desired one. This system integrates smoothly with Stage Manager and external displays, offering users increased control and flexibility while multitasking.

Apple Intelligence Expands Across iPad

Building on last year’s advancements in Apple Intelligence, iPadOS 26 enhances AI integration with new features, including:

• Live Translation capabilities for Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, providing real-time text and voice translations.
• Enhanced Genmoji and Image Playground for creating engaging visuals using emojis, user prompts, or image styles.
• Smarter Shortcuts that allow actions such as summarising text or generating images with AI, and analysing lecture transcripts against user notes.

Boosted File Management and the Debut of Preview

The Files app introduces a new list view with collapsible folders and adjustable columns, plus users can customise folders with colours, icons, and emoji. It is now possible to drag folders directly to the Dock and set default apps for different file types.

For the first time, Apple’s Preview app makes its way to iPad, enabling users to view, edit, and annotate PDFs and images. It also supports Apple Pencil features such as AutoFill and sketching.

Pro Features for Audio and Video Workflows

iPadOS 26 unveils Background Tasks to manage demanding processes like rendering or lengthy exports in the background. Audio input selection is more sophisticated, allowing users to choose microphones on a per-app and per-website basis. Voice Isolation enhances recording quality, while Local capture facilitates high-quality audio and video recording during calls—perfect for content creators and professionals.

New Apps: Journal, Apple Games, and More

The new Journal app allows users to write, draw, and include media in their personal diaries. Apple Games emerges as a central hub for gaming and introduces Game Overlay for multitasking during gameplay.

Messages now feature conversation backgrounds, polls, and a newly designed details view. Additionally, the Phone app arrives on iPad, equipped with Hold Assist and Call Screening for improved call management.

More Additions: Calculator, Notes, and Accessibility

• Calculator includes Math Notes with support for 3D graphing.
• Notes now provides markdown file support and transcription for phone calls.
• New accessibility features include Accessibility Reader, Share Accessibility Settings, and a redesigned Braille Access interface.

Availability

iPadOS 26 is currently accessible to developers via the Apple Developer Program, with a public beta launching next month. The official rollout will take place this autumn for a broad range of devices, including:

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