iPadOS 26 Unveiled: Key Features, Compatible Devices, and Fresh Updates

At the highly anticipated WWDC 2025 event, Apple is set to introduce the latest version of iPadOS, rumored to be a significant upgrade for the platform powering top-tier iPads.

Among the intriguing updates, it’s rumored that iPadOS 19 will be renamed to iPadOS 26, aligning with a new naming strategy for all Apple operating systems. There are also whispers that the updated iPadOS will share more similarities with macOS, potentially making iPads operate more like top-of-the-line MacBooks.

Anticipated Changes and Enhancements

While Apple has not yet confirmed these details officially, here’s what the rumor mill suggests about the upcoming iPadOS 26. From the expected release timeline to the potential discontinuation of support for older devices, we delve into what might be in store for users.

Traditionally, Apple releases its new iPadOS versions in September. Historically, the earliest release was on September 12, 2022, and the latest was on September 24, 2019. It is anticipated that iPadOS 26 will follow this pattern with a mid-September launch.

The developer beta of iPadOS 26 is expected to be available shortly following the WWDC announcement, with a public beta likely by July.

According to a MacWorld report, Apple is expected to cease support for the 7th-generation iPad. Assuming this is accurate, the following models would be eligible for iPadOS 26:

• iPad Pro (2018 or later)
• iPad Air (3rd generation or later)
• iPad mini (5th generation or later)
• iPad (8th generation and later)

This suggests that iPadOS 26 will support iPads released from 2018 onwards.

There are also reports, including one from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, indicating a significant redesign of the interface across Apple’s operating systems. The new interface, inspired by visionOS from the Apple Vision Pro headset, might feature rounded icons and translucent menus, enhancing the aesthetic continuity across devices.

Productivity Enhancements and New Features

Mark Gurman also hinted that iPadOS 26 aims to boost productivity, multitasking, and app window management, making the iPad function more akin to a Mac. This could address long-standing requests from power users for more robust capabilities aligning with the hardware’s potential.

Despite the absence of specific details on the improvements, it’s clear that Apple is focusing on making iPads more versatile for productivity tasks, especially given the shared M-series processors between iPads and MacBooks.

On the AI front, though Apple has been somewhat quiet, significant updates are anticipated at WWDC. Enhancements could include a revamped Siri that better understands on-screen content, and new tools for developers to integrate Apple Intelligence features into apps.

For gamers, the iPad’s capabilities as a gaming device could see a boost with a new multi-platform gaming app, set to replace the older Game Center, providing a more streamlined and connected gaming experience.

With WWDC around the corner, these updates to iPadOS could mark a significant step in making iPad a more potent tool for both work and play, especially if the system becomes more macOS-like.

We will continue to provide updates on iPadOS 26 as more information becomes available, so keep an eye out for the latest developments!

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