All You Need to Understand About the Forthcoming iPadOS 26
The eagerly awaited iPadOS 26 is set to make waves. Unveiled at Apple’s yearly WWDC event, this new operating system for top-tier iPads introduces a significant aesthetic enhancement with the introduction of the Liquid Glass design language across all Apple devices.
Liquid Glass represents a cohesive design aimed at enhancing visual consistency across devices. Despite this uniformity, each device will retain a unique appearance. For the iPadOS, expect to see softer, more rounded icons that echo the tablet’s own curved edges. Apps and interface elements appear to float over the content, shifting dynamically in response to user interactions.
With iPadOS 26, new functionalities are introduced to improve work efficiency, control, organization, and the management of app windows. The revamped windowing system makes it easier to adjust the size of app windows and place them as desired. Enhancements in Apple Intelligence mean apps can communicate better, enhancing overall device utility.
- Introduction of Liquid Glass UI in iPadOS 26
- Enhanced windowing system for better app management
- Improved inter-app communication through Apple Intelligence
- Simplified file management
- Upgraded audio and video recording capabilities
Watch On
Developers can now access iPadOS 26 for testing through the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com.
A public beta will be rolled out next month via the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com.
The following iPad models will be eligible for a free update to iPadOS 26:
- 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 the Apple Intelligence features will only be available on iPads equipped with the M1 chip or newer models.
The biggest transformation across Apple devices, including iPad, is the introduction of the new Liquid Glass design language.
While revolutionizing the visual experience, Liquid Glass retains the simplicity and familiarity of iPadOS. The interface features a glass-like quality that not only reflects but also refracts the surroundings. It responds dynamically to user inputs, adapting to enhance focus on the task at hand, whether you are watching a video or working on a document. The Lock Screen and Control Center are also revamped to leverage the new UI.
You can customize your Home Screen with freshly designed app icons that vary in color and lighting effects. Updates also extend to the controls and navigation of apps such as Mail, Safari, Apple TV, Apple Music, and others.
Although iPadOS 26 does not mirror the functionality of macOS 26, its new windowing system is optimized for productivity on the iPad, especially with its touch interface. Window controls are simplified, allowing users to easily close, minimize, resize, or organize windows as needed. For example, apps will remember their size and position between sessions. A feature known as Exposé enables you to view all open windows at a glance, making it simpler to switch between tasks.
Stage Manager enhances the new windowing system, allowing you to organize windows into distinct groups, and with an external display, expand your workspace. The updated menu bar provides quick access to an app’s features with a simple
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Tobias Nguyen covers mobile technology and social media trends. He combines a background in digital marketing with a passion for emerging tech to provide readers with data-driven insights and practical tech usage tips.