iPadOS 26: Release Date, Features, and Supported Devices (Complete Guide)

Apple has finally rolled out iPadOS 26, and it’s the biggest change the iPad has seen in years. The update gives the iPad a fresh new look with Liquid Glass, adds multitasking features that feel closer to using a Mac, and makes Apple Intelligence much more useful across supported models. If you use an iPad every day, you’ll notice the difference — apps feel smoother, files are easier to handle, and the device as a whole feels better suited for both work and creative projects. Apple released the update to the public in mid-September 2025 after developer and public betas.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything that matters: the key features of iPadOS 26, which models can run it, how to get into the beta program if you’re curious, and step-by-step advice for installing the update without any headaches. You’ll also find a full compatibility list and practical tips to make sure your upgrade is smooth from start to finish.

What is iPadOS 26?

iPadOS 26 is a major platform update that shifts the iPad closer to a desktop-style productivity device while keeping touch and Apple Pencil at its core. It combines a visual redesign, a powerful windowing engine, and expanded Apple Intelligence tools.

Top headline changes:

• Liquid Glass visual design with translucent, refractive system materials.
• A new windowing system with Mac-like menu bar and traffic-light controls.
• Preview app for PDF and image editing with Apple Pencil support.
• Expanded Apple Intelligence, including Image Playground and optional ChatGPT styles.

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iPadOS 26 Release Date & Rollout Plan

Apple previewed iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025 and released the final public build in mid-September 2025. Developer betas started at WWDC, followed by public betas during the summer and the public release in September.

Timeline (quick):

• Developer beta: announced at WWDC (June 2025).
• Public beta: summer 2025 (via Apple Beta Software Program).
• Final public release: September 15, 2025 (system and security updates posted).

To check for the update: open Settings → General → Software Update on your iPad and follow the prompts. Back up your device before installing.

Key Features: What’s New in iPadOS 26

Below are the major iPadOS 26 features explained with practical takeaways.

Liquid Glass visual refresh

iPadOS 26 introduces the Liquid Glass system material that makes UI elements appear translucent, refractive, and motion-reactive.

• System chrome, widgets, and notifications use translucency to create layered depth.
• Icons and controls subtly refract background colors depending on wallpaper and lighting.
• Expect minor readability trade-offs on busy wallpapers — switch to simpler backgrounds if needed.

New windowing & menu bar

A desktop-style windowing system brings free-resize windows, Exposé-like overviews, and a persistent menu bar for app commands.

• Windows have grab handles for resizing and can snap/tilt into tiling layouts.
• Traffic-light buttons (close, minimize, expand) let you manage windows with touch, trackpad, or keyboard.
• Use the menu bar for quick commands, search, and app-specific tools — similar to macOS.

Preview app (PDF & image editing)

Preview arrives on iPad as a native editor for PDFs and images with Apple Pencil-first tools.

• Annotate, sign, fill forms, and manipulate image layers without third-party apps.
• Scan documents and export multi-page PDFs directly from the app.
• Pencil users get pressure-sensitive marks and fast shape recognition.

Apple Intelligence / Image Playground & ChatGPT styles

Apple Intelligence expands on-device intelligence and allows optional third-party models or cloud extensions for creative tasks. Image Playground offers style variants, and certain workflows can use ChatGPT-powered style options where enabled.

• Image Playground includes prompts-based image edits and stylization.
• Shortcuts gains a “Use Model” action to call on-device or cloud LLMs.
• ChatGPT-style options require explicit user sign-in and may use external accounts.

Files & Finder-like improvements

Files receives a more desktop-like upgrade with resizable columns and better file provider support.

• List view now supports adjustable columns and added metadata.
• “Open With” context menu gives more control over default app associations.
• Improved external drive performance and server access for pro workflows.

Stage Manager & external display updates

Stage Manager is expanded to additional iPads and improves external display workflows on supported models. Some advanced multitasking features are limited to newer chips (M-series, A16/A17-class devices).

• External display support and multiple high-resolution windows available on select M-series and A16/A17 devices.
• Older devices can still use Stage Manager but with limits on window counts and background tasks.

Which iPads Support iPadOS 26? (Compatibility List)

iPadOS 26 runs on most iPads released from around 2019 onward. Feature availability varies by model and SoC; Apple calls out model-specific limitations on certain Apple Intelligence and Stage Manager features. See Apple’s compatibility list for exact model names.

Supported models (grouped):

• iPad Pro: iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later).
• iPad Air: iPad Air (3rd generation and later, including M2/M3 models).
• iPad: iPad (8th generation and later, including A16 models).
• iPad mini: iPad mini (5th generation and later, including A17 Pro mini).

Note: advanced Apple Intelligence features and external display multitasking are restricted on some older chipsets; consult Apple’s support pages for the exact per-feature model list.

How to Get iPadOS 26 (Beta & Final Release)

If you want early access, enroll in Apple’s Beta Software Program; otherwise, install the final release via Settings when it appears. Always back up before upgrading.

Step-by-step (final public release):

1. Backup via Settings → [your name] → iCloud Backup or create a local backup in Finder/backup tool.
2. Connect to power or charge above 50%.
3. Open Settings → General → Software Update.
4. Tap Download and Install, follow prompts, and wait for the device to restart.

To join the public beta:

1. Visit Apple’s Beta Software Program website and sign in with your Apple ID.
2. Enroll the iPad and follow the profile install instructions.
3. After enrolling, check Settings → General → Software Update to download the beta.

Tips:

• Free up at least 5–10 GB to avoid space errors.
• Keep a wired backup handy if you rely on mission-critical data.
• Expect background indexing after install — battery use may be higher for 24–72 hours.

Troubleshooting & Known Issues

Some users reported early issues after updating; here are the common ones and quick fixes.

• Battery or performance dips: let the device complete background indexing and updates (24–72 hours).
• Readability on busy wallpapers: switch to a simpler wallpaper or adjust display/contrast settings if Liquid Glass affects legibility.
• App compatibility: update third-party apps — developers are releasing updates for new windowing APIs.
• Stage Manager limits: older iPads may see reduced window counts or lower external display capabilities.

If problems persist, reset settings or restore from a pre-update backup, and check Apple’s support pages for known issues and patches.

Developer & Power-User Notes

Developers gain windowing APIs, menu bar hooks, Background Tasks improvements, and a Shortcuts “Use Model” action to call LLMs. These tools let apps present Mac-like controls and handle longer background jobs for pro workflows. Check Apple’s developer documentation for migration and API details.

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Conclusion

iPadOS 26 is a substantial update that pushes iPad toward a more desktop-like workflow while adding creative AI features and a striking new look. If you rely on your iPad for work or creativity, read the compatibility list, back up, and decide whether to wait for stability or try the beta on a spare device.

If this guide helped, share it, leave a comment with your iPad model and experience, or subscribe Technobyyte for quick how-tos and troubleshooting tips as Apple issues updates and patches.