Apple has previewed iPadOS 26, an update bringing a redesigned interface, a new windowing system, integration of Apple Intelligence features, and enhancements for files, audio, and video workflows on the iPad.
Redesigned experience
The update introduces a new design based on Liquid Glass, offering a translucent material that reacts to its environment and user input.
This change aims to provide a visually refreshed experience across the Lock Screen, Control Centre, and Home Screen with updated app icons in various light and dark appearances. Controls and navigation have also been revised for key apps such as Mail, Safari, Apple TV, and Apple Music.
Windowing system
iPadOS 26 debuts an overhauled windowing system for the iPad, allowing users to resize app windows, position them freely, and manage multiple windows at once. The system includes familiar controls for closing, minimising, resizing, or tiling windows.
With features such as Exposé, users can view all open windows at a glance, and the system is fully compatible with Stage Manager and external displays. A new menu bar provides quick access to app commands either by swiping down from the top of the display or by moving the cursor to the top, with developers able to customise the menu bar in their apps.
Apple Intelligence integration
Apple Intelligence features receive further integration throughout iPadOS 26. Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages allows for automatic translation of texts and live translated captions during calls. Users can create and personalise Genmoji with adjustable attributes and make use of Image Playground, which now utilises ChatGPT for generating images. Shortcuts gains intelligent actions, such as text summarisation and comparison of lecture transcriptions to notes, enabling more complex automation on the device.
Enhanced file management
The Files app has been updated to include new organisation tools such as a revised List view, custom folders with colours and icons, and the ability to add folders to the Dock for quick access. Users can now set default apps for opening specific files or types.
Preview and creative workflows
The Preview app debuts on iPad, supporting PDF and image viewing and editing, with features for sketching, markups, and AutoFill using Apple Pencil or touch. New capabilities for creative professionals include computationally intensive background tasks, advanced audio input selection per app or website, and improved voice isolation during recordings. Local capture allows high-quality audio and video recordings directly from the iPad during conferencing calls, while echo cancellation improves recorded clarity.
Additional apps and communication tools
Journal is now available on iPad, allowing users to incorporate handwritten notes, photos, videos, audio, and locations.
The new Apple Games app serves as a central location for gaming, and Game Overlay lets players manage gaming events and settings mid-session. Messages receives new features including conversation backgrounds, polls, richer group chat indicators, and the option to request and receive Apple Cash in the US. Phone functionality is added to iPad, with updates such as Hold Assist and Call Screening.
Other updates
iPadOS 26 adds a reed pen in the tool palette for traditional calligraphy in various apps, new 3D graphing abilities in Calculator, and markdown import/export in Notes. Accessibility is addressed through features like Accessibility Reader, a redesigned Braille Access interface, and options to share accessibility settings to another device temporarily.
“iPadOS 26 is our biggest iPadOS release ever, with powerful features that take the experience to the next level and transform what users can do on iPad,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering. “With a beautiful new design, an entirely new powerful and intuitive windowing system, even more features powered by Apple Intelligence, huge improvements to working with files, and new capabilities for creatives to power their workflows, iPadOS 26 makes our most versatile device even more capable.”
