Apple has launched iPadOS 26, its latest significant software update for iPad users—and it’s substantial. Here’s a summary of what’s included in iPadOS 26.
## Installation and device compatibility
iPadOS 26 can be downloaded via the iPad’s Settings app. To locate the update, navigate to Settings ⇾ General ⇾ Software Update.
If your iPad can currently operate iPadOS 18, the latest software version, it will almost certainly be compatible with iPadOS 26 as well. The only iPad model that has been discontinued this year is the standard iPad (7th generation).
Below is the list of compatible iPad models:
– iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
– iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and more)
– iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and more)
– iPad Air (M2 and more)
– iPad Air (3rd generation and more)
– iPad mini (A17 Pro)
– iPad mini (5th generation and more)
– iPad (A16)
– iPad (8th generation and more)
## iPadOS 26: Enhanced features for productivity and beyond
iPadOS 26 marks the most significant software upgrade for the iPad to date.
A significant portion of this milestone is attributed to productivity enhancements. Apple is transforming the iPad into a much more formidable alternative to the Mac, primarily due to inspirations from macOS.
New productivity enhancements include:
– **Revamped app windowing system**: Resize app windows at will and multitask with several on-screen simultaneously
– **Introduction of the menu bar on iPad**: A new menu bar provides essential app controls and shortcuts
– **Enhanced Dock**: Add more apps than ever, including file folders, while keeping the Dock always visible
– **Improvements in file management**: The Files app is evolving to resemble Finder from macOS in functionality
– **More accurate cursor**: The previously round cursor is now sharper and resembles Mac’s design
– **Background Tasks with Live Activities**: Execute resource-intensive processes that continue through Live Activities
– **Audio recording enhancements**: Local Capture, Voice Isolation, and a new Input Picker
In addition to productivity enhancements, iPadOS 26 unveils Apple’s new **Liquid Glass design**, reshaping the visual and functional aspects of iPad software. Liquid Glass will also be available on iPhone with iOS 26 and across Apple’s entire platform lineup.
iPad users will encounter four completely new Apple applications in iPadOS 26:
– [Journal](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/17/apples-journal-app-is-coming-to-ipad-and-mac-with-big-upgrades/): Apple’s journaling application is now accessible on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
– [Apple Games](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/09/apple-unveils-new-apple-games-app/): A consolidated hub for all your gaming activity
– [Preview](https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/12/ipad-ios-26-preview-app-easter-egg-liquid-glass/): A specialized hub for viewing PDFs and images
– [Phone](https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/19/heres-everything-new-for-the-phone-app-in-ios-26/): Manage phone calls through continuity features on iPad
Lastly, there are several desirable **new features in existing Apple iPad applications** that users are familiar with and enjoy. You can review summaries of all the new features through these links: [Messages](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/09/heres-everything-new-in-the-messages-app-with-ios-26/), [Music](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/25/heres-everything-new-coming-to-apple-music-in-ios-26/), [Photos](https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/01/heres-everything-new-for-apple-photos-in-ios-26/), [Notes](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/12/heres-everything-new-for-apple-notes-in-ios-26/), [Reminders](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/17/heres-everything-new-in-reminders-with-ios-26/), [Maps](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/11/heres-everything-new-coming-to-apple-maps-in-ios-26/), [Passwords](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/12/apples-passwords-app-has-ios-26-fix-for-my-most
