Apple today introduced iPadOS 26, calling it the biggest update yet to its tablet operating system.
The new release brings a completely redesigned interface, a new windowing system, Apple Intelligence integration, and several enhancements for handling files, audio, and video.
One of the key highlights is the revamped interface, which now features Liquid Glass, a translucent design element that dynamically responds to the user’s environment and interactions.
This visual update enhances the experience across the Lock Screen, Control Center, and Home Screen, while updated app icons and navigation refresh the overall look of core apps like Mail, Safari, and Apple Music.
The update also introduces a brand-new windowing system, giving users more flexibility in resizing and organizing app windows.
Users can now easily tile windows, switch between them using Exposé, and take advantage of the new menu bar for accessing app commands and features. iPadOS 26 also brings expanded support for external displays and improvements to Stage Manager.
iPadOS 26 further integrates Apple Intelligence, the company’s privacy-focused AI platform. New capabilities include Live Translation for real-time communication in multiple languages via Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls.
Users can also create personalized Genmoji, experiment with visual styles in Image Playground, and use enhanced Shortcuts for automation powered by Apple’s intelligence models.
Productivity on iPad gets a boost with a more capable Files app, offering folder customization, collapsible folders, and drag-and-drop support for the Dock. Users can also set default apps for specific file types.
In a first for iPad, Apple is bringing its Preview app to the platform, allowing users to edit and mark up PDFs and images, including support for Apple Pencil and AutoFill. A new Journal app also debuts, supporting multimedia entries and organizing them via map view.
For creative professionals, Background Tasks now run in the background with support for long-running processes, while audio input settings allow users to choose different microphones per app.
Apple also introduces Local capture for high-quality audio and video recordings directly from video conferencing apps, with echo cancellation and studio-quality input available on supported AirPods models.
Starting today, developers can try out Apple’s new features through the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com. A public beta will follow next month through the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com.
iPadOS 26 is expected to be available as a free update later this year for compatible iPad models.
What do you think of the iPadOS 26 update?
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