iPadOS 26 Public Beta Now Available: Apple’s Most Ambitious Update Yet

Apple has introduced iPadOS 26 as the most powerful update ever for iPad, combining a sweeping visual overhaul named Liquid Glass, a system-wide windowing redesign, and tight integration with Apple Intelligence.

A Stunning New Design: Liquid Glass

This new design language applies a glassy translucence across the system, from icons and control buttons to menus and backgrounds. The Lock Screen now adapts dynamically to your photo wallpaper and even adds subtle 3D effects as you move your device.
App icons and visuals appear lighter and more vibrant in both light and dark mode, enhancing the overall feel of modernity and fluidity.

Multitasking Transformations

iPadOS 26 introduces a Mac‑style windowing system — replacing Stage Manager with fluid, resizable windows that can float, overlap, tile, and stay persistent between launches.

• Window tiling now supports layouts in thirds or quarters.
• Exposé lets you view all open windows at once with a swipe-up gesture.
• Menu bar & stoplight buttons (minimize, close, zoom) mirror macOS conventions, improving navigation and app control.

Apple Intelligence: AI that Works All Over Your iPad

iPadOS 26 expands Apple Intelligence across the system, bringing generative AI features to more areas of the iPad experience.

Key features include:

• Live Translation in FaceTime and Messages enables real-time multilingual conversations.
• Genmoji and Image Playground allow users to create custom emojis and generate images with predictive tools.
• Enhanced Writing Tools and Shortcuts now suggest intelligent automations and context‑aware actions.

Productivity & File Management

• A redesigned Files app now includes customizable folder colors, resizable columns, collapsible folders, and the ability to choose default file‑type apps.
• Preview arrives on iPad: annotate, sign, and markup PDFs/images seamlessly using Apple Pencil with AutoFill support.
• Background Tasks API enables apps to run long tasks — like exporting video — even when not in the foreground, greatly enhancing creative workflows.

Additional Enhancements

• The Dock now supports adding folders from Files and can remain persistently visible, making file access quicker than ever.
• Math Note-taking, app locking, and advanced privacy controls introduced in previous versions remain refined in iPadOS 26.

Compatibility & Release Info

Apple announced iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025, with a public beta already available. The final release is expected in Fall 2025.

Most iPads that support iPadOS 18 will support iPadOS 26, except for the 7th‑generation iPad. Users are encouraged to back up their devices before installing the beta due to possible bugs during testing.

Why It Matters

With iPadOS 26, the iPad becomes a true productivity powerhouse, offering full window control, Mac‑like UI elements, AI‑driven creativity tools, and advanced file management. For creatives, students, and professionals alike, the update narrows the gap between tablet and laptop workflows while preserving the simplicity of a touch-first experience.