Apple Previews iPadOS 26, Its Biggest iPad Update Yet
CUPERTINO, Calif. (June 9, 2025) — Apple on Monday previewed iPadOS 26, calling it the biggest iPad software update to date. The update includes a redesigned interface, a new windowing system, deeper integration with Apple Intelligence, and enhanced tools for creatives, students and professionals.
“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, in a statement.
A Redesigned Interface
iPadOS 26 introduces a new design built around what Apple calls "Liquid Glass," a translucent material that reacts dynamically to user input. The updated look personalizes the user experience with new app icons that respond to light and dark modes, as well as refreshed controls and navigation in apps like Mail, Safari, Apple Music and Apple TV.
A New Windowing System
A key feature of iPadOS 26 is its completely new windowing system, allowing users to resize app windows, tile them with a swipe and use Exposé to view all open windows at once. The system also integrates seamlessly with Stage Manager and supports external displays. A new menu bar provides easy access to app commands and tips, and developers can now customize the menu bar in their own apps.
Apple Intelligence Expands
Apple Intelligence becomes more integrated in iPadOS 26 with features such as Live Translation, Genmoji, and intelligent Shortcuts. Users can now translate text in Messages and FaceTime in real time, create customized emoji, and use Apple Intelligence to summarize text or generate images within shortcuts. In creative tools like Image Playground, users can describe a visual idea and see it brought to life using models like ChatGPT.
More Control in the Files App
The updated Files app includes an enhanced list view with collapsible folders and customizable folder icons that sync across devices. Users can also drag folders into the Dock for faster access and assign default apps to open specific file types.
Preview Comes to iPad
The Preview app is now available on iPad, allowing users to view, edit and mark up PDFs and images using Apple Pencil or touch. The app also supports AutoFill for PDF forms and gives users access to their documents through the Files app.
Enhanced Audio and Background Tools
iPadOS 26 enables background tasks with Live Activities, giving users insight and control over ongoing app processes. Audio features now allow users to choose specific microphones for apps and websites, use Voice Isolation for better recordings, and record studio-quality audio with compatible AirPods. A new Local Capture feature lets users create high-quality audio and video recordings from within video conferencing apps.
New Apps and Communication Features
The Journal app comes to iPad, offering tools for writing, sketching and organizing memories using Apple Pencil or touch. The new Apple Games app introduces Game Overlay, giving users access to events, settings, and social tools while gaming.
Messages gets conversation backgrounds, polls, and a redesigned details view, while the Phone app—also now on iPad—introduces features like Call Screening and Hold Assist.
Additional Features
A new reed pen tool offers a calligraphy experience in apps such as Notes, Preview, Freeform and Journal.
Calculator now supports 3D graphing in Math Notes.
Notes gains markdown import/export and audio transcription from the Phone app.
Accessibility updates include a new reading mode, improved braille support and temporary sharing of accessibility settings across devices.