What's New in iPadOS 26: A Game-Changing Update for iPad Users

Apple has just unveiled iPadOS 26, and it’s one of the biggest updates the iPad has ever seen.

Designed to bridge the gap between tablet and desktop, this version introduces a stunning visual redesign, game-changing multitasking tools, and deeper intelligence that transforms how educators, students, and professionals use the iPad.

Whether you’re using iPads in the classroom or the creative studio, here’s everything you need to know.

✨ A New Look: Liquid Glass Design

The first thing you’ll notice is the Liquid Glass interface — a gorgeous, translucent design that gives the iPad a fresh, dynamic feel. Menus, panels, and controls now reflect your wallpaper and lighting. This makes the experience more immersive and unified across Apple devices.

🖥️ True Multitasking with Resizable Windows

Gone are the days of being limited to Split View and Slide Over. iPadOS 26 introduces fully resizable, movable windows, just like on a Mac.

• New window controls (close, minimize, maximize) appear in the corner.

• A contextual menu bar adapts to the app you’re using.

• An Exposé-style overview lets you see all open windows at a glance.

  
  

For power users and educators juggling multiple apps, this is a game-changer.

🖊️ The Preview App is Here

For the first time, the iPad gets a native Preview app, allowing users to:

• View and annotate PDFs, images, and documents

• Fill out forms

• Use Apple Pencil to sketch or sign documents

  
  

It’s a simple, seamless solution for reviewing student work, marking up resources, or completing paperwork on the go.

📁 Files App Upgrades

Managing documents is now easier than ever with new features in the Files app:

• A List View with resizable columns

• Folder customization options (icons, colors, collapse view)

• The ability to assign default apps to open specific file types

  
  

These upgrades help streamline your document management tasks.

🧠 Apple Intelligence Gets Smarter

iPadOS 26 builds on Apple’s privacy-first AI tools with features that enhance usability:

• Live Translation in Messages and FaceTime — this is ideal for multilingual classrooms

• Enhanced Shortcuts and automation tools

• Creative tools like Genmoji and Image Playground for classroom content creation

  
  

Note: Apple Intelligence features require newer iPads equipped with A17, M2, or M4 chips.

🆕 Four New Mac-Only Apps Arrive on iPad

Apple brings even more desktop functionality to the iPad with these exciting new applications:

• Preview (PDF editing and markup)

• Journal (media-rich journaling and reflection)

• Phone (new call screening and AI-powered hold features)

• Games (a Game Center hub for real-time multiplayer)

  
  

These additions enhance the iPad’s utility significantly.

🎙️ New Creator-Friendly Tools

iPadOS 26 introduces new tools to cater to content creators:

• Local audio/video recording allows you to capture high-quality content during FaceTime, livestreams, or lessons.

• Live Activities feature shows real-time progress for background tasks like file transfers or uploads.

  
  

This is perfect for educators and students presenting work.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Accessibility Enhancements

The update includes better tools for families:

• Improved features for managing Child Accounts and parental controls

• Braille display updates and motion cues enhance accessibility

• Polls in Messages create fun and interactive options for group decisions

  
  

These enhancements ensure that iPadOS 26 is user-friendly for everyone.

📱 Supported Devices & Release Timeline

iPadOS 26 will be available for all iPads with an A12 Bionic chip or newer, excluding the 7th-gen iPad.

The public beta launches July 2025, with the official release expected in September 2025.

🎓 Final Thoughts

iPadOS 26 represents a turning point not just for the iPad, but for how we integrate technology into learning and creativity. The powerful new interface, robust multitasking capabilities, and intelligent features bring the iPad closer to acting as a true laptop replacement.

Whether you’re an educator, a student, or a creative professional, iPadOS 26 is designed to help you do more, express more, and learn better.

In a world that's increasingly digital, embracing these updates means your iPad will be at the forefront of innovation and productivity.

Discover the latest features and updates in iPadOS 26.