- Apple has revealed iPados 26
- The new software update brings a new appearance, new enormously improved multitasking applications and capabilities
- Apple calls it the “largest iPados launch in history”
Apple has revealed iPados 26, one of the most expansive iPadic updates of all time.
The new features include a fully reviewed design, new windows for multitasking, the addition of the application of preview, Genmoji and Playground, and an application of renewed files.
In an official press release, the Senior Vice President of Apple Software Engineering, Craig Federight, said: “Ipados 26 is our largest launch of Ipados, with powerful characteristics that lead the experience to the next level and transform what users can do on iPad”
With this year’s WWDC, which we are still covering through our WWDC 2025 Live blog, Apple has taken a step to take the iPad the software power you need to make the most of its fantastic hardware. We hope that Ipados 26 will be launched in September 2025 based on the launching pattern of previous versions.
As an iPad user, I’m glad to see Apple pushing the abilities of the tablet. Without further ado, here are the new features of oupted for which we are most excited.
A new name
The rumors were true: Apple has officially revealed that the successor of Ipados 18 will be called iPados 26, instead of iPados 19.
If you ask what happened with the seven version numbers between Ipados 18 and Ipados 26, Apple has decided to change the convention of names of all its operating systems to reflect its year, instead of its version number.
However, Apple seems to be on the route of high -fashion and automotive names conventions by appointing each version after the following year: Ipados 26 will be launched completely in September 2025.
A new look
Ipados 26 is receiving a complete visual review, which is perhaps the most exciting change that reaches iPad.
Together with iOS 26 and Macos 26, Ipados 26 provides a new appearance inspired by visits to the user interface and iPad software experience, built with a digital material called liquid glass.
Wait translucent textures, rounded corners and bubbly icons on the home screen and within the first part applications, as well as a new ‘clear’ theme to sit along with the light mode, the dark mode and color dye options.
Windows and Multitasa
Ipados 26 Bring a better and more flexible windows management that improves in the limited view of windows by the stages administrator.
This is a great batter of a new feature that also pushes the iPad even more in MAC territory, the proper management of the windows.
Ipados 26 offers the ability to change size and reorganize windows applications to any size or position on the screen. When an application closes and reopens, it appears in the same position and the same size opened it for the last time.
For years, iPad users have been left wanting window management: the addition of Stage Manager in 2022 added a kind of multitasking to iPad, but never feels as soft as a Mac desk or something like Samsung Dex. That could be about to change.
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The new window system also includes the new exhibition view, which reminds the control of the mission mission, and the mouse pointer has been updated to be, well, a real score.
The WWDC key note confirmed that this new window system, with support for up to six simultaneous windows, will reach all iPads currently available iPads.
Ipados 26 also adds a menu bar to the new window mode, accessible when taking the mouse to the upper screen.
The new menu bar remembers, but not identical, to the menu bar in macOS, with specific options based on the currently opened application.
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Advance
Previous view – Apple Dedic PDF application – arrives at iPad with Ipados 26, which makes it much easier to read, edit and export PDF.
The characteristics of the application include the ability to open PDFs of the files, create empty pages and use Apple Pencil to draw or write, and use the Apple automatic approach system to complete forms and documents.
As an iPad user, I have often felt frustrated by the limited options of the tablet to work with PDF: I’m glad to see Apple implementing the previous view.
Apple games
Ipados 26 Bring a game application dedicated to iPad. The new Apple Games application is a spiritual successor of the application of the games center that was eliminated from ipados and iOS in 2016, and brings together all its games in one place.
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Apple Games also replaces the most recent Game Center function as the appearance centered on the Apple ID games of a user. The new game overlap allows users to call friends or invite them to games, see updates and access the configuration.
The new application will also reach iPhone through iOS 26.
Apple intelligence updates
Ipados brings a series of Apple Intelligence characteristics and improvements to the Apple tablet platform.
Genmoji and Image Playground are directed to iPad for the first time, offering users the ability to create emoji and custom images.
Siri also obtained an update, remains aware of the context of previous applications and benefits from a large knowledge database of Apple’s product.
In addition, the live translation reaches Facetime and messages in iPad and iPhone, which facilitates communication between language barriers.
Background tasks
The iPads are the most powerful tablets you can buy, and with ipados 26 users can now access that food with background tasks.
For example, you can now export a video with a final cut for iPad while using other applications. Export progress will appear as a live activity.
This is another characteristic that adds flexibility to the amazing iPads hardware power equipped with the M series, and opens more professional creative workflows.
Diary
The application of the newspaper, previously exclusive to iPhone, is directed to iPad with Ipados 26. The newspaper does quite well what it says in the can: it is a place to write and store memories, photos and events.
The newspaper on iPad is compatible with Apple Pencil, which apparently means that there will be space to write and draw in each entry.
Best Audio Recording
IPAD audio recording powers have expanded with ipados 26. In addition to the ability to choose different microphones inputs for different applications, the application of IPAD voice pamps now admits voice insulation, which blocks background noise.
In addition, users with compatible airpods models (AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2) can benefit from what Apple calls ‘study quality audio recording’.
Other Application Updates
As for other updates of Ipados 26 applications, the Files application has received some key improvements. The view of the list now shows more details and a preview of each document, while the folders can be added to the dock.
The messages obtains thematic funds, surveys and a renewed user interface, while the notes and calculator obtain advanced 3D graphics in the notes of the calculator itself and the mathematics.
In addition, the accessible pen tools kit in applications as notes obtains a new sheet of sheets, designed for calligraphy.
Let us know which of these characteristics of the iPad is waiting for more in the comments below. There is much more to explore from this year’s WWDC: Be sure to watch our WWDC 2025 Live blog to get a summary of Blow-by-Blow all updates and ads.
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