- Apple revealed iPados 26
- The new software update brings a new look, new applications and multitasking capacities considerably improved at the iPad
- Apple calls it the “largest version of iPados of all time”
Apple revealed iPados 26, one of the largest iPados updates of all time.
The new features include a completely revised design, new window tools for multitasking, adding the preview application, Genmoji and Image Playground, and an application of altered files.
In an official press release, the main vice-president of Apple software engineering, Craig Federighi, said: “Ipados 26 is our largest version of iPados, with powerful features that carry the experience at the following level and transform what users can do on iPad”
With this year’s WWDC – which we always cover via our live blog WWDC 2025 – Apple has taken a step towards the iPad the power of the software it needs to get the most out of its fantastic hardware. We expect iPados 26 to be launched in September 2025 on the basis of the version of the previous versions.
As an iPad user myself, I am happy to see Apple push the capacities of the tablet. Without further ado, here are the new iPados features for which we are the most excited.
A new name
The rumors were true – Apple officially revealed that the successor of iPados 18 will be called iPados 26, instead of iPados 19.
If you are wondering what has happened to the seven version issues between iPados 18 and iPados 26, Apple has decided to modify the name of its operating systems to reflect their year, rather than their version number.
However, Apple seems to follow the path of haute couture and automotive name conventions by appointing each version after the following year – iPados 26 should always be completely released in September 2025.
A new look
iPados 26 obtains a complete visual overhaul, which is perhaps the most immediately exciting change to come on iPad.
Alongside iOS 26 and macOS 26, iPados 26 provides a new look inspired by visionos at the user interface of the iPad and software experience, built with a digital material called Liquid Glass.
Expect translucent textures, rounded corners and sparkling icons both on the home screen and in the first party applications, as well as a new “ clear ” to sit alongside clear mode, dark mode and color shade options.
Windows and multitasking
iPados 26 provides better management of more flexible windows which improves on the fepeder -viewing offer limited by the stage manager.
It is a big striker of a new feature that also pushes the iPad further in Mac territory – good window management.
iPados 26 offers the possibility of resize and reorganize feverish applications at any size or position on the screen. When you close and rouve an application, it appears in the same position and at the same size as you opened it for the last time.
For years, iPad users are left to the point of missing with regard to window management – the addition of stage manager in 2022 added a kind of multitasking to iPad, but he never felt as fluid as a mac or something like Samsung Dex. It could be about to change.
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The new window system also includes the new exposed view, recalling the control of the mission of MacOS, and the mouse pointer has been updated to be well -pointed.
The WWDC Keynote has confirmed that this new window system, with the support of up to six simultaneous windows, will arrive at all iPads currently available.
iPados 26 also adds a menu bar to the new feverish mode, accessible by bringing the mouse at the top of the screen.
The new menu bar recalls – but not identical – at the menu bar on MacOS, with specific options based on the currently open application.
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Preview
Overview – The dedicated PDF application of Apple – comes to iPad with iPados 26, which facilitates the reading, publisher and export of PDF.
The application features include the possibility of opening PDFs from the Files application, creating empty pages and using the Apple pencil to draw or write, and use the Apple Autofill system to fill the forms and documents.
As an iPad user, I have often been frustrated by the limited options of the tablet to work with PDFS – I am happy to see Apple implement an overview.
Apple games
iPados 26 provides a game application dedicated to the iPad. The new Apple Games application is a spiritual successor to the Game Center application which was deleted from iPados and iOS in 2016, and brings together all your games in one place.
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Apple Games also replaces the most recent function of Game Center as the aspect focused on the Apple ID game of a user. The new superposition of the game allows users to call friends or invite them to games, consult updates and parameter access.
The new application also arrives on iPhone via iOS 26.
Apple Intelligence updates
The iPados provide a number of Apple Intelligence features and improvements to the Apple tablet platform.
Genmoji and Image Playground are headed for iPad for the first time, offering users the possibility of creating emoji and tailor -made images.
Siri has also obtained an upgrade, remaining aware of the context of previous requests and benefiting from a large knowledge database on Apple products.
In addition, the live translation comes to facetime and messages on iPad and iPhone, facilitating communication between linguistic barriers.
Substantive tasks
The iPads are the most powerful tablets you can buy, and with iPados 26, users can now access this power with the background tasks.
For example, you can now export a video with a final cup for iPad while using other applications. The progression of exports will appear as a live activity.
This is another feature that adds flexibility to the astonishing material power of iPads equipped with the M series and opens doors for more professional creative workflows.
Newspaper
The newspaper application, previously exclusive to iPhone, is making its way to iPados with iPados 26. Journal does almost what it says on the tin – it is a place to write and store memories, photos and events.
Journal on iPad supports Apple Crayer, which ostensibly means that there will be space to write and draw in each entry.
Best audio recording
The IPAD audio recording powers have developed with iPados 26. In addition to the possibility of choosing different microphone inputs for different applications, the vocal application of the iPad now supports voice isolation, 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 “Studio quality audio recording”.
Other application updates
As for the other updates of the iPados 26 application, the File application has received certain key improvements. The view of the list now displays more details and an overview of each document, while the folders can be added to the quay.
The messages application obtains thematic backgrounds, surveys and an updated user interface, while the notes and the calculator obtain advanced 3D graphics in the calculator itself and mathematical notes.
In addition, the pen toolbox accessible in applications such as notes gets a new reed pen, designed for calligraphy.
Let us know the functions of these iPad features that you expect the most in the comments below. There is much more to explore from this year’s WWDC – make sure to consult our blog live WWDC 2025 for a breathlessness of all updates and ads.
