iPadOS 26 announced with new design, windowing system, Files upgrades, more

Apple has officially unveiled iPadOS 26, the next major software update coming to the iPad. Here’s everything new that iPadOS 26 will bring.

New features coming in iPadOS 26

Today at WWDC, Apple announced iPadOS 26 as the next big software update for iPad.

Here’s what’s new in iPadOS 26:

• New windowing system: Powerful new features help users “work with, control, organize, and switch between app windows — all while maintaining the immediacy and simplicity that iPad users expect. The new windowing system lets users fluidly resize app windows, place them exactly where they want, and open even more windows at once.”
• Liquid Glass design like iOS 26
• Exposé shows users all their open windows at once
• Menu bar comes to iPad for the first time
• Files app gets updated List view
• Folders from Files app can be added to iPadOS dock
• Brand new Preview app for iPad
• Background Tasks enable apps to run more intensive processes
• Live Activities are used to show the progress of Background Tasks
• Long-awaited system audio upgrades where users can “choose different microphones for each app, as well as individual websites”
• Journal app comes to iPad for the first time
• Apple Games is a brand new cross-platform app
• Import and export Markdown in Apple Notes
• Reed pen is added to system tools palette
• Phone app comes to iPad

iPadOS 26 is expected to arrive in a developer beta soon, with a public launch this fall. Based on Apple’s previous release patterns, a mid-September launch is likely.

For all the latest from WWDC, stay tuned to our dedicated WWDC 2025 news hub.

Are you excited for iPadOS 26’s new features? What are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.

Best iPad accessories

• AirPods Pro 2 (now only $169, down from $249)
• Apple Pencil Pro (now only $99, down from $129)
• 100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging
• tomtoc Tablet sleeve bag for protection and style
• Baseus 10ft USB-C cable for extended reach