The iPadOS 26 Beta is here, and it brings a ton of exciting new features and updates that make your iPad feel more like a powerful computer. If you're wondering about the iPadOS 26 features, this review covers everything new, from a sleek design to a game-changing multitasking system.
Apple released iPadOS 26 Beta 1 for developers in June 2025, with the public beta expected by late June or early July, and the final version likely coming this fall (September).
This blog post dives into the release date, new features, updates, changes, and what’s new in this beta, giving you a clear picture of what to expect. Let’s explore how iPadOS 26 transforms your iPad experience!
Release Date and Availability
Apple launched iPadOS 26 Beta 1 for developers in June 2025, alongside updates like iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and VisionOS 26 Beta 1. The public beta is expected by the end of June or early July, based on last year’s timeline when Apple released the public beta earlier than announced.
The final version should arrive this fall, likely September or October 2025, for all supported iPads. The beta takes up about 15 GB, so make sure your device has enough storage before installing. Since it’s an early beta, it’s best to avoid installing it on your main iPad, especially if you use it for work, due to some performance issues we’ll discuss later.
For a look at how this update compares to previous versions, check out our iPadOS 26 vs iPadOS 18.5 comparison.
iPadOS 26 Features
The standout of iPadOS 26 is its Mac-like features, making your iPad feel like a laptop replacement. Here are the key highlights:
New Liquid Glass Design
iPadOS 26 introduces a “liquid glass” design that gives app icons, widgets, and the control center a transparent, borderless look. This design is visible across the system, including the lock screen, home screen, and apps like the camera and keyboard. You can customize icons to be clear, tinted, light, or dark by long-pressing the home screen, selecting “Customize,” and choosing your style.
The lock screen clock can also be resized or recolored for a solid or glass look. Some users find the clear icons hard to read due to low contrast, especially with certain wallpapers, but you can adjust the wallpaper brightness to improve visibility.
This design refresh builds on updates from iPadOS 18.5, making the interface feel modern and sleek.
Multitasking and Windowing System
The biggest change in iPadOS 26 is the new windowing system, which makes multitasking feel like using a Mac. Instead of the old three-dot menu, apps now have traffic light buttons (red, yellow, green) in the top left corner to close, minimize, or maximize windows.
You can resize and move windows freely by dragging a corner or the top bar, and snap them into layouts like split view or quad view by hovering over the green button. Unlike the old Stage Manager, which limited you to four apps, you can now open up to 12 windows at once, and they stay in the same workspace without switching.
To see all open apps, swipe up with four fingers on a trackpad or swipe up and hold on the screen to enter “App Expose” mode, where apps part to the sides for easy access. Split view is still available, letting you resize two apps side by side, but Slide Over is gone.
This system works on all iPads that support iPadOS 26, including older models like the 2018 iPad Pro and iPad mini, though smaller screens like the mini may feel cramped due to overlapping windows.
For tips on mastering this new system, see our Tips and Tricks for iPadOS 26.
Mac-Like Menu Bar
Every app now has a menu bar at the top, similar to macOS, with options like File, Edit, View, and Help. For example, in Safari, you can access bookmarks or history, while the Camera app offers settings for editing images.
Swipe down from the top of an app to reveal the menu, making it easier to find functions without digging through settings. This replaces the old keyboard shortcut menu (holding Command) and feels more intuitive, especially for Mac users.
Enhanced Files App
The Files app is now much closer to Finder on macOS. You can switch to a list view with resizable columns, making it easier to browse files. Right-click a file to set which app opens it (e.g., Preview instead of Apple Books for PDFs). You can also customize folders with emojis or tags, which change the folder’s color, though direct color changes aren’t yet available in Beta 1.
Drag a folder to the dock, and it fans out like on macOS, letting you quickly access files. However, some users report glitches when adding folders to the dock, which Apple may fix in later betas.
Compare this to the Files app in iPadOS 18.5 vs iPadOS 18.4 to see how it’s evolved.
New Apps for iPadOS 26
iPadOS 26 brings several new apps to the iPad, making it more versatile:
-
Preview: Ported from macOS, Preview lets you view, edit, and annotate PDFs and images. You can export files as JPEG, PNG, PDF, or TIFF, and it includes a document browser for quick file access. Some beta bugs, like poor palm rejection with the Apple Pencil, are present but should improve.
-
Journal: The Journal app, previously iPhone-only, is now on iPad with an optimized interface. It supports multiple journals, location-based entries (showing places you’ve visited), and handwriting recognition with the Apple Pencil.
-
Phone: The new Phone app brings a dialer, contact posters, recent calls, and live translation to the iPad, making it easier to take calls with AirPods.
-
Games: Replacing Game Center, this app is a hub for Apple Arcade and App Store games, showing your activity, multiplayer options, and game recommendations.
Background Tasks Support
iPadOS 26 aims to improve background tasks, like exporting videos in Final Cut Pro or Lumafusion, so you can leave the app without stopping the process. In Beta 1, this feature isn’t fully working—some tasks still fail when you swipe home—but Apple plans to fix this in future updates. A live activity on the lock screen shows progress for tasks like downloads, and you can cancel them if they slow down your iPad.
Apple Pencil and Calligraphy
For Apple Pencil users, iPadOS 26 adds a calligraphy pen tool in the Notes app. You can adjust opacity, thickness, and angle to create unique handwriting styles. This is great for journaling or note-taking, especially with the new Journal app. The Notes app also supports 3D graphing for math formulas, letting you manipulate graphs interactively.
New Cursor for Precision
The old circular cursor is replaced with a precise arrow cursor when using a Magic Keyboard or mouse. It highlights elements without morphing, making tasks like selecting text or clicking small buttons easier. Unfortunately, there’s no option to revert to the old cursor, which some users liked for its touch-first feel.
Creator Features
iPadOS 26 enhances tools for creators. You can plug in high-quality microphones, like the Scarlet 2i2, for FaceTime or Zoom calls, perfect for podcasting. The control center now has a microphone selection menu, though it’s buggy in Beta 1. You can also export high-resolution video and audio from calls, making the iPad a stronger tool for content creation.
Family and Accessibility Updates
Parents get better controls in iPadOS 26, with easier ways to set up child accounts and manage screen time, communication limits, and App Store restrictions. Accessibility features include a reader mode (activated via the accessibility shortcut) and a late-night sound mode for softer audio output.
Photos, Safari, and More
The Photos app has a new layout with library and collections views, where you can pin or hide media types for easier access. Safari gets a new side menu, updated tab view, and homepage suggestions.
The Calculator app now has a clear-all button and mode-switching, while Podcasts offers more playback speeds and dialogue enhancement. Screenshots have a new UI with cropping, save/delete buttons, and loopback support, plus HDR options in settings.
External Display Support
iPadOS 26 improves external display support for M-series iPads, allowing you to extend your workspace with a monitor. The windowing system works the same as on the iPad, with the new cursor providing precise control.
Non-M-series iPads can mirror their display but not extend it. You can manage audio output (e.g., switching to iPad speakers) via the control center, but playing multiple audio sources at once (e.g., YouTube and Music) isn’t supported.
Performance and Battery Life
As an early beta, iPadOS 26 has some performance issues. Apps can be sluggish, and the system may feel choppy, especially when opening the app library. Battery life is also poor—Beta 1 drained 54% in just 1.5 hours of screen time due to heavy background processing. Apple is likely indexing files and optimizing the system, which should improve in later betas. For now, avoid installing on your main iPad if you rely on it for work.
Supported Devices
iPadOS 26 supports a wide range of devices, bringing pro-level features to older and entry-level iPads. Here’s the list:
| Device | Supported Models |
|---|---|
| iPad Pro | M4, 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later), 11-inch (1st gen and later) |
| iPad Air | M-series, 3rd gen and later |
| iPad (Entry-Level) | A16, A-series and later |
| iPad mini | A17 Pro, 5th gen and later |
This broad compatibility means even a 2018 iPad Pro or the iPad mini can use the new windowing system, though smaller screens may feel less practical.
Should You Install iPadOS 26 Beta 1?
iPadOS 26 Beta 1 is exciting but not ready for daily use. The glitches, slow performance, and battery drain make it risky for your main device. Wait for the public beta or final release for a smoother experience.
If you’re curious about testing it, use a secondary iPad and back up your data first. For tips on navigating the beta, check out 15 Tips and Tricks for iPadOS 18.5, which offers insights that still apply.
What’s New in Small Screens?
On smaller iPads like the 11-inch Pro or iPad mini, the windowing system works but feels crowded. Overlapping windows are more noticeable, especially on the mini’s 8.3-inch screen.
You can still open up to 12 apps and use quad view or split view, but the limited space makes it less practical. Apple didn’t cut corners, though—every feature is available, and the Moft case for the iPad mini adds versatility for drawing or propping up the device.
FAQ
1. When will iPadOS 26 be released?
The developer beta launched in June 2025, with the public beta expected by late June or early July. The final version should arrive in September or October 2025.
2. What are the biggest new features in iPadOS 26?
The top features include a Mac-like windowing system with traffic light buttons, a menu bar for apps, an enhanced Files app, new apps (Preview, Journal, Phone, Games), and Apple Pencil calligraphy support.
3. Can I install iPadOS 26 Beta 1 on my main iPad?
It’s not recommended due to sluggish performance, battery drain, and glitches. Use a secondary device and back up your data if you want to test it.
4. Which iPads support iPadOS 26?
Supported devices include iPad Pro (2018 and later), iPad Air (3rd gen and later), entry-level iPads (A-series and later), and iPad mini (5th gen and later).
5. Does iPadOS 26 work well on smaller iPads like the iPad mini?
The windowing system works on smaller screens, but overlapping windows can feel cramped, especially on the iPad mini’s 8.3-inch display.
Conclusion
iPadOS 26 Beta 1 is a massive leap forward, turning your iPad into a Mac-like powerhouse with a new windowing system, menu bar, and enhanced Files app. New apps like Preview, Journal, Phone, and Games add functionality, while creator tools and Apple Pencil updates make it a pro device.
Despite its potential, Beta 1 has bugs and battery issues, so hold off on installing it on your main iPad. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts on iPadOS 26 as Apple refines this update for its fall release.