Want to make your iPad do more with iPadOS 26? This guide shares 40 tips and tricks for iPadOS 26 to help you discover hidden features, master new tools, and get the most out of your device.
Whether you’re using an iPad Pro, Air, Mini, or entry-level model, these hacks will boost your productivity, creativity, and overall experience. Let’s dive into the exciting updates and features that make iPadOS 26 a game-changer!
What’s New in iPadOS 26?
iPadOS 26 brings a Mac-like experience to your iPad with a sleek “liquid glass” design, powerful multitasking, and new apps. It’s packed with features like a revamped Files app, a precise cursor, and background task support.
Curious about how it compares to earlier versions? Check out our iPadOS 26 vs iPadOS 18.5 comparison for a detailed breakdown. Below, we’ll explore 40 tips to unlock these hidden features and hacks.
iPadOS 26 for Tips and Tricks
1. Activate the New Windowing System
iPadOS 26 introduces a windowing system that lets you resize apps like on a Mac. Go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures, select Windowed Apps, and open an app like Safari. Drag the bottom-right handle to resize, or use the traffic light buttons (red, yellow, green) in the top-left corner to close, minimize, or maximize.
2. Snap Windows for Better Multitasking
Hover over the green traffic light button to snap windows into layouts like side-by-side or quad view. This works on all iPads, including the iPad Mini, making it easy to work with multiple apps at once.
3. Use the New Menu Bar
Swipe down from an app’s top edge to reveal a Mac-like menu bar with options like File, Edit, and View. For example, in Safari, you can access bookmarks or history quickly.
4. Minimize Apps to the Dock
Click the yellow traffic light button to minimize an app to the Dock. Tap it to restore the app to its previous size and position, saving time when switching tasks.
5. Open Up to 12 Windows
Unlike the old four-app limit, iPadOS 26 lets you open up to 12 windows at once. Open apps like Notes, Safari, and Files, and they’ll stay in the same workspace without kicking others out.
6. Master App Expose
Swipe up with four fingers on a trackpad (or swipe up and hold on the screen) to see all open windows in a bird’s-eye view. Tap an app to bring it forward or slide to access hidden ones.
7. Flick Windows to the Side
Drag an app’s title bar to the screen’s edge to “flick” it aside. This resizes and moves it out of the way, perfect for organizing your workspace.
8. Resize Apps Freely
Grab any corner of an app window to resize it. Apps adapt their layout, like Settings switching to an iPhone-style view when made smaller.
9. Use Split View in Windowed Mode
Drag an app’s edge to see a vertical bar for Split View. Adjust the bar to resize apps horizontally, though vertical resizing isn’t supported yet.
10. Customize the Files App
Open the Files app, long-press a folder, and select Customize Folder and Tags. Add emojis, icons, or tags to make folders stand out. For more on Files improvements, see our iPadOS 26 Review.
11. Add Folders to the Dock
Long-press a folder in Files, choose Add to Dock, and it’ll fan out like on macOS when tapped, giving quick access to files.
12. Switch to List View in Files
In Files, tap the three-dot menu and select List View. Drag column headers to resize them or toggle sections like Date or Size for better organization.
13. Set Default Apps for Files
Long-press a file in Files, select Open With, and choose an app like Preview or Photomator to set it as the default for that file type.
14. Explore the Preview App
The new Preview app lets you edit PDFs and images. Open a file, tap the top menu, and select File > Export to convert to JPEG, PNG, or PDF.
15. Annotate in Preview
Use the Apple Pencil in Preview to annotate PDFs. Tap the pencil icon to draw, sign, or highlight, though palm rejection may need beta fixes.
16. Try the Journal App
The Journal app is now on iPad. Open it, tap the plus button, and write entries with the Apple Pencil. Create multiple journals for different topics, like travel or work.
17. Use Journal’s Places Feature
In Journal, tap Places to see entries mapped by location. Zoom in to view photos and notes from your travels, once synced with your iPhone.
18. Play with the Games App
The new Games app replaces Game Center. Browse Arcade titles, invite friends, or check top-played games in a clean, unified hub.
19. Make Calls with the Phone App
The Phone app brings a dialer, recents, and contact posters to iPad. Access it for calls via AirPods, with live translation for supported languages.
20. Customize Lock Screen Clock
Long-press the Lock Screen, tap Customize, and adjust the clock’s size, color, or style (glass or solid) for a personalized look.
21. Enable Clear Icons
Long-press the Home Screen, tap Edit > Customize, and select Clear for a transparent, liquid glass icon look. Adjust to dark or light mode as needed.
22. Tint Home Screen Icons
In the same Customize menu, choose Tinted and use sliders to change icon colors, creating a unique Home Screen vibe.
23. Edit Wallpaper Directly
Long-press the Home Screen, tap Edit Wallpaper, and change only the Home Screen background without affecting the Lock Screen.
24. Pin Collections in Photos
In the Photos app, tap the arrow next to Collections to pin favorite albums or media types, keeping them at the top for easy access.
25. Try the New Screenshot UI
Take a screenshot (press Power + Volume Up) to see the new UI. Crop, save, or delete with buttons, and add image descriptions via the loopback feature.
26. Enable HDR Screenshots
Go to Settings > General > Screen Capture and turn on HDR Screenshotsfor higher-quality captures, though they use more storage.
27. Use Accessibility Reader
In Settings > Accessibility > Read and Speak, enable the reader mode. Activate it with the Accessibility shortcut to read text aloud anywhere.
28. Turn on Late Night Mode
In Settings > Sounds, enable Late Night Mode to adjust audio for quieter, clearer sound during nighttime use.
29. Manage Blocked Contacts
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Blocked Contacts to view and manage all blocked contacts in one place.
30. Explore Safari’s New Tabs
In Safari, tap the sidebar to see a redesigned tab view with suggestions and a cleaner layout for easier browsing.
31. Switch Calculators
Open the Calculator app, tap the menu, and switch between scientific, standard, or graphing modes. The Clear All button is back too!
32. Adjust Podcast Playback
In the Podcasts app, tap the speed button to choose from six playback speeds or enhance dialogue for clearer audio.
33. Use Calligraphy in Notes
In Notes, select the new calligraphy pen tool with the Apple Pencil. Adjust opacity, thickness, and angle for artistic writing.
34. Graph 3D in Math Notes
In Notes, write a 3D formula, tap Insert Graph, and manipulate the interactive 3D graph by rotating or zooming.
35. Try Live Translation
In the Phone app or supported apps, enable live translation for real-time text or audio translation during calls or recordings.
36. Record High-Quality Podcasts
In FaceTime or Zoom, go to Control Center > FaceTime Controls, and select a high-quality mic like the Scarlet 2i2 for professional podcast audio.
37. Use the Precise Cursor
Connect a mouse or trackpad to use the new arrow cursor, which offers better precision than the old circular one. Customize it in Settings > Pointer.
38. Monitor Battery Insights
Go to Settings > Battery to see detailed charging info, including estimated completion time (on supported iPads). Note that beta versions may drain battery faster.
39. Set Family Controls
In Settings > Screen Time, use updated family controls to move kids to child accounts and manage communication limits or App Store restrictions.
40. Test Background Tasks
Start a large download in Safari, and a live activity shows progress. Swipe home, and it continues in the background, viewable from the Lock Screen.
| Feature | How to Access | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Windowing System | Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Windowed Apps | Resize and manage apps like on a Mac |
| Files Customization | Long-press folder in Files > Customize Folder and Tags | Organize files with emojis and tags |
| Journal App | Open Journal app, tap plus button | Write and organize entries with Apple Pencil |
| Preview App | Open Preview, select File > Export | Edit PDFs and images with Mac-like tools |
| Background Tasks | Start download in Safari, check Lock Screen | Run tasks without staying in the app |
Hidden Features to Explore
iPadOS 26 is full of hidden features that make your iPad more powerful. For example, the new windowing system isn’t just for iPad Pro—it works on older models like the 2018 iPad Pro or iPad Mini, as long as they support iPadOS 26. The Files app now rivals macOS Finder with list views and folder customization. Want to compare these updates to earlier versions? Our iPadOS 18.5 Review highlights what’s changed since last year.
Another hidden gem is the ability to manage audio inputs for creative work. Plug in a high-quality mic and select it in Control Center for podcasting or video calls. However, one limitation is that iPadOS 26 doesn’t support multiple audio sources playing at once, like music and video editing apps, which may disappoint some users.
Performance and Beta Considerations
iPadOS 26 Beta 1 is exciting but can be sluggish on some devices, especially during heavy multitasking. Battery life may also take a hit due to background indexing, with some users reporting 54% battery drain in just 1.5 hours of screen time. We recommend avoiding the beta on your main iPad if you rely on it for work. For tips on optimizing older versions, check out our Tips and Tricks for iPadOS 18.5.
FAQs About iPadOS 26
1. What iPads support iPadOS 26?
iPadOS 26 runs on iPad Pro (2018 and later), iPad Air (3rd gen and later), iPad Mini (5th gen and later), and entry-level iPads (A12 chip and later). Check Apple’s website for the full list.
2. How do I enable the new windowing system?
Go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures, select Windowed Apps, and resize apps using the bottom-right handle or traffic light buttons.
3. Can I use iPadOS 26 with an external monitor?
Yes, M-series iPads support extended monitor display with the new windowing system. Non-M iPads can mirror the display. See our iPadOS 26 Review for details.
4. Why is my battery draining fast on iPadOS 26 Beta?
Beta versions often use more battery due to background processes like indexing. Avoid installing on your primary device until the public release.
5. Does iPadOS 26 support multiple audio sources?
No, iPadOS 26 doesn’t allow multiple audio sources to play simultaneously, such as music and video editing apps, which is a limitation for some workflows.
Conclusion
iPadOS 26 transforms your iPad into a productivity powerhouse with its Mac-like windowing, revamped Files app, and new tools like Journal and Preview. These 40 tips and tricks uncover hidden features and hacks to help you work smarter and get creative.
Whether you’re a pro user or just love exploring new features, iPadOS 26 has something for everyone. Curious about how it stacks up against older versions? Read our iPadOS 18.5 vs iPadOS 18.4 guide.