Apple’s new iPadOS 26 update is here, bringing fresh features and smoother performance to supported iPads. But not every iPad made the cut. If you’re wondering whether your tablet is compatible, here’s a quick look at the officially supported models.
Which iPads Will Run iPadOS 26?
If your iPad is relatively recent, you’re in luck. Apple continues its trend of supporting older hardware, though a few devices have finally reached the end of the line.
iPadOS 26 is compatible with the following models:
- iPad Pro (2018 or later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
- iPad (8th generation and later)
If you’re still using the 7th-gen iPad (2019), this is where support ends. It ran iPadOS 18, but iPadOS 26 drops it from the list. That’s a sign that Apple feels it can no longer handle the newer features reliably. So, if you were holding on to that model, it might be time to think about an upgrade.
Related: iOS 26 Compatibility List: Is Your iPhone Supported?
Related: iOS 26 Beta 1, iPadOS 26 Beta 1 OTA Update: How to Download and Install
Still Plenty of Support for Most Users
It’s good to see Apple maintaining support for most modern iPads. The 8th-gen iPad and anything newer should handle iPadOS 26 just fine, and newer iPads will obviously get the best experience. The update packs performance improvements, improved multitasking and window management, refreshed UI elements that are now consistent with all Apple devices, and more.
A Quick Note on Apple’s 2025 Software Lineup
iPadOS 26 is just one part of Apple’s 2025 software releases. Alongside it, we’ve seen updates across the board including iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. Apple is aiming to make all devices feel more unified with consistent design and performance boosts across the ecosystem.
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