Apple announces iPadOS 26 with a new windowing system, redesigned Files app, Preview, Journal, and more. A major leap for iPad productivity and design.
With iPadOS 26, Apple Finally Makes iPad Feel More Like a Mac
At WWDC 2025, Apple officially revealed iPadOS 26, and it’s packed with features that make the iPad more powerful and desktop-like than ever. From a redesigned multitasking system to a stunning new look, this update feels like a turning point in how Apple wants people to use the iPad. If you’ve ever wished your iPad could do more, iPadOS 26 is a big step in that direction.
The Headline Feature: A Smarter Windowing System
Multitasking gets a serious upgrade in iPadOS 26. The all-new windowing system lets users freely resize app windows, move them anywhere on screen, and even open multiple windows at once. It’s designed to be powerful, yet simple, so even casual users won’t feel overwhelmed.
Apple has also brought Exposé to iPad, giving you a bird’s-eye view of all your open windows, just like on Mac. And for the first time ever, there’s a menu bar at the top, offering app controls in a more familiar format for longtime macOS users.
A Design Overhaul with Liquid Glass
Following the lead of iOS 26, iPadOS 26 adopts Apple’s new Liquid Glass design. The UI now includes transparent layers, dynamic lighting effects, and smoother animations. It gives the entire operating system a polished, modern feel.
New Apps and Tools for Power Users
iPadOS 26 also brings the Preview app to iPad, perfect for working with PDFs and images, especially with Apple Pencil support. The Files app now supports a cleaner List view and even lets you add folders to the Dock for quick access.
Other notable updates:
- Journal app finally arrives on iPad
- Apple Games app lets you explore and launch games across Apple platforms
- Live Activities show background task progress
- Phone app makes its way to iPad
- Choose microphones per app or website, a great addition for streamers and creators
- New reed pen for a traditional calligraphy with the use of Apple Pencil
Release Timeline
The developer beta of iPadOS 26 is available now, with a public beta coming in July. The final version is expected to roll out this fall, likely in September.
Related: iOS 26 Beta 1, iPadOS 26 Beta 1 OTA Update: How to Download and Install
With iPadOS 26, Apple is clearly pushing the iPad closer to laptop territory, without sacrificing what makes the iPad fun and easy to use. Whether you’re a casual user or a creative pro, this update is worth getting excited about.
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