iPadOS 26 makes iPad work like a laptop

On September 10, Apple introduced the preview of iPadOS 26, the biggest iPadOS release ever, taking a big step forward and pushing the unique capabilities and versatility of iPad even further.

Beautiful design brings a new look to iPad, making the experience more expressive and enjoyable. While maintaining the simplicity of iPad, iPadOS 26 introduces an all-new window system that is powerful and intuitive, with new features to help users control, organize, and switch between apps.

Apple Intelligence gets even more powerful and integrated in iPadOS 26, with new features to help users communicate, express themselves, and get things done, including Live Translate, new ways to get creative with Genmoji and Image Playground, and intelligent actions with Shortcuts.

The fast Files app offers new ways to organize files and customize folders. And with Folders in the dock, users can easily access downloads, documents, and more from anywhere.

The Preview app on iPad gives users a dedicated app for viewing and editing PDFs, with powerful features like Apple Pencil Markup and AutoFill built in.

Along with Background Tasks, audio input selection, and Local Capture, iPadOS 26 opens up new possibilities for creative professionals working with audio and video . “iPadOS 26 is our biggest iPadOS release ever, with powerful features that take the experience to the next level and transform what users can do on iPad,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.

“With a stunning new design, an all-new intuitive and powerful window system, even more features powered by Apple Intelligence, major improvements to file handling, and new capabilities for creators to accelerate their workflow, iPadOS 26 makes our most versatile device even more capable,” Federighi added.

The stunning new design delivers more expressive and enjoyable experiences for iPad users, while maintaining the familiarity of iPadOS.

The design is crafted with Liquid Glass — a new translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings, while reacting to user input and dynamically transforming to bring more focus to the content they care about most.

This design brings a new level of liveliness to experiences like the Lock Screen and Control Center, and gives users new ways to personalize their Home Screen with updated, vibrant app icons in light or dark, colorful new light and dark tones, and a clean, elegant new look.