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As expected, Apple announced the latest version of iPadOS at its WWDC conference on Monday, bringing with it a series of exciting new features for the popular tablet. Like iOS for iPhones, iPadOS will get a bump to version number 26 as Apple brings more consistency to its OS lineup, including WatchOS, TVOS and VisionOS. It's a cosmetic change like the one we saw from Samsung in 2020 to align its smartphones to the years they were released.
Last year, we saw dramatic changes in iPadOS 18, and it makes this year's software update slightly less visually interesting in comparison, but there's enough new here to get excited about. Last year's iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 felt like one of the biggest visual overhauls Apple had done for either operating system in some time, introducing new ways for users to customize their home experience, along with the first Apple Intelligence features -- many of which will finally make their debut in this latest update.
Possibly the biggest announcement in iPadOS 26 is the updated windowing system that will turn your multitasking game up to 11. Apple's blurring the lines between its operating systems with the latest iPad update.
For more, catch up with our coverage from WWDC 2025.
Below, we'll cover what's new in the latest version of iPadOS and when you'll be able to get your hands on it.
What's new in iPadOS 26?
Let's get right into it. Apple's approach to both the iPad and iPhone operating systems focus on refining what was introduced in last year's update while adding new features that both feel like it's playing catch-up.
Liquid Glass
Apple announced a new design language that will span across all of its operating systems, called Liquid Glass. As the name suggests, a glass-like look will be found throughout several pieces of the UI, including a new "all clear" mode you can apply to all of your home screen icons that looks slick. The new design takes cues from VisionOS on the Vision Pro headset, adding in a new, futuristic vibe to your iPad.
A Multitasking Overhaul
While Apple called iPadOS 26 the biggest update to its tablet operating system ever during its keynote, the new windowing system for multitasking might be the biggest feature on most people's minds.
iPadOS 26 introduced a new way to resize your apps into floating windows so you can have multiple apps running at the same time and control exactly where you place them. Window tiling will allow users to rearrange windows with minimal effort. In addition, the new windowing system works with Stage Manager and external displays in case you need more space to work with.
The demos during the keynote gave iPadOS a MacOS quality, and if it functions as it should, productivity on an iPad is about to get significantly better for users.
A new menu bar for apps
Apple is pushing iPadOS into MacOS territory with the new way to multitask, and it didn't stop there. iPadOS will also get a brand new menu bar that will provide specific app feature settings or tips, and developers will be able to make adjustments to what's shown in the menu.
To access the menu bar, you can swipe down from the top of the screen, and if you're using a mouse, you can bring your cursor to the top.
When will you be able to try iPadOS 26?
For most of us, this version of iPadOS won't arrive until the iPhone 17 hits shelves -- something we anticipate to happen in September. However, Apple has both a developer beta that is aimed for developers, with a more consumer-friendly beta arriving to those who want to test out the latest features from Apple with more reliability. While the developer beta can typically be installed via the settings on your iPhone, we'll keep this article updated for any news on the public beta release date for iPadOS 26.
This is a developing story.
