Liquid Glass design language

Apple has introduced a unified design language called Liquid Glass for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, drawing inspiration from visionOS on the Vision Pro headset. The semi-translucent interface reflects background hues and adapts to user interactions, helping users focus on content that matters most.

Changes are immediately visible on the lock screen and control center. Users also have more customization options for their home screens. Upgraded controls and navigation extend to core apps like Mail, Safari, Apple TV, and Apple Music.

All-new windowing system

The most notable enhancement in iPadOS 26 is its new windowing system, which - though simple - is incredibly powerful. Users can now freely resize and reposition app windows, even open multiple windows at once. The system remembers window sizes and placements and restores them the next time an app is opened.

The new Exposé feature provides a quick overview of all open windows for seamless multitasking. A redesigned menu bar lets users access app-specific commands by swiping down from the top or hovering the pointer at the screen's edge. Developers can also customize the in-app menu bar for their own applications.

Deeper Apple Intelligence integration

Like iOS 26, iPadOS 26 includes deeper integration of Apple Intelligence. AI-powered features such as live translation are now available directly within apps like Phone, FaceTime, and Messages. Users can also create personalized Genmoji.

The Shortcuts app now supports AI-enhanced automation, such as summarizing text or generating images via Image Playground. For example, students can use AI to compare lecture transcripts with their notes and fill in any missing key points.

Improved file management

The Files app now includes a new list view with adjustable columns and collapsible folders, offering detailed document metadata at a glance. Users can also drag and drop folders directly into the Dock for easier multitasking.

Introducing the new Preview app

iPadOS 26 debuts the Preview app, allowing users to quickly sketch, view, edit, and annotate PDFs and images using either Apple Pencil or touch input. Preview supports opening PDF and image files stored in the Files app, adding blank pages, and filling out PDF forms with auto-fill functionality.

iPad compatibility with iPadOS 26

iPadOS 26 will be available as a free download this fall. It supports the following devices:

iPad Pro (M4)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later)
iPad Air (M2 and later)
iPad Air (3rd gen and later)
iPad (A16)
iPad (8th gen and later)
iPad mini (A17 Pro)
iPad mini (5th gen and later)

Du Lam