Apple Unveils iPadOS 26: The Biggest Update Ever for iPad

On June 9, at the Apple WWDC 2025 event, the company presented an updated line of operating systems for wearable gadgets and devices. iPadOS 26, like other operating systems, also received a “glass” redesign Liquid Glass, acquiring translucency and improved functionality while maintaining ease of control.

One of the key features of iPadOS 26 is full support for the window system. Windows can be moved and resized freely, just like on desktops. The Exposé feature lets you display all open windows at once.

The new iPadOS introduces the new horizontal Menu Bar, which contains a variety of options for accessing system and app features. Like iOS, iPad has an updated Shortcuts app with Apple Intelligence support for easier command creation. The Files app has new ways to organize folders: you can now drag folders directly to the Dock for quick access. There’s also a Preview app for working with PDFs.

iPadOS 26 also expands Apple Intelligence capabilities, adding real-time conversation translation to the Phone, Messages, and FaceTime apps.

One of the key updates was support for full-fledged background operation of applications. Apple introduced an updated API that allows developers to integrate this functionality.

The following devices will receive the new system:

iPad mini 5, 6, 7;

iPad Pro 11″ of all generations;

iPad 8th generation and newer;

iPad Air 3rd generation and newer.