Apple has announced iPadOS 26, an update that fundamentally changes the iPad experience. The new version brings a series of far-reaching improvements, including a completely revised window system, a fresh design with Liquid Glass and greater integration of Apple Intelligence. This brings the iPad closer than ever to a fully-fledged work and creative computer – without sacrificing intuitive operation.
- New window system allows more flexible app use and window arrangement
- Apple Intelligence becomes a central component with Genmojis, live translation and shortcuts
- Files and Preview app receive comprehensive updates for better file management
- Creative and Pro users benefit from new audio and video functions, including Local Capture
Dynamic design meets productive multitasking
Apple is introducing a visual revolution with the new “Liquid Glass” design: Transparent, reactive surfaces that adapt to user behavior provide a more dynamic experience – from the lock screen to the control center. At the same time, operation remains clearly structured and familiar. App icons can now also be personalized in color or displayed in a transparent look.
Even more significant, however, is the revised window system. Users can now freely scale, move and reopen app windows in a customized size. The new Exposé shows all open windows clearly next to each other, while the integration with Stage Manager and external displays creates more space for parallel work. Particularly relevant for power users: Windows can be grouped, minimized and controlled or searched more quickly via a new menu bar.
Apple Intelligence takes center stage
With iPadOS 26, Apple Intelligence becomes a key element of the platform. The AI features have a deeper impact on everyday life and improve not only productivity but also personal expression. In FaceTime and Messages, live translation enables seamless communication in different languages – including automatically translated subtitles and spoken texts in phone calls.
Another new feature is “Image Playground” for creative image generation with the help of ChatGPT – including style presets such as oil paintings or realistic sketches. Users can design their own “Genmojis” or automate shortcuts with AI support, for example for text summaries or intelligent image creation. This opens up new workflows, particularly in educational or professional settings, for example when comparing lecture notes with audio transcriptions.
Files, previews and new apps for everyday life
There is also a leap in quality in the area of file management. The Files app has been given a clearer list view, customizable folder colors and icons and the option to move folders to the dock. In addition, a default app can now be defined for certain file types.
iPadOS 26 also brings the Preview app to the iPad – including functions such as PDF editing with Pencil markup, form filling via AutoFill and image annotation. Apple is thus closing a long-standing gap, especially for users who regularly work with documents.
The new Journal allows you to record thoughts and moments, including media attachments, drawings and location information. The Apple Games app offers a central point of contact for games, with Game Overlay for in-game communication and quick access to events or friends.
Optimized tools for creatives and professionals
In iPadOS 26, creative professionals benefit from new functions such as “Local Capture”, which saves high-quality audio and video recordings during conferences directly locally – including echo compensation. Voice isolation also ensures clearer sound recordings, which in combination with AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4 leads to studio quality.
For audio input, users can now select microphones per app or web page. A new background action API makes it possible to track and manage computationally intensive processes in the background. Particularly relevant for developers: The new menu bar allows the integration of customized commands directly into your own apps.
Conclusion: iPadOS 26 makes the iPad more productive and personal than ever before
With iPadOS 26, Apple has significantly raised the bar for tablet operating systems. The combination of intuitive window management, deep AI integration and improved tools for file, media and communication work not only makes the iPad more versatile, but also more powerful – without compromising on user-friendliness.
The final version of iPadOS 26 will be released as a free update in fall 2025. A public beta version will be launched in July. iPads from the 5th generation of the iPad mini and iPad Air (3rd gen) and all iPad Pro models from 2018 are supported. Apple Intelligence functions require devices with at least an M1 chip.
