iPadOS 26: Features at a glance

The new iPadOS 26 promises many new features. It is said to be the biggest iPad release yet, taking it to a whole new level.

iPadOS 26: These features await you

The beta version of iPadOS 26 with all the new features has been available for testing via the Apple Developer Program since June 9, 2025. The public developer version is scheduled to be released next month. Beta versions are occasionally subject to bugs and glitches. The new, optimized software program will be released in the fall for all compatible devices. According to Apple, iPadOS 26 will include numerous powerful features.

• iPadOS 26 gives the iPad a whole new design. The display of experiences is intended to be more dynamic. For example, the home screen can be personalized with icons and apps. It is also possible to customize the color tone to suit individual tastes.

• In addition, the update includes an intuitive windowing system that helps users work with app windows and switch between them. For example, you can resize windows, place them anywhere, and open multiple app windows at the same time.

• The menu bar also has some new features, such as customization for your own apps. Commands from different apps can be accessed by swiping down on the display or moving the cursor up. In addition, the menu bar search allows you to find apps and features more quickly.

• Apple Intelligence is said to be more effectively integrated in the new release. In particular, the use of translation functions has been optimized with the help of artificial intelligence. For example, there are live translations on the phone and live subtitles when using FaceTime.

• With the installation of iPadOS 26, users can quickly and easily create Genmojis, personalized emojis. If you have a specific idea, you can go to Any Style and describe it in detail. Image Playground then sends the idea to ChatGPT, which creates an exclusive image.

• Another new feature is the Shortcuts app. This allows you to summarize texts and create images. Students in particular could benefit from this feature, as it allows them to compare audio transcripts of a lecture with their own notes and add missing information, among other things.

• Those who work with files a lot will appreciate the optimized Files app. The updated list view includes customizable columns and more detailed information. Thanks to color customization and emojis that are synchronized across devices, folders can be found more quickly. Furthermore, folders from the Files app can be moved directly to the dock.

• The updated audio features in iPadOS 26 give users better audio quality and clearer phone calls. In addition, recordings are optimized with voice isolation that blocks out ambient noise. Local Capture helps users produce high-quality recordings directly on their iPad and share them. Furthermore, echo cancellation ensures that other participants’ voices are clearly audible during video calls, for example.

• The new Journal app makes it easier to capture moments. Handwritten entries, photos, and audio recordings can be added with a touch or with the Apple Pencil. You can also create multiple journals at the same time and sort entries by location, for example.

• The Apple Games app also brings a number of improvements. iPadOS 26 comes with Game Overplay, which lets you see events and updates faster. You can also customize settings and call or invite friends during a game.

• The Messages app can now be personalized with backgrounds and designs. In addition, messages appear with polls and an improved detail view, giving users a better overview of shared content. The Phone app has also arrived on the iPad with the new update and features updates such as Hold Assistant and Call Filter.