What’s new in iPadOS 26
Windowing. Open windows and then resize or arrange them just how you want. Use controls to close or minimize windows, take them full screen, or arrange them in easy-to-view layouts. Swipe up to see all your windows, then tap the one you want to move to the front. See Work with multiple apps at once, Change the layout of open windows, and Open and view windows in an app.
Lock Screen. The time dynamically adapts its position based on the Lock Screen photo or wallpaper and always keeps the subject in view. When you move your iPad, your Lock Screen photo comes to life with a new 3D effect. See Create a custom iPad Lock Screen.
Home Screen. App icons on your Home Screen have a new look that you can tint with different colors or turn light, dark, or clear. See Customize apps and widgets on the iPad Home Screen.
Apple Intelligence.* Create custom Genmoji using existing emoji, combinations of emoji, or descriptive text. Change the look and expressions of Genmoji and Image Playground creations that are based on people from your Photos library. Design custom backgrounds for your Messages conversations. Live Translation automatically translates texts in Messages, shows live translated captions in FaceTime calls, and provides spoken translations for Phone calls. See Create original images with Image Playground on iPad, Create your own emoji with Genmoji on iPad, Create and edit original backgrounds with Image Playground, and Translate messages and calls on iPad.
Phone. The Phone app is now available on iPad. Remove unwanted distractions from unknown numbers with Call Screening, which gathers the necessary information before your phone rings, so you can make an informed decision on whether to pick up, decline, or ask for more information. Use Hold Assist to wait on hold for you and then send you a notification when it’s time to return to the call. See Make a call on iPad, Screen and block calls on iPad, and Receive a notification when you’re no longer on hold.
Files. In list view, see more of your files and their details with resizable columns and collapsible folders. Set custom icons and colors for your folders to make them easier to identify at a glance. Choose the app you want to use to open a file, and set the default app for specific files or file types. Access files and folders from anywhere when you add folders to the Dock. See Modify files and folders in Files on iPad and Find and view files and folders in Files on iPad.
Preview. The Preview app is now available on iPad so you can easily view, edit, and share PDF documents and images. Scan documents, use AutoFill to quickly fill out forms, and export PDFs or images as different file types or sizes. See Get started with Preview on iPad.
Photos. An updated design makes it easier to switch between your Library and Collections. You can now customize how Collections appear—reorder them, choose which ones to pin, and select from three display sizes: larger tiles, a denser grid, or a layout that highlights the top row. See Browse your photo library on iPad and Browse your photo collections on iPad.
Reminders. (iPadOS 26.2) Mark a reminder as urgent to set an alarm that alerts you when it’s due. See Add details in Reminders on iPad.
Messages. Messages from unknown numbers are filtered into a separate area of your conversation list for you to review and approve. Backgrounds let you personalize conversations for everyone to enjoy using dynamic backgrounds, your own photos, or backgrounds you create in Image Playground. In group conversations, you can create polls to help make decisions, send money using Apple Cash, and see typing indicators. See Screen and filter text messages on iPad, Add backgrounds in Messages on iPad, and Poll people in Messages on iPad.
Games. A new app where you can keep track of all the games you’re playing, discover new ones, receive tailored recommendations, and start challenges with friends. See Get started with the Apple Games app on iPad.
Accessibility. Braille Access introduces an all-new experience designed for Braille users with a connected Braille display that enables note-taking, document-reading, access to Live Captions and more. Vehicle Motion Cues help reduce motion sickness for passengers in moving vehicles. You can also temporarily use your Accessibility settings on someone else’s device. See Use Braille Access with a braille display on iPad, Use iPad more comfortably while riding in a vehicle, and Share your Accessibility Settings with another device on iPad.
Family. During device set up, parents can specify if they are setting up a device for an older child, age 13–17, and age-appropriate protections are automatically enabled. See Share age ranges with apps on iPad.
Journal. The Journal app is now available on iPad. Write entries in your own handwriting using Apple Pencil, include drawings inline with text, and view the location of your journal entries on a map. See Get started with Journal on iPad, Add formatting, photos, and more in Journal on iPad, and View and search your journal entries on iPad.
Calculator. Write an equation with three variables in Math Notes and create a graph in three dimensions. See Work with graphs in Math Notes in Calculator on iPad.
Music. AutoMix seamlessly mixes one song to the next, just like a DJ. See Adjust the sound quality in Music on iPad.
Audio recording. Capture high-quality audio and video during video conference calls. And a new input chooser makes it easy for creators to pick the right microphone for each app. See Record audio and video on iPad.
Learn tricks for iPadOS 26. The Tips app adds new suggestions regularly, so you can get the most from your iPad. See Use the Tips app on iPad.
Note: New features and apps may vary depending on your iPad model, region, language, and carrier.