Apple unveiled iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025, aiming to provide a more seamless and intuitive user experience across devices. The update, announced Monday and slated for a September public release, aligns all Apple operating systems under version number 26.
Apple reveals iPadOS 26 with AI tools and Liquid Glass redesign
iPadOS 26 emphasizes a productivity experience similar to MacOS, enhanced by improved app window controls. The upgraded window management system allows users to resize, move, minimize, and tile windows. An Expose view and flicking movements further aid window management.
Apple is incorporating AI features, branded as Apple Intelligence, designed to complement the iPad interface. Key features include:
- Real-time translation: Live translations for texts, FaceTime, and phone calls with both captions and spoken translations.
- A smarter, genAI Siri: AI-powered actions such as summarizing text and generating images through new Shortcuts.
- Genmoji and Image Playground: Image generation features that allow users to include new styles and edit attributes like hair and accessories.
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New and updated applications were also presented at WWDC 2025. These include:
- Preview for iPadOS: A new application enabling users to view, edit, and mark up PDFs, with AutoFill for forms and integration with the Files app.
- Apple Games: A new gaming hub offering Game Overlay and access to invites, settings, and updates during gameplay.
The iPadOS 26 visual redesign introduces “Liquid Glass,” using transparent layers that dynamically adjust with movement and scrolling. This feature affects touch and movement responses on the display. It also allows customization of app icons and notifications with a translucent look, employing computer vision techniques to create movement illusions in wallpapers.
iPadOS 26 will be compatible with the following iPad models:
- iPad 8th generation and newer
- iPad Air 3rd generation and newer
- iPad Mini 5th generation and newer
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and newer
- All iPad Pro 11-inch generations
Support for the 7th-generation base model iPad has been discontinued with this update.
