Your iPad is getting a major upgrade for free. 4 top features I can't wait to try in iPadOS 26 - ZDNET
iPadOS 26: A New Era for iPads
At WWDC 2025, Apple made a significant announcement about the latest updates coming to its popular tablets, the iPads. The company revealed that the next major release of its iPad operating system is iPadOS 26, which promises to bring numerous exciting features and improvements to the device. In this summary, we'll delve into the details of iPadOS 26 and explore what's new for iPad users.
What is iPadOS 26?
iPadOS 26 is the latest version of Apple's tablet operating system, designed specifically for iPads running on M3 chipsets. The update aims to further enhance the user experience, providing a more streamlined, efficient, and personalized environment for iPad users.
Key Features of iPadOS 26
While Apple hasn't officially revealed all the features and updates coming with iPadOS 26, here are some exciting highlights that have been confirmed or speculated:
Improved Lockscreen
One of the most notable updates is the new lockscreen design on 13-inch M3 iPad Air devices. The redesigned lockscreen boasts a more vibrant and modern aesthetic, complete with improved animations and a sleeker interface.
Enhanced Multitasking
iPadOS 26 promises to enhance multitasking capabilities, allowing users to switch between apps and tasks more seamlessly. This includes the ability to easily drag windows from one app to another and access multiple apps at once.
Advanced Gestures
The new iPadOS version introduces advanced gestures that make it easier for users to navigate their iPads. These gestures include improved swipe directions, pinching, and zooming capabilities.
Enhanced Security
Apple has also focused on enhancing security features in iPadOS 26. This includes improved encryption methods, better protection against malware, and the ability to detect and flag suspicious activity.
Quality of Life Updates
iPadOS 26 also brings several quality-of-life updates that improve overall performance and efficiency. These include:
- A faster app switching experience
- Enhanced support for external displays
- Improved battery life
What's New in iPadOS 26: Uncovered
While the official release notes from Apple are sparse, we can glean some information about the new features in iPadOS 26 through various tech outlets and online resources. Here are some additional details:
Dark Mode Enhancements
iPadOS 26 includes improvements to Dark Mode, which allows users to customize their display settings to better suit their preferences.
Improved Accessibility Features
Apple has expanded accessibility features in iPadOS 26, including the ability to use assistive touch, improved screen reading capabilities, and more.
Enhanced Collaboration Tools
The new iPadOS version introduces advanced collaboration tools that make it easier for teams to work together on iPads. This includes the ability to create shared spreadsheets, presentations, and documents.
Conclusion
iPadOS 26 represents a significant step forward for Apple's tablet offerings, promising to deliver improved performance, security, and user experience. As with any major software update, users can expect bugs, issues, and compatibility problems. However, with Apple's focus on delivering high-quality products, iPadOS 26 is expected to be a significant upgrade for iPad enthusiasts.
What to Expect
As the launch date of iPadOS 26 approaches, we can expect Apple to provide more detailed information about the new features and updates. In the meantime, users who own 13-inch M3 iPad Air devices or are planning to upgrade should keep an eye out for these exciting changes.
Recommendations
If you're due for an iPadOS update, here's what we recommend:
- Backup your data: Before installing any new software, make sure to backup your important files and data.
- Check compatibility: Ensure that your device is compatible with the latest iPadOS version.
- Read release notes: Follow Apple's official release notes for detailed information about the new features and updates.
By following these tips and staying informed about the latest developments in iPadOS 26, you'll be well-equipped to take full advantage of the new features and improvements coming to your tablet.