The iPadOS 26 public beta is rolling out now, bringing Apple’s packed new software update to any iPad user ready to take the plunge. Here’s everything new.
How to install the iPadOS 26 public beta
Anyone interested in getting advance access to iPadOS 26 can install the update by first signing up for Apple’s Beta Software Program. You can sign up at beta.apple.com, then access the new software via your iPad’s Settings app.
iPadOS 26 won’t launch widely until September. As a result, installing the public beta may result in a variety of bugs and performance issues on your iPad. Apple still has several weeks to continue preparing the update for wide release this fall.
New features in iPadOS 26
Brand new, Mac-like windowing system
App windowing in iPadOS 26 has been completely revamped. Now, just like on the Mac, you can freely resize and place windows anywhere on screen, in whatever way you’d like.
There’s no need to enter a separate mode, like with Stage Manager. Instead, while every app will launch in fullscreen by default, you can now resize them to suit your exact needs. Windows will stay the same size and shape whenever you relaunch the app.
iPadOS 26 also adds the Mac’s familiar ‘traffic light’ controls in the top-left of every window. You can use these to close, minimize, and tile windows. And Exposé lets you view all open windows via a simple gesture.
Menu bar for iPad
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