While iOS 26 may be making more of the headlines as it arrives today on iPhones across the world, it’s an equally important day for the iPad, which is getting a similar update too. iPadOS 26 is coming to millions of iPads the world over today, bringing with it Apple’s new naming convention that mirrors the year in which the software will be used – 2026.
iPadOS 26 succeeds iPadOS 18 and was first shown to Apple fans across the world back at the firm’s Worldwide Developer Conference back in June. It will be available to download to all compatible iPads later today, Monday September 15.
When will iPadOS 26 be released?
Apple has said iPadOS 26 will be sent out as a free software update today, September 15, but what time exactly we’re not totally sure. But looking back at previous releases of major iOS updates, it’s likely iPad owners in the UK won’t see the update available to download until after 6pm BST.
How to install iPadOS 16 on your iPad
After 6pm UK time, the download will start to appear in the Settings app on your iPad. Here’s how to find it if you’re not sure.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. When you tap on Software Update, as long as your iPad is connected to the internet, it’ll search for a new version to install.
Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi rather than a cellular connection for the download, as it’s likely to be several gigabytes.
If you don’t see iPadOS 26 ready to install straight away, don’t worry. It’s not unusual as Apple is attempting to push out the new software at the same time all across the world, and sometimes its servers can get very busy. If you don’t see it immediately, just wait a few hours.
Is your iPad compatible with iPadOS 26?
Apple has made sure that iPads dating back as far as six years are compatible with iPadOS 26. This goes right back to the 5th-gen iPad mini and 3rd-gen iPad Air that were both released in March 2019.
Here is Apple’s full list of iPads that are getting iPadOS 26:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (M3)
- iPad Air (M2)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad (8th generation and later)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
What’s new in iPadOS 26?
The main new thing about iPadOS 26 is the ability to – finally – use a proper windowing system to move apps around like you can do on desktop operating systems such as macOS or Windows. Previously, iPads could only show apps in full screen or split screen, but now you can resize them and overlay them.
This is an evolution of the iPad’s Stage Manager mode, which was a bit of a halfway house.
Aside from this new perk that will appeal to power users, most people should notice the visual overhaul of iPadOS with a design language Apple is calling Liquid Glass. This applies a glossy sheen to app icons and many visual elements all across the UI that changes how the iPad feels.
If your iPad supports Apple Intelligence (and only the very latest models do), you’ll be able to use new tools such as Live Translation, get help rewriting emails, create Genmoji emojis and create new powerful Shortcuts using Apple’s dedicated app.
“iPadOS 26 is our biggest iPadOS release ever, with powerful features that take the experience to the next level and transform what users can do on iPad,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.
“With a beautiful new design, an entirely new powerful and intuitive windowing system, even more features powered by Apple Intelligence, huge improvements to working with files, and new capabilities for creatives to power their workflows, iPadOS 26 makes our most versatile device even more capable.”
For more on the full iPadOS 26 update, read our original report from back in June.