When does iOS 26 come out? Explore the new design, multitasking features, and powerful tools that are set to transform how you use your Apple devices.
This is here! Apple officially launched iPadOS 26 as a free upgrade for all compatible iPads, and I was on hand with the beta version for some time. Spoiler Alert—This update can change the way you use your tablet. After massive testing on the 11-inch iPad Air (M3), I can confidently say that this is the iPad upgrade that we have been waiting for. It is packed with a smooth, powerful, and new tool that pushes the tablet closer to a longer laptop experience than ever.
A new look: liquid glass.
Apple’s new design language, liquid glass, has been creating waves since its announcement at WWDC 2025. At first, people used to doubt—and honestly, anything Apple reveals these days. But after using it daily, I can say that it is one of the most beautiful and polished visual upgrades that Apple has given over the years.
While most of the discussion around the liquid glass focused on the iPhones, the large screen of the iPad actually makes you appreciate the cleverness of this redesign. Apple describes liquid glass as “can only be achieved by Apple by combining the optical properties of glass with liquidity.” Translation? Subtle transit, spontaneous animation, and sophisticated reflections that feel both futuristic and natural.
Control centers, lock screens, camera apps, and preview tools are now soft, liquid-like overlays. Objects overlap with transparent lighting effects, such as when you are caressing shimmering water. It is never on top—instead, it adds an elegant depth that makes the interaction feel smoother and more satisfying.
In real use, it looks luxurious and feels luxurious. Swiping between the camera modes bends the text and refracts it as if swimming. Moving widgets or dragging icons forms soft animations that never slow down the system. Even lock screen adaptation options feel more comfortable and visually attractive.
This is easily the biggest visual overhaul that the iPad has seen in a decade, and for those who appreciate the beauty expansion, it is a winner. It seems modern without being a gimmick—almost such a clean, spontaneous design that Steve Jobs may have chased.
Laptop-level features: windowing and multitasking
If the liquid glass looks about all, the real game-changer in iPadOS 26 is how it turns your iPad into a productivity powerhouse. The new winding system, added with advanced multitasking features, brings a whole new level of purpose.
Now you can group the application in a floating window, which can be shaped with a swipe or click and can be transferred and extended. These windows are not a gimmick—they are practical, flexible, and surprisingly stable. Use your finger or Magic Keyboard trackpad to reorganize windows on the screen. Gesture control is also supported, although it comes with a minor learning curve for new users.
With multitasking, you can run many applications side-by-side—no more flipping between apps to copy text or check notes. Need to do research in Safari while drafting a document in Google Docs? Go for it. Watching a tutorial video when sketching notes with Apple Pencil? Absolutely. The iPad suddenly looks like a true work center.
In fact, pairing the iPad Air with the Magic Keyboard and an external display was a game-changer. This gave me the same experience as using my MacBook—only lighter, faster, and easier to move around. The M3 chip in the iPad Air is not a joke. This improves my aging work laptop with its M1 processor. This is enough to make your MacBook feel obsolete compared to.
Power User Anand: Professional Growth
This update is not only for casual users. Power users, creative professionals, and artists will appreciate how iPadOS 26 unlocks new possibilities.
For example, a video editor using an M4 iPad Pro will prefer a background work facility. Now you can export big video files without interrupting your workflow—switch between applications while your project renders in the background.
The artists will appreciate the improvement in the drawing tools and the enhanced preview app, which now offers PDF to annotate or make graphics. And if you are managing files, the app of the new files simply simplifies everything with a dock, list visual, and drag-and-drop functionality.
These upgrades keep the iPad in position as a serious contender in the creative workflows—whether you are editing the video, designing graphics, or managing files.
Existing crisis: Do you also need a laptop now?
But here it is interesting that it becomes interesting—if your iPad can do everything a MacBook can, then why can you be upset by carrying both? This existence crisis can be triggered for iPadOS 26 for some users.
For professionals, multitasking ability, arranging files, and running apps may be sufficient to replace their laptops. For creatives, the portability combined with power makes it ideal for on-location work.
On the other hand, casual users who stream the game, just video chat, or play games may overshadow these advanced features. Not every iPad needs to be a workstation. In fact, some may feel that the work is attacking them at the time of their holiday.
Nevertheless, even for light users, new features such as Enhanced File Management and Window Rising Offer Facility are available without any infiltration. Apple is eating at both ends of the spectrum—professional and casual users equally.
Files, navigation, and familiar Mac features
The app for updated files looks like a breath of fresh air. Finding a document is much easier than ever with a new visual list and better outfit tools. Drag-and-drop between customized folders and apps adds a liquidity that makes working easy.
What is more, many familiar Mac features now appear on the iPad. When apps like Chrome or Preview are open, swipe down, and you will see the full menu bar with files, edits, views, and other dropdowns—like on the laptop.
Navigation has also promoted new red, yellow, and green buttons on the app window. You can quickly expand the apps with a tap, at least, or move them. Right-click on an app, and you will see the options to organize Windows in half- or quarter-screen layouts. Some insects remain in beta, but the overall experience is impressively smooth.
Cool Equipment: Preview, Translation, and AI Integration
The preview tool is one of the most delightful aspects of this update. It has a slick spyglass animation that zooms in on your documents and provides strong PDF editing and image manipulation options.
Apple’s new live translation feature is now available on iPads in apps like Phone, FaceTime, and Messages. Although it is still being tested by takeout outlets, it is expected to be a useful addition, even if it is playing catch-up with Google’s offerings.
Image Playground is another new creative tool that allows users to edit photos, create Genmoji avatars, and detect artistic effects. Although it is not necessary for daily productivity, it adds a playful element that young users and families will enjoy.
Other notable features
Shortcut: New automation options that tie in Apple Intelligence make regular tasks faster and smarter.
Phone on iPad: Yes, now you can call and reach your phone apps directly from your tablet.
Apple Music Enhancements: Lyrics translation and AI operation for a DJ-style listening experience.
Gaming overhaul: A dedicated game app with better control and an overlay tool to tweet mid-game.
Audio recording upgrade: more options for sound capture, useful for musicians, podcasters, and journalists.
Decision: A qualified upgrade for all
The iPadOS 26 is more than just a cosmetic facelift—it is a thoughtful upgrade that balances beauty with functionality. The liquid glass brings the iPad to a new era of design, while multitasking and windowing features make it feel powerful and capable.
For professionals and creatives, it is a long-awaited leap. For casual users, it is a polished experience with enough bells and whistles, which is to investigate without feeling.
Whether you are a dedicated Apple fan or just looking for a tablet, the hard work you do, the iPadOS 26 should be an upgrade. And with this, due to having a free update today, there is no reason to jump and see how far your iPad can take you.