Apple Launches iPadOS 26 Featuring Enhanced Windowing at WWDC 2025
Apple has unveiled iPadOS 26 during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, describing it as the “biggest iPadOS release ever.” This significant update introduces a fresh visual design aligned with the new Liquid Glass aesthetic and aims to enhance productivity with features such as a revamped windowing system, audio input selection, window tiling, and improvements to the Files app. Additionally, a new Preview app has been introduced, further expanding the capabilities of the iPad.
iPadOS 26 Compatible Models
iPadOS 26 will be available as a free software update for a range of iPad models. According to Apple, the compatible devices include the iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (M2 and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (A16), iPad (8th generation and later), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad mini (5th generation and later). Registered Apple Developers can access the developer beta starting today, with a public beta set to launch next month. Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, emphasized the transformative nature of iPadOS 26, stating that it introduces powerful features that elevate the user experience on the iPad.
New Productivity Features in iPadOS 26
iPadOS 26 introduces a new windowing system designed to enhance multitasking capabilities. Users can now resize app windows, position them anywhere on the screen, and open multiple windows simultaneously. This update allows for more efficient control and organization of app windows, enabling users to close, minimize, resize, and tile windows with familiar controls. The new window tiling feature takes advantage of the iPad’s capabilities, allowing apps to reopen in their previous size and location. Additionally, the Expose feature provides a quick overview of all open windows, facilitating easier navigation.
The update also includes a new menu bar that can be accessed through a simple swipe down gesture or by moving the cursor to the top of the screen. This menu bar allows users to quickly find specific features using a new search option, while developers can customize it to meet their app’s needs. The Files app has received a significant overhaul, featuring an updated List view that displays more details through resizable columns and collapsible folders. Users can also customize folders with colors, icons, and emojis, which will sync across all Apple devices.
Enhanced Features and New Apps
In addition to the productivity enhancements, iPadOS 26 introduces a new Preview app, which serves as a dedicated platform for drawing quick sketches and editing PDFs and images. Users can mark up documents using touch or Apple Pencil and quickly fill out forms with the Auto Fill feature. This app aims to streamline the process of working with visual content on the iPad.
Moreover, iPadOS 26 allows users to run computationally intensive background tasks. These tasks will be displayed with Live Activities, providing users with a clear view of ongoing processes within apps. Developers can also utilize the updated Background Tasks API to integrate this functionality into their applications, further enhancing the overall user experience on the iPad.
With these updates, Apple continues to push the boundaries of what users can achieve with their iPads, making iPadOS 26 a noteworthy advancement in the realm of tablet operating systems.
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