Taimur Asad·

iPadOS 26 Features New Windowing System, Cursor, Menu Bar, Backgrounds Tasks, Revamped Files App

Apple today announced iPadOS 26 alongside software updates for the rest of its hardware lineup. The new iPad software brings with it a number of improvements, including a new look.

The unveiling of iPadOS 26 took place during the WWDC 2025 opening keynote, with Apple sharing news on the software that its devices will run through 2026.

That includes a change of name, with iPadOS 18 giving way to iPadOS 26. Apple is choosing to use the first full year of a software’s availability for its name.

As for new features, the iPadOS 26 update will include the same Liquid Glass interface refresh as the rest of Apple’s devices. That means a new look across the system, including the Lock and Home Screens.

In terms of actual features, Apple announced that iPadOS 26 will include a new windowing system that will maintain “the immediacy and simplicity that iPad users expect” while offering more flexibility.

The new system will allow iPad owners to resize app windows and move them around the display freely. Users will be able to close, minimize, resize, or tile their windows using familiar controls, while gestures will also be supported.

Apple also confirmed that Apple Intelligence will bring new features to the iPad, including Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages. The feature will translate language on the fly, we’re told. For the first time, the iPad will have its own Phone app, too.

Shortcuts is getting some attention with iPadOS 26, including support for shortcuts that can summarize text with Writing Tools or create images using Image Playground. Tweaks to the Files app will also include an updated List view and more customization options.

Fans of the Preview app on the Mac will also enjoy the arrival of the same app on the iPad with iPadOS 26. Users will be able to access PDFs and images right from the Files app.

Other improvements include a new 3D graphing ability for the Calculator app and the Notes app’s new ability to import and export notes using Markdown.

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