Overview

• iPadOS 26 introduces a free-form windowing system that lets users resize and position apps anywhere on the screen.
• A new menu bar and precision pointer enhance trackpad workflows and an Exposé feature provides quick access to all open apps.
• The Files app gains detailed view columns and Open With options while the Preview app arrives on iPad and users can now add folders to the Dock.
• Background processing support arrives for compatible apps alongside new multitouch gestures such as grab-handle window dragging and flick-to-tile split view.
• Released in developer beta across iPad models including the entry-level iPad, the update has drawn praise for its productivity gains and highlighted early bugs with external displays ahead of a full release later this year.