Apple previews iPadOS 26 with new design and capabilities

Apple (AAPL) previewed iPadOS 26, which it calls “the biggest iPadOS release ever, taking a huge leap forward and pushing the unique capabilities and versatility of iPad even further.” Apple said: “A beautiful design brings a new look to iPad, making the experience even more expressive and delightful. While maintaining the simplicity of iPad, iPadOS 26 introduces an entirely new powerful and intuitive windowing system with new features that help users control, organize, and switch between apps. Apple Intelligence(TM) becomes even more capable and integrated across iPadOS 26, with new features that help users communicate, express themselves, and get things done, including Live Translation, new ways to create with Genmoji and Image Playground(TM),1 and intelligent actions with Shortcuts. The supercharged Files app offers new ways to organize files and customize folders. And with Folders in the dock, users can conveniently access downloads, documents, and more from anywhere. The Preview app comes to iPad, giving users a dedicated app to view and edit PDFs, with powerful features like Apple Pencil Markup and AutoFill built in. And with Background Tasks, audio input selection, and Local capture, iPadOS 26 unlocks new capabilities for creative pros working with audio and video.” All of these features are available for testing starting today through the Apple Developer Program and a public beta will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program next month, Apple said. New software features will be available this fall as a free software update, the company added.