5 Major Improvements coming with iPadOS 26

Apple's latest WWDC keynote didn’t hold back when it came to iPadOS. With iPadOS 26, the tech giant is pushing the iPad even closer to Mac-level productivity while embracing a sleeker, more futuristic visual identity. Whether you're a longtime iPad user or someone considering making the jump, this update has a lot to get excited about.

Join us as we dive into the five biggest announcements that stood out from the event. From a fresh coat of visual polish to deep functional overhauls, iPadOS 26 is shaping up to be Apple’s most ambitious tablet software yet. And if you’re thinking of upgrading, the new iPad Air 11—available at the Next Upgrade Shop—will be compatible with iPadOS 26 when it drops around September.

1. Welcome to Windowing

From Apple

Multitasking on the iPad finally feels like it's caught up with the Mac. iPadOS 26 introduces a true windowing system that lets you freely resize apps and use familiar "traffic light" controls for minimizing, closing, or maximizing windows. Swipe down from the top of an app to reveal a new macOS-style menu bar, or flick windows around for quick tiling arrangements. Gone are Split View and Slide Over, replaced by a more powerful and flexible system. Even better, Stage Manager now works on all iPads that support iPadOS 26, not just the M-series models. For productivity users, this change is nothing short of transformative.

2. File System Power-Ups

The Files app in iPadOS 26 feels more powerful than ever. Users can now create folders right in the Dock for easy access to downloads, documents, and projects. These folders support color-coding and icon customization, making organization much more visual and intuitive. A revamped list view includes resizable columns and collapsible folder trees, and users can now set default apps for different file types—a huge win for power users. The iPad is steadily becoming a more legitimate laptop replacement, and this update to the Files app proves it.

3. A Whole New Look

From Apple

For the first time in over a decade, Apple has reimagined the iPadOS interface, drawing inspiration from visionOS. Dubbed "Liquid Glass," the new design language features translucent layers, fluid animations, and soft lighting. Icons, menus, and widgets now feature more depth and transparency, giving the entire system a modern, almost futuristic sheen. The aesthetic overhaul not only makes the iPad feel more premium but also visually aligns it with Apple’s broader ecosystem shift toward spatial and immersive design. It’s a subtle but significant step forward that makes everyday interactions feel more dynamic.

4. Journal, Now in Full iPad Glory

From Apple

The reflective journaling app that debuted on iOS is now available on iPad with full support for Apple Pencil. With the added screen real estate, Journal on iPad feels less like a companion tool and more like a fully-fledged creative and emotional outlet. You can sketch, annotate, and write down your thoughts with ease, thanks to smart suggestions and prompts that help you stay consistent. Whether you're tracking your goals or capturing memories, the app’s minimalist design and thoughtful features shine on the larger canvas. It's the kind of digital diary experience only Apple could deliver.

5. Preview Comes to iPad

From Apple

Mac users will feel right at home with the new Preview app, finally making its way to iPadOS. It's a full-featured PDF and image viewer that supports markup, annotations, and Apple Pencil interactions. Whether you're reviewing contracts or sketching ideas on imported images, Preview on iPad feels intuitive and fast. It eliminates the need for third-party apps for most file-viewing tasks, keeping your workflow simple and Apple-centric. This is a long-overdue addition that productivity users will immediately appreciate.

Upgrade Your Experience with Next Upgrade Shop

Want to experience these iPadOS 26 improvements yourself? Grab the iPad Air 11 from Next Upgrade Shop and bring these powerful new features to life.