WWDC 2025: iPadOS 26 with fresh new design, Apple Intelligence announced

The headline feature across all of Apple’s platforms this year is what they’re calling Apple Intelligence — and it’s baked into iPadOS 26 in smart, almost invisible ways. It’s not about flashy AI chatbots. Instead, it’s there when you need help. Like if you’re on a FaceTime call with someone who speaks another language, it can offer real-time translation or captions. In Messages, it can translate chats as they come in, which is great if you have international contacts or family.

There are also tools for generating things — emojis (now called Genmoji), quick illustrations, or even summarizing text with just a tap. It’s not showy, but it’s handy, and it’s built to work on the device itself when possible, so your data stays private.
Shortcuts are now actually useful

If you’ve never really used Shortcuts before, this update might change that. With the new AI tools, you can create shortcuts that summarize an article, clean up notes, or even generate custom images on command. These automations now feel less like a geeky extra and more like helpful, everyday tools — especially if you’re a student or someone juggling multiple tasks at once.
A big upgrade to the Files app

The Files app has slowly been inching toward being more like Finder on a Mac, and iPadOS 26 brings it closer. You can now customize folder icons with emojis or color tags, which helps when you’re organizing a bunch of different projects. There’s also a new list view with more info at a glance, and better control over how files and folders show up. You can even set default apps for opening different file types now — small detail, but a very welcome one.
Preview comes to iPad at last

If you’ve ever used Preview on a Mac to quickly open, annotate, or edit PDFs, good news — it’s finally on iPad. It works exactly as you’d hope: you can mark up documents with your Apple Pencil, fill out forms, and even use autofill. This fills a major gap in the iPad workflow, especially for anyone who handles paperwork or forms regularly.
More tools for creators and professionals

iPadOS 26 brings some thoughtful updates for people who use their iPads for serious work. Background Tasks now let apps finish long operations without getting shut down if you switch away. You can keep track of these in Live Activities on the Lock Screen, so you know when a render or upload is done.

Audio tools have improved too — you can now choose which mic to use in different apps, and there’s better support for AirPods when it comes to recording or calling. If you do a lot of video calls or online teaching, you’ll appreciate the new Local Capture feature that lets you record high-quality audio and video directly from a call.
New apps, and yes — gaming gets better too

Two new apps are making their way to iPad: Journal and Apple Games. Journal is a beautifully designed space for you to log thoughts, draw, track moods, or just reflect on your day. It’s surprisingly flexible — you can add photos, voice notes, and even log events automatically using on-device suggestions.

Then there’s the Apple Games app, which acts like a hub for everything you play. There’s also a new Game Overlay that pops up with controls and info while you’re playing, kind of like what Xbox and PlayStation do. It’s a small addition, but for people who game on iPads, it’ll make a difference.
Messages and Phone get a fun refresh

Messages has gotten more expressive — you can now set backgrounds for chats, create polls in group chats, and even send or request Apple Cash directly. Plus, a big surprise: the iPhone’s Phone app is now on iPad. You can make and receive calls (via your iPhone), and it even includes features like Hold Assist and Call Screening — tools that quietly make calling less of a hassle.
Small changes that you’ll actually notice

Not everything in this update is a headline feature, but a lot of the smaller additions feel like things you’ll appreciate every day. Notes now supports markdown and calligraphy tools, and the Calculator app (finally on iPad) supports math notes with real-time graphing. There are also a bunch of new accessibility features that make the iPad more inclusive, from a new Accessibility Reader to better Braille support and audio cues.
Who gets the update, and when

iPadOS 26 is rolling out to developers starting today, and a public beta is coming next month. The final version should be available later this year. Compatibility-wise, it’s limited to newer iPads — those running M1 chips and up, or A16/A17 Pro. And if you want the Apple Intelligence features, you’ll need one of those M-series iPads. Also, right now, those AI features are only available in U.S. English, with more languages coming later.