Apple has announced that iPadOS 26, which was introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, is compatible with the following iPad models.
The new iPadOS 26 operating system, which is already available to download in its developer beta, includes a refined Liquid Glass interface, a smarter windowing experience and enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities.
The iPad is arguably in for the biggest upgrade, with a lot of the features designed to bring the tablet closer to the best MacBooks, with much better multitasking and extra APIs for developers to allow them to run intensive processes in the background.
Which iPads will get iPadOS 26?
Compatible iPad models that will be able to download iPadOS 26 when it launches are:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (M2 and later)
- iPad (A16 and 8th generation and later)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro and 5th generation and later).
Which iPads won’t be getting iPadOS 26?
The iPad (7th generation) will not be getting the iPadOS 26 update, meaning it will no longer receive major software updates. This is the only iPad that could install iOS 18, but won’t be able to benefit from any of the new features coming later this year.
There will also be no support for any iPads that have not already been updated to iOS 18, although this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.
Furthermore, devices will need at least an A12 chip to run the new operating system.
How can I check which iPad I have?
You can check your iPad model by going to Settings > General > About. You can check your current iPadOS version by going to Settings > Software Update.
The public beta is expected sometime in July, with a full release later this year likely towards the end of September or early October.
