How to Update to iPadOS 26 on iPad
It’s not uncommon for more casual iPad users to not aggressively update their iPadOS system software. Sure, Apple enables auto-update by default nowadays, but that feature can still be interrupted sometimes, and for many iPad users, the auto-update feature is only applying updates to iOS 18, or even iOS 17, and they’re not being upgraded yet to iPadOS 26.
Additionally, many new iPad owners and buyers have received an iPad with the older iOS 18 system software running on the device, which might be desirable to some users, whereas for many others they want to use iPadOS 26 to gain access to its new features. If your iPad is running iPadOS 18, either by choice, accident, or perhaps it shipped with iPadOS 18 preinstalled, this article will show you how to update to the latest version of iPadOS 26.
iPadOS 26 is not a small upgrade to iPad, with many compelling new features like Mac-like Windowing Apps mode for improve multitasking, an auto-hidden menu bar accessible by cursor, the all new Liquid Glass interface style, a redesigned Lock Screen, custom wallpapers in Messages, improvements to Files app, Preview app, Phone app, and more. Let’s get this installed on your iPad.
iPadOS 26 is best on newer iPad models, older iPad models might want to avoid it
If you have a newer model iPad, iPadOS 26 will run great on it. iPadOS 26 really shines on the larger screen models too.
But, if your iPad is notably older and barely hanging in there, it might be best to stay put with iPadOS 18 and avoid iPadOS 26 in the interest for optimal performance. There are various reports throughout the web of people complaining about degraded performance on their older iPad after installing iPadOS 26 onto it, so if you’re on something like an old iPad, iPad Air 3rd gen, or even a first-get iPad Pro 11″, you might want to skip it. This is why I personally ended up buying a new iPad, by the way!
iPadOS 26 is compatible with iPad Pro 11″ 1st gen and newer, iPad Pro 12.9″ 3rd gen and newer, iPad Air 3rd generation and newer, iPad 8th generation and newer, including iPad A16, iPad Mini 5th gen and newer, and at least 25 GB of free storage.
How to Install the iPadOS 26 Upgrade
Don’t forget to backup to iCloud and a computer before beginning this software update. Failure to do so could result in data loss.
- Open the “Settings” app on iPad
- Go to “General” and then go to “Software Update”
- Select “Update Now” to download and install iPadOS 26
- If it doesn’t show up automatically, look for the “Also Available” section and tap on “Upgrade to iPadOS 26”
- Now tap on “Update Now” to install the ipadOS 26 upgrade
In the screenshot examples here, the iPad is being updated from iPadOS 18.7.3 to iPadOS 26.2.
Installing iPadOS 26 will require the iPad to restart, and the device will boot into iPadOS 26 when completed.
Play around with the new multitasking modes, the new menu bar (you’ll need to use a mouse or trackpad for that), customize your Liquid Glass interface and lock Screen, and enjoy the new features and iPadOS 26 experience.
Did you hold off on iPadOS 26 for any specific reason? Did you buy or receive a new iPad with an older iOS 18 version on it, and now you’re going to upgrade to iPadOS 26? What have been your thoughts and experiences with ipadOS 26 so far? Share them with us in the comments.
