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.























