Maria Diaz

Apple just launched the new iPhone 17 lineup a few months after announcing multiple big changes to the iPad, coming with iPadOS 26. 

These OS changes include the new Liquid Glass visual experience, the new Games app that's also available for macOS and iPhone, and more Apple Intelligence features. But the biggest update is that iPadOS 26 will offer a more Mac-like experience with window control and tiling, making the iPad more intuitive to use and more like a computer than before.

Also: Every iPhone 17 model compared: Should you buy the base model, Air, Pro, or Max?

All these new features will roll out to compatible iPads when iPadOS is released on September 15. If you don't want to wait, you can still install the public beta version of iPadOS 26. Apple released the iPadOS 26 developer beta version to registered developers in June, with the public beta following a month later.

How to install the iPadOS 26 public beta

Prakhar Khanna

What you need: After iPadOS 26 becomes available on September 15, you'll need an iPad running iPadOS 16.4 or later. Since not all iPads support iPadOS 16.4, make sure yours is on the compatibility list.

1. Go to your iPad Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPad to access your software update options.

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2. Select General, then Software Update

Under General, select Software Update.

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3. Choose iPadOS 26

After September 15, you'll see the option to download and install iPadOS 26 here. Tap on it to begin the download process.

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4. Install iPadOS 26

Follow the steps to install the latest operating system to your iPad, and you're good to go.

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FAQ

When will iPadOS 26 be released?

The final general release for iPadOS 26 and iOS 26 is slated for  September 15. Apple released the developer beta of iPadOS 26 for registered developers during WWDC in June. The public beta is available now, giving anyone early access to test it. 

Also: iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro: Why I'm upgrading to this year's model after three years

Which iPads are compatible with iPadOS 26?

You'll need an iPad with iPadOS 16.4 or later, which means one of these models:

• iPad Pro (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
• iPad Air (M3)
• iPad Air (M2)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (A16)
• iPad (8th generation and later)
• iPad Mini (A17 Pro)
• iPad Mini (5th generation and later)

Also: Every iPad model that supports iPadOS 26 (and which ones won't be compatible)

How do I install the iPadOS 26 public beta?

If you'd like to test iPadOS 26 before the official launch on September 15, you can still install the public beta version. Here's how:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad to access your software update options.
2. Select General, then Software Update.
3. Tap on Beta Updates to turn them on. Your iPad will come with Beta Updates toggled off by default.
4. Select the iPadOS 26 Beta option to receive automatic beta updates for that version. 
5. That's it -- just install the new iPadOS 26 Beta version and you're good to go. 

The developer beta is also still available, in case you'd like to try it. You can navigate to your settings to install the iPadOS 26 developer beta if your device runs iPadOS 16.4 and is used with an Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program:

1. Go to your iPad Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Software Update.
4. Go to Beta Updates.
5. Choose the iPadOS 26 Developer Beta.

If you can't see this option, go to Settings, select Privacy & Security, and enable Developer Mode.

Before installing any beta software on an iPad, be sure to back up your device, avoid using your primary tablet, and remember that pre-release software can contain bugs and glitches.

What to do before installing the iPadOS 26 developer beta?

You can always join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of iPadOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, keep these housekeeping items in mind:

• Back up your device and personal information.
• Don't download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday iPad.
• Beta versions are released so you can test new features and share feedback to improve iPadOS.

How to submit beta feedback to Apple

By the time the public beta is released, Apple will have two beta versions of iPadOS: iPadOS 26 public beta and iPadOS 26 developer beta. Both come with a built-in Feedback Assistant app, which can be opened from the Home screen on your iPad. When you experience an issue or something does not work as expected, send your feedback directly to Apple with Feedback Assistant .

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