iPadOS 26 public beta is here — how to download it now
You'll see the difference right away, as iPadOS 26 will utilize the same Liquid Glass design language coming to all of Apple's software platforms. A new windowing system designed for iPads allows you to move and resize apps to your liking. Those apps should be more useful since they will communicate better with one another thanks to Apple Intelligence.
While we'll have to wait until the fall for the full release, you can get started with iPadOS 26 right now by downloading the public beta that just launched. And though safer than the developer beta, keep in mind that you might experience bugs that could negatively affect your iPad, so proceed with caution.
Here's how to download the iPadOS 26 public beta.
Before moving forward, you need to know if your iPad is compatible with iPadOS 26. Here's a list of all supported iPads.
Of the tablets that can run the current iPadOS 18, only the 7th-generation iPad has lost support with this update.
Before you install the beta, make sure to back up your iPad, just in case anything goes wrong and you need to return to iPadOS 18.
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First, head to beta.apple.com and sign up for the beta software program.
Launch the Settings app and tap General, followed by Software Update.
If you have the latest version of iPadOS, the iPadOS 26 public beta may already be waiting for you. If not, tap Beta Updates and select the iPadOS 26 Public Beta from the list.
Select either Update Now, which will start the beta downloading right away, or Update Tonight, which will delay the beta until later. You'll be prompted to enter your passcode, and if you've selected Update Now, the download will commence. Downloading betas can take a while, so make sure your iPad has enough power or is attached to a charger when you're downloading the iPadOS 26 beta.
Once you've downloaded the beta, you'll be prompted to either install it now or wait until later. When installation is done, your iPad will restart. After you enter your passcode, iPadOS 26 will be installed and ready to test. The download could take a while.
And that's how you download the iPadOS 26 public beta! Again, if you're worried that this beta could introduce bugs or other performance issues, you can wait for the full release this fall.
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