In abstract
Quickly there can be model new working system software program for iPads. The subsequent iPadOS could characteristic a design overhaul and a brand new window administration system for multitasking. Different potential options embody a brand new gaming app, a redesigned Dwelling app, and AI-powered enhancements to Messages, Music, Notes, and Calendar. Rumours additionally recommend that Apple will title it iPadOS 26. Learn on to search out out extra…
It’s been six years since Apple determined to model the iPad working system iPadOS to distinguish it from iOS on the iPhone. Since then, Apple has added a handful of iPad-exclusive options, however general, it’s nonetheless quite a bit like iOS.
That might change dramatically within the upcoming replace to iPadOS, which can be obtainable for supported iPads later this yr. However we don’t have to attend till then, we are going to get our first have a look at the adjustments coming to iPadOS at WWDC on Monday, June 9.
Apple will unveil the brand new options, supported gadgets, and the newest enhancements to how the iPad and Mac will work collectively, in its WWDC keynote occasion. Within the meantime, right here’s what we’re already heading concerning the subsequent model of iPadOS.
iPadOS 19 launch date: When is the brand new iPad software program popping out?
Full model: September 15 (predicted)
The official launch date has not been introduced, however Apple at present has an annual cycle with its working methods that occurs within the September timeframe. Based mostly on latest historical past, iPadOS 19 may very well be launched to the general public on September 15 or 22. There have been years when iPadOS has arrived later alongside macOS in October.
Listed below are the discharge dates for the previous model of iPadOS:
Ipados 18: Septamber 16, 2024 Ipados 17: Septamber 18, 2023 Ipados 16: SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 Ipados 15: Septamber 20, 2021 Ipados 14: SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 IPADOS 13: SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
Subsequent Ipados Identify: Ipados 26 Not Ipados 19?
In recent times, it’s been simple to foretell what the subsequent model of iPadOS can be referred to as. iPadOS normally takes the identical model quantity because the model of iOS, so for 2025, it was broadly anticipated that the title can be iPadOS 19. Nonetheless, that is probably not the case. Apple is rumored to be aligning all of the names of its working system updates to mirror the yr. So somewhat than having iOS 19, iPadOS 19, watchOS 12 and macOS 16 (which is so complicated). Will probably be iPadOS 26, iOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS 26. This makes a variety of sense, so we hope that Apple does this as will probably be quite a bit much less complicated for everybody!
iPadOS 19 (or 26) supported gadgets
iPads that ran iPadOS 18 ought to have the ability to run the brand new iPadOS
However solely M-series iPad Air and Professional, and the A17 Professional iPad mini will get Apple Intelligence options
When Apple updates the working system for its gadgets it generally signifies that sure fashions are now not supported.
A report in December 2024 acknowledged that the next iPads will have the ability to run iPadOS 19:
iPad Professional (2018 or later)
iPad Air (third technology or later)
iPad mini (fifth technology or later)
iPad (eighth technology and later)
That’s practically each iPad that may run iOS 18, excluding the Seventh-gen iPad from 2019.
Nonetheless, there are a variety of supported iPads that can lose out on any AI – Apple Intelligence – options coming within the subsequent iPadOS. The one iPads that may assist these options are the iPad Professional and iPad Air with an M-series chip and the A17 Professional iPad mini.
iPadOS developer and public betas
Developer beta: from June 9 (anticipated)
Public beta: from July 14 (estimated)
Apple makes betas of its working methods obtainable earlier than the official launch in September. A developer beta is launched first following the WWDC keynote, so builders can instantly start testing it with their merchandise. The WWDC25 keynote can be held on June 9, so the developer beta needs to be obtainable later that day after the keynote presentation.
Apple then releases a public beta for everybody else, which normally arrives in July, a couple of month after the primary developer beta. Then, each time Apple points beta updates, the up to date public beta follows a day or two after the up to date developer beta.
If you’re desirous about utilizing the beta, you possibly can be part of Apple’s beta program. The beta program entails operating software program that can have some stability points, and you might be anticipated to supply Apple with particulars of any points via the Apple Suggestions app.
For assist putting in iPadOS beta in your iPad see our information to putting in the iOS beta (the strategy may be very related).
Ipados 19: New Options
Hugh redesign
Extra Mac-like
As a result of iPadOS 19 by no means wants to depart Apple Park till it ships, rumors of its new options are more durable to return than iPad {hardware}. However leaks nonetheless happen, and we’ll maintain observe of them right here. Right here’s what we’ve heard thus far:
Main design overhaul
Apple is engaged on a design overhaul of iPadOS (in addition to iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS). Reviews state that the replace will take its cues from visionOS, and the Apple Invitations and Sports activities apps might provide some hints at what’s in retailer. It’s additionally doable that Apple adjustments the icon form for the primary time to match the visionOS’s round icons.
Mac-like consumer expertise
One thrilling characteristic rumored to be on the best way is a brand new window administration system for multitasking on the iPad. Apple launched Stage Supervisor with iPadOS 16.1, but it surely hasn’t lived as much as its potential. An April 2025 report from Mark Gurman claims that Apple is engaged on Stage Supervisor 2, which can incorporate using a menu bar that prompts when the iPad is related to a keyboard. Gurman added that iPadOS 19 will make the iPad “extra like a Mac,” however he didn’t provide specifics.
A separate report from November 2024 claims that customers will have the ability to pin information to the iPadOS 19 Dwelling display, just like the best way information may be saved to the desktop in macOS.
Low Energy Mode might develop its performance in iPadOS 19.
Foundry
Low Energy Mode
iPadOS 18 at present has Low Energy Mode, however Majin Bu final November claimed that the system can be “reinvented” in iPadOS 19. That might imply it is going to lean on Apple Intelligence to handle and optimize battery life.
Apple Intelligence and Siri
Apple has hit some critical hurdles with its Apple Intelligence improvement, inflicting options to be delayed. Options that had been imagined to be delivered in iPadOS 18.4 could seem someday in 2026 in an iPadOS 19 replace.
Apple had touted a significant replace to Siri, the place it’s higher at pure conversations with the consumer. Beforehand anticipated in iPadOS 19, it’s now extra more likely to come as a later replace or in iPadOS 20. Nonetheless, there’ll virtually actually be new Apple Intelligence options as a part of iPadOS 19, particularly since all new iPads (besides the Eleventh-gen mannequin) can now run it.
iPadOS 19: New and up to date apps
New Video games app
Updates to Dwelling, Messages, Notes and Calendar
There are a selection of updates stated to be coming to Apple’s personal apps, a few of which can be enhanced by Apple Intelligence.
New Video games app
There could also be a devoted gaming app coming with iPadOS 19 (or 26), in keeping with a report from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. The App can be obtainable for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, it’s claimed.
The brand new app will faucet into the App Retailer’s video games part and Apple Arcade, in keeping with Gurman. It’s going to additionally provide editorial content material about new video games and centralize every little thing at present present in Sport Middle.
New Dwelling app
Apple will reportedly make a significant push into the good dwelling over the subsequent yr, and that would begin with a brand new Dwelling app. Quite a few reviews declare that Apple is growing a brand new “HomePad” and a brand new HomePod with a show that includes a new “homeOS,” and Apple just lately pushed all customers to the brand new Dwelling structure first launched in iOS 16. To go together with these new merchandise, might current a complete new Dwelling app in iPadOS 19.
Messages
9to5Mac reviews that Messages will have the ability to routinely translate messages utilizing AI. Messages can even let customers create polls.
Music and full-screen animated lock display art work
9to5Mac reviews that animated album artwork will now show on the lock display when utilizing the Music app.
Notes and Markdown assist
9to5Mac reviews that customers will have the ability to format their entries within the Notes app by utilizing Markdown syntax.
Calendar
A brand new Calendar app based mostly on Mayday app (which Apple acquired final yr) depends on AI to assist handle your calendar.
The iPad: You both like it otherwise you don’t give it a lot thought. In episode 930 of the Macworld Podcast, we discuss why that’s and what adjustments we might even see within the iPad this yr.
For some options we’d wish to see come to the iPad with iPadOS 19 learn: iPadOS 19 wants these 9 options.
