Table of Contents
Can iPad Handle the Impressive New iPadOS 26 Beta Update?
Getting the new iPadOS 26 beta on your iPad is easier than you think. This amazing update brings exciting features like windowing and a menu bar to your tablet. Many iPad owners want to try these features before the official fall release.
What You Need First
Your iPad must be compatible with iPadOS 26. The good news is that many iPads can run this beta. Here are the iPad models that work:
- iPad Pro models: M4, 12.9-inch (3rd gen and newer), 11-inch (1st gen and newer)
- iPad Air: M3, M2, 3rd generation and newer
- Regular iPads: A16, 8th generation and newer
- iPad Mini: A17 Pro, 5th generation and newer
You also need at least 30GB of free space on your iPad. This beta is a big download, so make sure you have room.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1. Join the Beta Program
First, open Safari on your iPad. Go to beta.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID. This enrolls your device in the public beta program. It’s free and easy to do.
Step 2. Back Up Everything
This step is super important. Beta software can have problems, so you need to protect your data. Back up your iPad two ways:
- Save to iCloud through Settings
- Connect to your computer and create a backup there
Never skip this step. Beta software sometimes crashes or loses data.
Step 3. Download the Beta
Now comes the fun part. Open your iPad’s Settings app:
- Tap “General“
- Select “Software Update“
- Choose “Beta Updates“
- Pick “iPadOS 26 Public Beta“
- Go back to the main Software Update screen
- Tap “Update Now” when you see iPadOS 26 available
The download is large – over 16GB in some cases. Connect to Wi-Fi and plug in your charger. The process takes time, but it’s worth the wait.
What Happens Next
After downloading, your iPad restarts and installs the beta. When it boots up, you’ll see the new Liquid Glass interface right away. This fresh design makes everything look modern and smooth.
The coolest new feature is the windowing system. Apps can now run in separate windows like on a Mac. You can resize them, move them around, and have multiple apps open at once. There’s even an App Expose feature to see all your open apps.
The menu bar works just like on Mac computers. Swipe down from the top of any app to access it. This makes navigating much faster and more professional.
Important Things to Remember
Beta software has bugs and problems. Your iPad might crash sometimes or apps might not work right. This is normal for beta versions. Only install this on iPads you don’t need for important work.
You can report problems to Apple through the Feedback app. This helps them fix issues before the final release. When iPadOS 26 officially launches this fall, you can update directly from the beta.
For the best experience, consider getting an external keyboard and mouse. The new windowing features work much better with these accessories. Even a cheap setup makes a big difference.
Getting Ready for the Future
Future beta updates will appear in Software Update like regular updates. Apple releases new betas every few weeks with bug fixes and improvements.
Remember that beta software is for testing, not daily use. If you need a reliable iPad for work or school, wait for the official release this fall. But if you love trying new features early, the iPadOS 26 beta offers an exciting glimpse of the future.
The new features in iPadOS 26 make your iPad work more like a computer while keeping the simple touch interface you love. It’s the biggest change to iPadOS ever, and now you know exactly how to get it.