iPadOS 19/26 launch date, supported units, new options for iPads

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 total, it’s nonetheless so much like iOS.

That would change dramatically within the upcoming replace to iPadOS, which can be out there for supported iPads later this yr. However we don’t have to attend till then, we’ll get our first take a look at the modifications coming to iPadOS at WWDC on Monday, June 9.

Apple will unveil the brand new options, supported units, 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 programs that occurs within the September timeframe. Based mostly on current 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.

Subsequent iPadOS title: iPadOS 26 not iPadOS 19?

In recent times, it’s been simple to foretell what the following 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 extensively anticipated that the title can be iPadOS 19. Nonetheless, that will not be the case. Apple is rumored to be aligning all of the names of its working system updates to mirror the yr. So quite than having iOS 19, iPadOS 19, watchOS 12 and macOS 16 (which is so complicated). It will likely be iPadOS 26, iOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS 26. This makes lots of sense, so we hope that Apple does this as it will likely be so much much less complicated for everybody!

iPadOS 19 (or 26) supported units

• iPads that ran iPadOS 18 ought to be capable 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 units it generally signifies that sure fashions are not supported.

iPadOS developer and public betas

• Developer beta: from June 9 (anticipated)
• Public beta: from July 14 (estimated)

Apple makes betas of its working programs out there 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 out there 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, at any time when Apple points beta updates, the up to date public beta follows a day or two after the up to date developer beta.

In case you are taken with utilizing the beta, you may be part of Apple’s beta program. The beta program includes working software program that can have some stability points, and you’re anticipated to offer Apple with particulars of any points by means of 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 go away Apple Park till it ships, rumors of its new options are tougher to return than iPad {hardware}. However leaks nonetheless happen, and we’ll hold observe of them right here. Right here’s what we’ve heard to date:

Main design overhaul

Apple is engaged on a design overhaul of iPadOS (in addition to iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS). Stories 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 attainable that Apple modifications the icon form for the primary time to match the visionOS’s round icons.

Mac-like person 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, however it 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 linked 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 be capable to pin recordsdata to the iPadOS 19 Residence display screen, just like the best way recordsdata will be saved to the desktop in macOS.

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 would imply it would 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 purported 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 person. Beforehand anticipated in iPadOS 19, it’s now extra prone to come as a later replace or in iPadOS 20. Nonetheless, there’ll nearly 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 Residence, 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 line with a report from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. The App can be out there 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 line with Gurman. It should additionally provide editorial content material about new video games and centralize every part at present present in Sport Heart.

New Residence app

Apple will reportedly make a significant push into the good residence over the following yr, and that would begin with a brand new Residence app. Quite a few studies declare that Apple is growing a brand new “HomePad” and a brand new HomePod with a show that includes a new “homeOS,” and Apple not too long ago pushed all customers to the brand new Residence structure first launched in iOS 16. To go together with these new merchandise, might current a complete new Residence app in iPadOS 19.

Messages

9to5Mac studies that Messages will be capable to routinely translate messages utilizing AI. Messages can even let customers create polls.

Music and full-screen animated lock display screen paintings

9to5Mac studies that animated album artwork will now show on the lock display screen when utilizing the Music app.

Notes and Markdown help

9to5Mac studies that customers will be capable to format their entries within the Notes app through the use of Markdown syntax.

Calendar

A new Calendar app based mostly on Mayday app (which Apple acquired final yr) depends on AI to assist handle your calendar.