Listen to this Post
Apple has officially unveiled the highly anticipated iPadOS 26 during its WWDC 2025 event on June 9, revealing an impressive array of new features, a sleek “Liquid Glass” interface, and enhanced multitasking capabilities. This latest update to the iPad operating system aims to elevate the iPad experience with fresh functionality and improved performance. However, not all iPad models will be receiving this update, marking a shift in Apple’s hardware requirements.
Overview of iPadOS 26: Key Features and Compatibility
The iPadOS 26 update introduces several cutting-edge features, most notably the “Liquid Glass” UI — a translucent, dynamic interface that adjusts based on user interaction. Along with this, multitasking has been significantly improved with a more robust windowing system, which now allows users to resize, tile, and position app windows freely, enhancing productivity and ease of use.
Apple Intelligence is also integrated into the OS, bringing smarter automation, real-time translation, and AI-powered creative tools like Genmoji, a feature designed to let users create expressive and customizable emojis. A revamped Files app introduces a new list view, collapsible folders, and customizable icons, all aimed at improving organization and usability. For PDF users, the new Preview app offers Apple Pencil markup and AutoFill features, making it easier to view and edit documents. Additionally, iPadOS 26 comes with improved audio and recording tools, providing studio-quality sound and advanced voice isolation, perfect for content creators.
However, as with all major software updates, not all iPads will support iPadOS 26. The seventh-generation iPad, launched in 2019, will be excluded from the update. This model, powered by the A10 Fusion chip, will continue to run on iPadOS 18, but will not receive the latest features or performance enhancements.
iPadOS 26 Compatibility: Which iPads Will Get the Update?
Apple has confirmed that only specific iPad models will be eligible for the iPadOS 26 update. These include:
iPad Pro (M4)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
iPad Air (M3, M2, 3rd generation and later)
iPad (A16 and 8th generation and later)
iPad mini (A17 Pro and 5th generation and later)
iPad users with devices not on this list, like the iPad (7th generation), will not be able to upgrade to the new iPadOS version. These users will still receive security updates, but they won’t have access to the latest innovations, such as Live Translation, Genmoji, and the advanced multitasking features available in iPadOS 26.
What Undercode Say:
The decision to exclude older iPad models from the iPadOS 26 update represents Apple’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that their software aligns with the hardware capabilities of their devices. The iPad (7th generation), though a popular model, features the A10 Fusion chip, which is now insufficient to meet the growing demands of iPadOS. This shift is a sign of Apple’s increasing focus on more powerful hardware and the seamless integration of software enhancements that demand cutting-edge technology.
As Apple continues to integrate advanced features like AI-powered tools, real-time translation, and enhanced multitasking, older devices are simply unable to run these features without compromising performance. Apple’s decision to limit updates to newer models encourages users to upgrade to the latest hardware, which helps drive both device sales and customer satisfaction.
On the other hand, the decision to provide security updates for older devices, like the iPad (7th generation), signals that Apple is still committed to maintaining the integrity of their ecosystem, even for users with older devices. While these users won’t experience the latest software innovations, they can rest assured knowing that their devices will remain secure for a time.
Fact Checker Results ✅❌
✅ iPadOS 26 introduces a dynamic “Liquid Glass” interface and improved multitasking.
✅ The iPad (7th generation) will not receive the iPadOS 26 update due to hardware limitations.
❌ The iPad (7th generation) will not receive new features but will continue to get security updates.
Prediction: The Future of iPadOS and Hardware Integration
Looking ahead, the trend toward excluding older devices from major iPadOS updates is likely to continue. Apple will increasingly tailor its software to take advantage of newer chipsets and hardware advancements, pushing the boundaries of what iPads can do. This will ensure that users with the latest devices experience cutting-edge features while older devices remain secure, but without access to the latest functionalities.
As iPadOS evolves, we can expect further integration of AI and machine learning technologies, with future updates likely incorporating even more intelligent automation, enhanced creative tools, and deeper system-level integration. The upcoming public beta of iPadOS 26 will allow developers and users to test these features, but it also sets the stage for how Apple will shape the future of its iPad ecosystem.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Extra Source Hub:
https://www.reddit.com
Wikipedia
Undercode AI
Image Source:
Unsplash
Undercode AI DI v2
