Earlier this week at WWDC, Apple announced a handful of changes to the iPad for the upcoming iPadOS 26, including making it feel a little bit more like a Mac with window control and tiling, the same Games app that’s also available for MacOS and the iPhone, and of course, more Apple Intelligence.
Also: Your iPad is getting 4 big upgrades for free. Here are the top features in iPadOS 26
All these new features won’t roll out onto your iPad until this fall, but if you’re keen on checking out the features iPadOS 26 has to offer now, you can download the beta version of the OS and take a peek at what’s in store. However, as with any beta, be aware that it can be full of bugs and not optimized for speed and efficiency.
How to install the iPadOS 26 developer beta
What you need: An iPad running iPadOS 16.4 or later with an Apple ID used in the Apple Developer Program. Since not all iPads are compatible with iPadOS 16.4, you’ll also need a model that’s on this list.
Go to the App Store on your iPad and download the Apple Developer app.
If you aren’t already a member of the Apple Developer Program, you can sign up to become one in the app. There’s a free tier that lets you test developer beta versions of iPadOS and a paid subscription that gives you in-depth access to comprehensive development tools, code-level support, app management, and more. An annual membership costs $99.
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You can navigate to your settings to install the iPadOS 26 developer beta if your device runs iPadOS 16.4 and is used with an Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program:
- Go to your iPad Settings
- Tap General
- Select Software Update
- Go to Beta Updates
- Choose the iPadOS 26 Developer Beta
Also: Every iPad model compatible with Apple’s iPadOS 26 (and which ones aren’t)
If you can’t see this option, go to Settings, select Privacy & Security, and enable Developer Mode.
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Which iPads are compatible with iPadOS 26?
You’ll need an iPad with iPadOS 16.4 or later, which means one of these models:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (M3)
- iPad Air (M2)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad (8th generation and later)
- iPad Mini (A17 Pro)
- iPad Mini (5th generation and later)
When will iPadOS 26 be released?
Apple is releasing the iPadOS 26 developer beta during WWDC 2025, and the public beta version will likely be released in July. If past years are any indication, the general release of iPadOS 26 will take place in September.
Also: Your iPad will act more like a Mac now – here’s what that looks like
What to do before installing the iPadOS 26 developer beta?
You can always join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of iPadOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, keep these housekeeping items in mind:
- Back up your device and personal information.
- Don’t download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday iPad.
- Beta versions are released so you can test new features and share feedback to improve iPadOS.
How do I install the iPadOS 26 public beta version?
You’ll need an iPad running iPadOS 16.4 or later.
- Go to your iPad’s Settings and select General.
- Go to Software Update in Settings.
- Enable Beta Updates. To enable Beta Updates, go to Beta Updates and select the iPadOS version you’d like to access. This setting is turned off by default on iPads.
- Select iPadOS 26 Public Beta. Then you’ll begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest beta version of iPadOS 26. By the time the public beta is released, Apple will have two beta versions: iPadOS 26 public beta and iPadOS 26 developer beta. Once you do this, return to the previous page. If an update is available now, your iPhone will prompt you to download and install it.
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Source: Robotics - zdnet.com
