Technology

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Cupertino: Apple on Monday unveiled iPadOS 26, the latest version of its operating system built exclusively for iPads, during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. The update brings a sweeping set of new features designed to make iPads more powerful, personalized, and productive—signaling Apple’s deepened focus on transforming the iPad into a full-fledged computing platform.

Building on its legacy of combining power and mobility, iPadOS 26 introduces AI-driven tools, advanced multitasking upgrades, and deeper Mac-like functionalities. With this release, Apple aims to further blur the line between tablets and laptops, catering to professionals, students, and creatives alike.

One of the most talked-about features is "IntelliAssist," a system-wide AI assistant built on Apple’s new "Private Intelligence" framework. Powered by on-device machine learning, IntelliAssist can summarize documents, draft emails, suggest design edits, and provide app-based contextual help—without sending data to the cloud, thereby ensuring user privacy.

Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, said during the keynote, “iPadOS 26 brings the most intelligent and personalized iPad experience we’ve ever created. It’s about giving users more control, more performance, and more freedom—all while preserving Apple’s uncompromising stance on privacy.”

Another standout addition is the Advanced Multitasking Suite, which includes resizable split-screen windows, floating app tiles, and Mission Control—a feature borrowed from macOS that allows users to view and organize all open windows at a glance. These updates give iPads a more desktop-like interface, especially useful for productivity tasks.

For Apple Pencil users, iPadOS 26 brings "Smart Ink," a new AI feature that enhances handwritten notes. Smart Ink can recognize context, convert handwritten text into diagrams or charts, and even summarize note content with one tap. The feature supports real-time collaboration, making it ideal for students and business users.

The new Home Screen customization tools now allow users to place widgets anywhere, including the Dock, and create multiple user profiles—a long-requested feature particularly beneficial for shared iPads in families or classrooms.

Gaming on iPads is also getting a boost with MetalFX Upscaling, introduced to support high-end graphics rendering, offering console-quality visuals for compatible games. Developers were quick to praise the support for external game controllers and the improved Game Center dashboard.

Accessibility features have been significantly enhanced as well. iPadOS 26 now includes Eye Tracking, allowing users to control the iPad with just their gaze—an innovation designed for users with motor limitations. Combined with Voice Control and AssistiveTouch, this update marks a major step forward in inclusive technology.

From a developer’s perspective, Apple has extended SwiftUI capabilities and introduced Xcode for iPad, finally enabling app development directly on the device. This move is expected to open the door for developers who prefer working on-the-go or in educational environments.

Performance improvements are also in focus. Apple claims up to 40% faster app launch times, improved battery optimization, and enhanced memory management for smoother multitasking—especially on M1 and M2 chip-powered iPads.

iPadOS 26 will be available as a public beta in July, with a final release expected this fall. Supported models include iPad Pro (2018 and later), iPad Air (4th gen and later), iPad mini (6th gen and later), and the 7th gen iPad onwards.

With iPadOS 26, Apple is not just iterating but redefining what users can expect from a tablet in 2025. By bridging mobile agility with AI intelligence and desktop-level productivity, the new update cements the iPad’s role as a central device for both work and creativity in the post-PC era.