| iPadOS | |
|---|---|
 | |
 iPadOS 26, the most recent release of iPadOS | |
| Developer | Apple |
| Written in | C,C++,Objective-C,Swift,assembly language |
| OS family | Unix-like, based onDarwin (BSD),iOS,macOS |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Closed withopen-source components |
| Initial release | September 24, 2019; 6 years ago (2019-09-24)[1] |
| Latest release | 26.1[2] (November 3, 2025; 18 days ago (2025-11-03)) [±] |
| Marketing target | Tablet computers |
| Available in | 40 languages[3][4][5][6] |
| Update method | Over-the-air,iTunes,Finder |
| Supported platforms | |
| Kernel type | Hybrid (XNU) |
| Default user interface | Cocoa Touch (multi-touch,GUI) |
| License | Proprietary software except for open-source components |
| Preceded by | iOS |
| Official website | apple |
| Articles in the series | |
| iPadOS version history | |
iPadOS is amobile operating system developed byApple for itsiPad line oftablet computers. It was given a name distinct fromiOS, the operating system used by Apple'siPhones, to reflect the diverging features of the two product lines, such as multitasking. It was introduced asiPadOS 13, reflecting its status as the successor toiOS 12 for the iPad, and first released to the public on September 24, 2019.[7]Major versions of iPadOS are released annually; the current stable version, iPadOS 26.1, was released to the public on November 3, 2025.
Thefirst iPad was introduced on January 10, 2010, and raniPhone OS 3.2, which added support for the larger device to the operating system, previously only used on theiPhone and its smaller counterpart, theiPod touch. This shared operating system was rebranded asiOS with the release ofiOS 4[8] in June 2010.
The operating system initially had rough feature parity running on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad, with variations in user interface depending on screen size, and minor differences in the selection of apps included.[9] However, over time, the variant of iOS for the iPad incorporated a growing set of differentiating features, such aspicture-in-picture, the ability to display multiple running appssimultaneously (both introduced withiOS 9 in 2015),drag and drop, and a dock that more closely resembled the dock frommacOS than the one on the iPhone (added in 2017 withiOS 11). Standard iPad apps were increasingly designed to support the optional use of a physical keyboard.
To emphasize the different feature set available on the iPad, and to signal their intention to develop the platforms in divergent directions, at theWorldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2019, Apple announced that the variant of iOS that runs on the iPad would be rebranded as "iPadOS". The new naming strategy began withiPadOS 13.1, in 2019.[7]
On June 22, 2020, at WWDC 2020, Apple announcediPadOS 14, with compact designs for search,Siri, and calls, improved app designs, handwriting recognition, better AR features, enhanced privacy protections, and app widgets.[10] iPadOS 14 was released to the public on September 16, 2020.
On June 7, 2021, at WWDC 2021,iPadOS 15 was announced with widgets on the Home Screen and App Library, the same features that came to iPhone with iOS 14 in 2020. The update also brought stricter privacy measurements with Safari such as IP Address blocking so other websites cannot see it. iPadOS 15 was released to the public on September 20, 2021.
On June 6, 2022, at WWDC 2022,iPadOS 16 was announced with aWeather app[11] and Stage Manager,[12] along with most of the features included iniOS 16, excluding a customizable lock screen.[13]
On June 5, 2023, at WWDC 2023, Apple announcediPadOS 17 with support for widgets for the lock screen, a feature originally launched with iOS 16, along with the majority of features announced included iniOS 17. In addition, iPadOS 17 now includes the Apple Health app.[14]
On June 10, 2024, at WWDC 2024, Apple announcediPadOS 18.[15]
On June 9, 2025, at WWDC 2025, Apple announcediPadOS 26.[16]
Many features of iPadOS are also available on iOS; however, iPadOS contains some features that are not available in iOS and lacks some features that are available in iOS.
Introduced in iPadOS 14, Scribble converts text handwritten by anApple Pencil into typed text in most text fields.[17]
Beginning with iPadOS 15, widgets can be placed on the home screen.[18]
Beginning with iPadOS 15, Translate is available. The feature was announced on June 7, 2021, at WWDC 2021. Translation works with 11 languages.[citation needed]
Beginning with iPadOS 16, the Weather app was added to iPad. The application had previously only been available on the iPhone and iPod Touch.[19] The feature was announced on June 6, 2022, at WWDC 2022.
iPadOS 16 adds a new feature called Stage Manager that automatically sorts windows by app.[20]
iPadOS 17 allows users to personalize their Lock Screens with widgets and fonts. Interactive widgets can be placed on both the Lock Screen and Home Screen for quick access to customizable information, such as weather and reminders.[21]
The introduction of the Health app on iPad provides a central location to view and manage health data.
New communication features for Messages and FaceTime are introduced, such as audio/voice messages (like a voicemail) if your call is not answered on FaceTime, and using your Apple TV for FaceTime calls with your iPad acting as a camera. Messages introduces the combining of search filters and content types when searching through your messages, as well as transcriptions for audio messages.[22]
New accessibility features like Screen Distance and improved Voice Control expand usability options for a wider range of users.
Several core apps receive updates, including Photos, Safari, Notes, and Reminders. These updates bring new functionality and improvements to enhance the overall iPad experience.[23]
iPadOS 26 has a newLiquid Glass design, new apps, and more.
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