How to install the iPadOS 26 beta on your iPad (and which models support it)

7 hours ago 2

How do I install the iPadOS 26 public beta?

Once Apple releases the public beta of iPadOS 26, you will not need to go through the above steps to to test the developer beta. Instead, you can follow the steps below. You'll need an iPad running iPadOS 16.4 or later.

Go to your iPad's Settings and select General.
Tap Software Update.
Enable Beta Updates by choosing the iPadOS version you'd like to access.
Select iPadOS 26 Public Beta. Your iPad will then receive automatic updates to the latest public beta version as it's released.

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)

Also: Every iPad model that supports iPadOS 26 (and which ones won't be compatible)

When will iPadOS 26 release?

Apple released the third developer beta of iPadOS 26 on July 7, exclusively for registered developers. The public beta is expected to go live in July, opening up early access to anyone to test. The final general release is slated for this fall, most likely in September.

Also: Apple just gave me a compelling reason to ditch my MacBook for an iPad. Here's why

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 to submit beta feedback to Apple

By the time the public beta is released, Apple will have two beta versions of iPadOS: iPadOS 26 public beta and iPadOS 26 developer beta. Both come with a built-in Feedback Assistant app, which can be opened from the Home screen on your iPad. When you experience an issue or something does not work as expected, send your feedback directly to Apple with Feedback Assistant.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in June 2025. It was fact-checked and thoroughly updated on July 8, 2025.

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