iPadOS 26 system requirements: will it run on your Apple iPad?

Apple revealed the next major iPad software update back in June and it’s nearly ready for release. Called iPadOS 26.

It will work best with the latest iPads as you’d expect, but you’ll want to know if it’ll work with your Apple tablet, which might be slightly older. A whole bunch of older Apple tablets will also get the free software update, stretching back around five years and we’ve got all the details right here.

iPadOS 26 is available for beta users right now, but a public release won’t come until September, if Apple follows its usual schedule.

Note that Apple’s software versions are now named after the year ahead – ie: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, etc – to bring naming consistency. So if you’re looking for the requirements to run what you thought was called iPadOS 19, you’re in the right place!

• Read more: Why Apple skipped iOS 19 and went straight to iOS 26 – the reason makes so much sense

But will your current iPad get the update? Here’s our guide to the rumoured iPadOS 26 system requirements.

Will your iPad get iPadOS 26?

Apple is keeping the system requirements for iPadOS 26 the same as those for iPadOS 18. That was also pretty similar to iPadOS 17, but with a few exceptions.

With iPadOS 17, Apple dumped support for the iPad 5 and iPad Pros from 2015 and 2016.

Last year’s iPadOS 18 ditched support for the 6th-generation iPad, 2nd-generation iPad Pro (12.9-inch), and iPad Pro (10.5-inch). iPadOS 26 has the same compatibility as iPadOS 18.

iPadOS 26 offers a brand new glassy redesign that makes the software look a bit like the Apple Vision Pro’s visionOS, alongside plenty of other new features. New multitasking abilities have also finally arrived.

Here’s a full list of the devices compatible with iPadOS 26:

• iPad: 8th generation and later (including A16)
• iPad mini: 5th generation and later (including A17 Pro)
• iPad Air: 3rd generation and later (including M2 and M3)
• iPad Pro 11in – 1st generation and later
• Pad Pro 12.9in – 3rd generation and later
• iPad Pro M4

Related: Proper windows are finally coming to the iPad – but why didn’t it happen before?

Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around nine years now across the web and in print too. Connor has attended the biggest tech expos, including CES, MWC, and IFA – with contributions as a judge on panels at them. He's also been interviewed as a technology expert on TV and radio by national news outlets including France24. Connor has experience with most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he's a fan of gadgets of all sorts. Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup and venture capital scene, which puts him at the front of new and exciting tech - he is always on the lookout for innovative products.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home