iPadOS 26 introduces new features, design refinements, and performance upgrades, but not all older iPads will benefit equally.
Many advanced features in iPadOS 26 are exclusive to newer models with M-series chips, creating a gap between older and newer devices.
Supported models for iPadOS 26 include a broad range of devices, but the iPad 7th generation has been removed from the compatibility list.
Improved external display support in iPadOS 26 unlocks full functionality for iPads with M-series chips, while older iPads are limited to basic screen mirroring.
Multitasking in iPadOS 26 is enhanced for devices with M1 chips, supporting up to five app windows, compared to older devices limited to four app windows.
The visually striking 3D spatial scene feature in iPadOS 26 is exclusive to iPads with M-series chips, enhancing photos and lock screens with depth and interactivity.
Real-time translation feature in iPadOS 26 is limited to iPads with M1 chips or newer, offering live language translation in select apps.
New capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence in iPadOS 26 are exclusive to M1 iPads and newer, utilizing advanced processors for computational tasks.
Despite advanced features exclusive to newer iPads, iPadOS 26 still delivers general enhancements for all compatible devices.
Overall, iPadOS 26 signifies a significant step forward for Apple's tablet operating system, emphasizing the importance of newer hardware for accessing the most innovative features.