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Today at WWDC, Apple revealed a handful of changes to the iPad for the upcoming iPadOS 26, including making it feel a little bit more like a Mac with window control and tiling, the same Games app that's also available for MacOS and the iPhone, and of course, more Apple Intelligence.
Also: 4 best iPadOS 26 features revealed at WWDC - and which iPads will get them
All these new features won't roll out onto your iPad until this fall, but if you're keen on checking out the features iPadOS 26 has to offer now, you can download the beta version of the OS and take a peek at what's in store. However, as with any beta, be aware that it can be full of bugs and not optimized for speed and efficiency.
What you need: An iPad running iPadOS 16.4 or later with an Apple ID used in the Apple Developer Program. Since not all iPads are compatible with iPadOS 16.4, you'll also need a model that's on this list.
Also: Your iPad will act more like a Mac now - here's what that looks like
Go to the App Store on your iPad and download the Apple Developer app.
If you aren't already a member of the Apple Developer Program, you can sign up to become one in the app. There's a free tier that lets you test developer beta versions of iPadOS and a paid subscription that gives you in-depth access to comprehensive development tools, code-level support, app management, and more. An annual membership costs $99.
You can navigate to your settings to install the iPadOS 26 developer beta if your device runs iPadOS 16.4 and is used with an Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program:
Also: Every iPad model compatible with Apple's iPadOS 26 (and which ones aren't)
If you can't see this option, go to Settings, select Privacy & Security, and enable Developer Mode.
You'll need an iPad with iPadOS 16.4 or later, which means one of these models:
Apple is releasing the iPadOS 26 developer beta during WWDC 2025, and the public beta version will likely be released in July. If past years are any indication, the general release of iPadOS 26 will take place in September.
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:
You'll need an iPad running iPadOS 16.4 or later.
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