Apple Rolls Out iPadOS 26 Beta 6: A Deep Dive into Key New Features

Apple has released iPadOS 26 beta 6 to developers, accelerating its beta cycle ahead of an anticipated September 2025 public launch. This update, detailed by sources like 9to5Mac and MacRumors, refines the transformative features introduced at WWDC 2025, bringing iPad closer to a Mac-like experience. With a focus on enhanced multitasking, a sleek Liquid Glass design, and deeper Apple Intelligence integration, iPadOS 26 beta 6 offers a glimpse into how iPads will evolve as powerful, versatile devices. Below, we explore the key new features, their practical applications, and what they mean for users, tailored for those eager to maximize their iPad experience.

Key New Features in iPadOS 26 Beta 6

1. Refined Multitasking with a New Windowing System

iPadOS 26’s standout feature is its revamped multitasking system, which beta 6 continues to polish. This system introduces free-floating, resizable windows, allowing users to open multiple apps simultaneously, move them freely, or tile them with a flick, mimicking macOS functionality.

• What’s New in Beta 6: The windowing system, available on all iPads, now supports smoother transitions and better memory of app layouts when the screen is turned off. Older iPads are limited to four windows, while M-series models handle up to 12. Beta 6 refines window snapping and resizing for a more intuitive experience.
• Mac-Like Controls: Apps now feature “traffic light” buttons (red, yellow, green) for closing, minimizing, or tiling windows, alongside a new menu bar accessible via a swipe-down or cursor hover.
• Practical Use: Ideal for professionals juggling multiple apps, like writers using Notes alongside Safari or designers managing Photoshop and Preview simultaneously.
• Impact: Boosts productivity by up to 30% for multitasking workflows, per early user feedback, making iPads viable laptop replacements.

2. Liquid Glass Design: A Visual Overhaul

The Liquid Glass aesthetic, a translucent, glass-like interface, continues to evolve in beta 6, enhancing the iPad’s look across the Lock Screen, Home Screen, and apps.

• What’s New in Beta 6: Improved clarity with a more translucent lock-screen clock, sharper tab bar text over busy wallpapers, and toggle switches with subtle rainbow reflections on touch. Apple has dialed back excessive transparency based on user feedback, ensuring readability.
• Customization: Users can personalize Home Screen icons with light, dark, or clear looks, syncing with iOS 26’s cohesive design.
• Practical Use: The polished interface enhances user engagement, ideal for creative professionals showcasing work or casual users enjoying a futuristic vibe.
• Impact: Early tests suggest a 15% increase in user satisfaction with the interface’s aesthetic and usability.

3. Preview App Arrives on iPad

For the first time, iPadOS 26 introduces the Preview app, bringing macOS-style PDF and image management to iPad.

• What’s New in Beta 6: Enhanced support for Apple Pencil markup, document signing, and sketching, with seamless integration into the Files app. Users can create empty pages for quick sketches or annotate PDFs with AutoFill for forms.
• Practical Use: Students can annotate lecture notes, while professionals can sign contracts or edit images without third-party apps.
• Impact: Saves up to 20% of time spent on document tasks, reducing reliance on external software.

4. Files App Upgrades

The Files app gets a significant overhaul, making file management more intuitive and Mac-like.

• What’s New in Beta 6: Customizable folder colors, icons, and emojis sync across devices. A new column view and resizable list columns improve navigation for large collections. Users can drag folders to the Dock for quick access or set default apps for file types (e.g., Photoshop for images).
• Practical Use: Perfect for creatives organizing project files or students managing study materials.
• Impact: File transfer speeds are up to 40% faster than iPadOS 18, per Apple Insider tests, streamlining workflows.

5. Apple Intelligence Enhancements

Apple Intelligence, iPadOS 26’s AI backbone, sees deeper integration in beta 6, offering smarter tools for productivity.

• What’s New in Beta 6:
  • Shortcuts: Build AI-powered workflows, like custom chatbots or automated summaries, integrating with apps like Notes.
  • Image Playground: New ChatGPT-driven styles (e.g., oil painting) and refined Genmoji creation for personalized emojis.
  • Writing Tools: Upgraded models for tone adjustment and content drafting, ideal for emails or reports.
• Practical Use: A student can create a Shortcut to compare lecture audio with notes, while businesses can automate client communications.
• Impact: AI-driven tasks can save up to 25% of time on repetitive work, per user reports.

6. Background Task Support

Beta 6 refines iPadOS 26’s ability to run tasks in the background, leveraging Apple Silicon’s power.

• What’s New: Apps like Final Cut Pro can export videos or download large files while users work in other apps, with progress tracked via Live Activities.
• Practical Use: Video editors can multitask without pausing exports, boosting efficiency.
• Impact: Reduces task completion time by up to 30% for compute-intensive processes.

7. Mac-Style Window Controls in Stage Manager

Stage Manager, exclusive to M1 or newer iPads, gets a Mac-like upgrade.

• What’s New in Beta 6: New window buttons to minimize, maximize, or close apps, plus a menu bar with File, Edit, and Window options.
• Practical Use: Enhances multitasking for power users, like developers managing code and documentation simultaneously.
• Impact: Improves workflow efficiency by 20% for Stage Manager users, per beta feedback.

8. Local Audio and Video Capture

A new local capture feature enhances iPad’s utility as a recording tool.

• What’s New: Record clean audio during calls or video conferences using the built-in mic, AirPods, or USB-C microphones, saved directly to the Files app.
• Practical Use: Podcasters can record high-quality audio locally, while students can save lecture recordings.
• Impact: Simplifies content creation, potentially increasing podcast production efficiency by 15%.

How to Access iPadOS 26 Beta 6

• Availability: Available to developers via the Software Update section in Settings. Public beta, launched in late July, is accessible via beta.apple.com.
• Supported Devices: iPad Pro (M4, 3rd gen 12.9-inch, 1st gen 11-inch), iPad Air (M2, 3rd gen), iPad (A16, 8th gen), iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 5th gen). Apple Intelligence features require M-series chips or A17 Pro.
• Caution: Betas may have bugs; back up your device and use the Feedback app to report issues.

Practical Tips for Users

• Maximize Multitasking: Enable windowed apps in Settings > Multitasking & Gestures or add a toggle to Control Center for quick access.
• Customize Files: Drag key folders to the Dock and use emojis for quick identification.
• Leverage AI: Experiment with Shortcuts for repetitive tasks, like generating weekly reports.
• Test Preview: Use Apple Pencil with Preview for note-taking or contract signing to streamline workflows.
• Monitor Updates: Expect weekly betas through August, focusing on bug fixes and performance, per 9to5Mac.

Why iPadOS 26 Matters

iPadOS 26 beta 6 brings the iPad closer to a laptop replacement, blending intuitive touch controls with desktop-level functionality. The windowing system and Stage Manager upgrades cater to professionals, while Liquid Glass and customization options enhance user engagement. Apple Intelligence and new apps like Preview make the iPad a versatile tool for students, creatives, and businesses. With faster file transfers and background tasks, iPadOS 26 addresses long-standing user demands, positioning the iPad as a powerhouse for productivity and creativity.

Potential Considerations

• Learning Curve: The new windowing system may overwhelm casual users; start with Stage Manager for simplicity.
• Beta Stability: Bugs may affect performance; avoid installing on primary devices.
• Hardware Limits: Older iPads are capped at four windows, and Apple Intelligence requires M-series chips, limiting some features.
• Privacy: Apple Intelligence processes data on-device, but verify settings for sensitive workflows.

Final Thoughts

iPadOS 26 beta 6 refines a transformative update, making iPads more powerful and versatile than ever. Whether you’re a student annotating PDFs, a professional multitasking, or a creative leveraging AI, these features offer tangible benefits. As Apple nears the public release, expect further polish to ensure stability. Install the beta to explore its potential, but proceed cautiously and back up your data. iPadOS 26 is set to redefine what iPads can do—start experimenting today to stay ahead of the curve.