Apple iPad: Still the Tablet Leader in 2024?
Apple today released iPadOS 26.4, introducing a suite of modern features for iPad users, including eight new emoji and enhancements to Apple Music. The update is available for all compatible devices and can be installed via Settings > General > Software Update.
The most significant changes within iPadOS 26.4 center on Apple Music, with the introduction of Playlist Playground, an AI-powered tool designed to facilitate playlist creation. Users will also find concert information for artists and local venues, alongside a redesigned fullscreen experience for albums and playlists.
Beyond Apple Music, the update expands the emoji library with additions including a Ballet Dancer, Distorted Face, Fight Cloud, Hairy Creature, Landslide, Orca, Trombone, and Treasure Chest. Apple has also implemented a “Hidden Windows” popup, intended to facilitate users manage and locate open windows, particularly those working with multiple applications simultaneously.
The iPad Home Screen gains two new Ambient Music widgets, offering convenient access to music playback controls. The wallpaper gallery has also been refreshed with updated options. Several built-in apps have received targeted improvements. Safari now features a compact tab bar, although Apple Podcasts introduces enhanced video capabilities. The Reminders app adds an ‘Urgent’ smart list for prioritizing tasks, and the Freeform app gains exclusive features for Apple Creator Studio users. The TV app now allows for greater customization of subtitles, and the Health app includes data visualization updates.
The release of iPadOS 26.4 follows Apple’s broader software update cycle, which also included iOS 26.4, macOS Tahoe, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and HomePod updates. These updates share a common focus on security enhancements, addressing vulnerabilities across Apple’s ecosystem. The 26.4 updates also include features like charging limits for MacBooks and Stolen Device Protection, enabled by default.
While Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, this feature was not included in the final release of iPadOS 26.4. Texting with Android users will continue to utilize the existing, unencrypted version of RCS or SMS, depending on carrier compatibility.
The new version of iPadOS also includes a Liquid Glass design, offering a more vibrant and dynamic user interface. This includes an updated Lock Screen with a 3D effect when the iPad is moved, and refreshed app icons with options for light, dark, or clear appearances. The windowing system has been improved, allowing users to open and arrange multiple windows with greater flexibility, including tiling options for splitting the screen into thirds or quarters. A new menu bar provides quick access to app commands.