The first (and hopefully only) release candidate build of iPadOS 26.1 is now available for both developers and public beta testers. Assuming no major issues are found, this is the build that will likely roll out to all users next week.

iPadOS 26.1 is a substantial update for iPad users, introducing several new features and refinements, including:

• Slide Over Returns – iPadOS 26 initially removed the previous multitasking implementation in favor of a system that closely mirrors macOS. Beta 2 reintroduced Slide Over, perhaps in response to feedback from iPad users who preferred the old multitasking system (and there are many of us).
• Liquid Glass Toggle – The new design language in iPadOS 26, and across Apple’s other operating systems, is nothing if not divisive. Beyond aesthetics, some users have reported legitimate legibility issues with certain UI elements. Beta 4 added a toggle in Settings that lets users switch some elements from the highly transparent “glass” effect to a new mode Apple calls Tinted.
• Gain Control for USB Microphones – Building on the expanded audio features in iPadOS 26, version 26.1 adds a new slider to adjust the gain level of connected USB microphones.

iPadOS 26.1 is expected to release publicly within the next week or so.