iPadOS 26.2 Release Supercharges iPad Multitasking with New Drag-and-Drop Gestures

Apple has released iPadOS 26.2 to the public. The update arrived on December 12, 2025. It is available for all eligible iPad models. Users can download it now in the Settings app.

This marks the second major update to the iPadOS 26 platform. It follows last month’s iPadOS 26.1 release. The focus is on making the iPad’s powerful multitasking features far more intuitive and accessible for everyone.

A Simpler Way to Work with Multiple Apps

The headlining change involves fundamental multitasking gestures. According to the official release notes, you can now drag app icons directly into different views. This works from the Dock, Spotlight Search, or the App Library.

Dragging an app to the screen’s far edge places it in Slide Over. Pulling it to the left or right creates a split-view, tiled layout. A visual guide shows where the app will land. This new method is much faster than the old multi-tap process.

Apple’s update includes many other refinements. Apple Music gains an offline lyrics feature for downloaded songs. The Podcasts app now has auto-generated chapters for easier navigation. These quality-of-life improvements enhance the core iPad experience.

Broader Impact and Refined User Experience

This update signals Apple’s continued investment in the iPad as a true computer alternative. By simplifying complex window management, they lower the barrier for advanced workflows. It makes pro-level multitasking approachable for students and professionals alike.

Gamers also receive meaningful updates. The Games library gets new filtering options. Support for popular controllers like Backbone and Razer is improved. These changes solidify the iPad’s standing in the mobile gaming space.

The release also contains numerous bug fixes and smaller enhancements. A notable fix resolves an issue where pre-release Apple Music albums were not playable at launch. Overall system stability and privacy settings are improved.

iPadOS 26.2 is a substantial step forward in usability. Its new drag-and-drop multitasking fundamentally changes how users interact with their iPad. This update delivers on the promise of a more flexible and powerful tablet experience.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How do I get the iPadOS 26.2 update?

Go to your iPad’s Settings app. Tap General, then Software Update. The download should appear there if your device is supported.

Q2: What is the biggest new feature in this update?

The biggest change is new drag-and-drop gestures for multitasking. You can now drag apps from the Dock directly into Split View or Slide Over.

Q3: Did iPadOS 26.2 add anything for Apple Music?

Yes. Apple Music now has an offline lyrics feature. You can view lyrics for downloaded songs without an internet connection.

Q4: Are there any new accessibility features?

One new option lets the screen flash for alerts. This is found in Accessibility Settings and provides a visual notification cue.

Q5: Which iPads are compatible with iPadOS 26.2?

Compatibility typically aligns with iPadOS 26. It includes many recent models like iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini.

Q6: What was fixed in this release?

Key fixes address a pre-release Apple Music album playability issue and an incorrect Privacy and Security setting label.