iPadOS 26 Preview App: A Game-Changer for iPad Users

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By Jenefey Aaron

2025-06-13 / iOS 26

iPadOS 26 marks a major milestone for Apple tablets, bringing the long-awaited Preview App—a native document tool previously exclusive to macOS—to iPad (and iPhone). Available out of the box with this release, Preview empowers users to view, annotate, and edit PDFs and images using Apple Pencil or touch. Featuring features like AutoFill, seamless integration with the Files app, and multiple-window support, it elevates productivity to new heights.

This article offers an in-depth overview of the iPadOS 26 Preview app, explores its standout features, guides you through installation on iPad and iPhone. Whether you're a student, creative professional, or business user, discover why this iPadOS 26 Preview update is transformative for document workflows on your iPad.

ipados 26 preview app

Part 1. Overview of iPadOS 26 Preview App

What is the iPadOS 26 Preview App?

The iPadOS 26 Preview App is a brand-new, dedicated app for viewing, editing, and annotating PDFs and images on iPad. Previously exclusive to Mac, this app now brings powerful tools like Apple Pencil Markup and AutoFill to iPad users, enhancing productivity and creativity. It integrates seamlessly with the Files app and supports multitasking with the new windowing system introduced in iPadOS 26.

When Will iPadOS 26 Preview App Be Available?

iPadOS 26, including the Preview app, is expected to launch publicly in fall 2025. Developers and public beta testers can access early versions starting from June 2025. This timing allows users to explore new features like the Liquid Glass design and the powerful windowing system alongside the Preview app.

Which iPads will get iPadOS 26 Preview App

The Preview app supports a wide range of iPads running iPadOS 26, including:

  • iPad Pro (M4)
  • iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later)
  • iPad Air (M2 and later)
  • iPad (8th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)

Part 2: New Features in iOS 26/iPadOS 26 Preview App

The iPadOS 26 Preview App brings a major upgrade for iPad users by introducing a dedicated, powerful tool for viewing, editing, and annotating PDFs and images—previously only available on Mac. Next, we’ll explore the standout features you’ll notice right away when using Preview within iOS 26 or iPadOS 26.

New Features in iPadOS 26 Preview App

  • Apple Pencil Markup: Draw, highlight, and annotate PDFs and images naturally using Apple Pencil or touch, enhancing note‑taking and editing workflows.
  • AutoFill for PDF Forms: Save time by quickly filling out forms directly within the app, eliminating the hassle of printing or using third‑party apps.
  • Create Blank Pages: Users can add blank pages to sketch ideas or take handwritten notes, supporting creativity and brainstorming.
  • Integrated File Access: The Preview app works seamlessly with the Files app, allowing easy access to all PDFs and images stored on the device or iCloud.
  • Image Editing: Beyond PDFs, users can view and edit images, making Preview a versatile tool for multiple file types.
new features in ipados 26 preview app
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Note:

After exploring the fresh annotation, signature, and image tools in the iPadOS 26 Preview App, you might notice it still can’t edit actual document text. That’s where Tenorshare PDNob steps in—think of it as a full editing companion. With PDNob, you can correct typos, replace images, redact sensitive details, or tweak layouts right on your iPad or Mac. It’s like adding a true document workshop to your Preview toolkit.

What Else Is New in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26?

Both OS versions feature a stunning Liquid Glass design, new Apple Intelligence capabilities like Live Translation in Messages and FaceTime, and improvements to core apps such as Phone, Messages, and Files. These updates complement the Preview app by creating a more connected and intelligent user experience.

Part 3. How to Download & Install Preview App on iPad/iPhone

To start benefiting from this powerful app—featuring Apple Pencil markup, AutoFill for forms, and seamless file integration—you first need to update your device to the latest iOS 26 version. Here’s how to download and install the Preview app on your iPad or iPhone, meeting your need for quick, reliable access to document editing tools.

  • Step 1: Check Device Compatibility
    • iPad Pro (M4 and later models)
    • iPad Air (M3 and later)
    • iPad (8th generation and later)
    • iPad mini (5th generation and later)
    • iPhone models supporting iOS 26 (usually iPhone 11 and newer)
  • Step 2: Backup Your Device
    • Back up your data via iCloud or computer to protect your files.
  • Step 3: Join Apple Beta Programs (Optional for Early Access)
    • Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store.
    • Sign up for the Apple Developer Program (free tier available).
    • Or join the Apple Beta Software Program for public beta access.
  • ios 26 beta software program
  • Step 4: Download and Install iPadOS 26 or iOS 26
    • Open Settings on your iPad or iPhone.
    • Tap General → Software Update.
    • Select Beta Updates if in the beta program.
    • Choose iPadOS 26 Developer Beta or iOS 26 Developer Beta.
    • Tap Download and Install, then follow on-screen instructions.
  • ios 26 beta download
  • Step 5: Access the Preview App
    • After updating, find the Preview app on your home screen.
    • Open it to view, annotate, and edit PDFs and images using Apple Pencil or touch.

Part 4. iPadOS 26 Preview App Alternative - Best PDF Editor

When it comes to heavy PDF editing—like changing text, images, or forms—the built‑in iOS 26 Preview App simply doesn’t cut it. Yes, it handles annotations, highlights, and signatures beautifully. That’s where Tenorshare PDNob shines: it beautifully bridges the gap, offering full-fledged editing, powerful OCR, and seamless conversions—all with a clean, user‑friendly feel that matches your iPadOS 26’s sleek interface.

Want to go even further? PDNob adds AI smarts to your PDF tasks—summarizing long documents, extracting key details, and letting you chat with your PDFs. Need to convert a file to Word, PowerPoint, or images? Done. Want to merge, split, compress, or password-protect your files? It’s all one tap away. PDNob brings desktop-level PDF capabilities straight to your iPadOS 26 experience—perfect for students, professionals, or anyone managing complex documents on the go.

Why Choose Tenorshare PDNob PDF Editor

  • Edit Text & Images — Modify existing text and replace, resize, or reposition images.
  • AI Summarization — Instantly summarize PDF content with ChatGPT-powered AI.
  • 99% Accurate OCR — Turn scanned pages into editable, searchable text.
  • Multi‑Format Conversion — Export PDFs to Word, Excel, PPT, PNG, JPEG, and more.
  • Merge & Split — Combine or separate PDFs quickly and cleanly.
  • Annotate & Stamp — Highlight, underline, add notes, shapes, stamps, and more.
  • Password & Encryption — Secure PDFs with passwords and encryption tools.
  • Batch Processing — Apply tasks like conversion or compression to many files together.

How to Edit & Convert PDF on iPadOS 26

  • Open PDNob PDF Editor, then click on the "Open PDF" button to import any PDF file you’ve downloaded.
  • open pdf file via pdnob pdf editor
  • Click the “Edit” button on the top toolbar, then select the text you want to modify. A text box will appear, allowing you to change the text, font, style, size, and color.
  • edit pdf with pdnob pdf editor
  • To add new text, click “Add Text” under the “Edit” section and place it where needed.
  • To insert images, click the “Add Image” button and choose the image file to add.
  • add image to pdf with pdnob pdf editor
  • Once you have made all the necessary edits, click on the "Save" button in the top left corner.

FAQs of iPadOS 26 Preview App

Where can I find the Preview app on my iPad or iPhone?

The Preview app comes preinstalled with iPadOS 26 and iOS 26 updates. After updating your device, you’ll find it on your home screen alongside other Apple apps.

What features does the iPadOS 26 Preview app support?

It supports PDF annotation, form AutoFill, image viewing and editing, and creating blank pages for sketches. However, full PDF text editing is not included.

What devices support iPadOS 26 Preview App?

The Preview app on iPadOS 26 works on iPads with Apple Silicon or A12 chip and later—like iPad Pro, Air, iPad (8th gen+), and Mini (5th gen+). For iOS 26, it appears on iPhone 11 and newer.

Conclusion

The iPadOS 26 Preview app offers powerful PDF annotation, signing, and form filling, boosting productivity on your iPad. However, for full PDF editing like text changes, Tenorshare PDNob is the perfect complement. Together, they provide a complete PDF solution for all your needs.

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