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Four new iPad apps are coming in iPadOS 26 later this year

Today at WWDC, Apple announced a major new iPadOS 26 software update. Among the many new features, the iPad is getting four new apps in iPadOS 26. Here’s what’s coming.

iPadOS 26 gets new system apps alongside OS redesign

Apple has announced that iPadOS 26 will bring four new apps to iPad users.

  • Journal
  • Games
  • Preview
  • Phone

Preview is an important addition that plays a key role in iPad’ overall Files app upgrades and improvements.

Games offers a new one-stop hub for all things gaming on iPadOS 26. You’ll be able to launch installed games from there, plus browse and download new titles, find editorial content, leaderboards, and more.

Journal and Phone are brand new to the iPad, formerly exclusive to iPhone.

Here are details on the Journal app:

Journal comes to iPad, making it easy for users to capture and write about the details of everyday moments or special events. Using Apple Pencil or touch, users can incorporate drawings and handwriting, along with photos, videos, audio recordings, places, their state of mind, and more. Users can keep multiple journals for various aspects of life, and now have access to a beautiful map view that organizes entries by location.

The Phone app arrives in the same year iOS 26 is introducing its first big changes in a long time, including new Hold Assist and Call Screening features.

These iPad app additions join the big Liquid Glass redesign in iPadOS 26, audio and video recording upgrades, and much more.

Which new iPadOS 26 app are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments.

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Avatar for Ryan Christoffel Ryan Christoffel

Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.