The next-generation operating system, announced at WWDC 2026, focuses on Apple Intelligence, speed, and a refined user experience.
Apple just unveiled iPadOS 27, and the message from its Worldwide Developers Conference yesterday is clear: artificial intelligence is now at the core of the iPad experience. The update overhauls Siri and injects a new "Apple Intelligence" framework into nearly every corner of the OS.
While the update polishes the entire system, the keynote from Apple Park made it plain that smart, context-aware assistance is the iPad's future. iPadOS 27 will launch to the public this fall, with developer betas available now.
The star of iPadOS 27 is Siri AI. This isn't just another yearly tweak; it's a complete teardown and rebuild based on the new Apple Intelligence platform. Apple calls it a "highly personalized AI assistant" that can finally understand deep personal context.
This new intelligence layer lets Siri AI tackle complex, multi-step tasks across different apps. It can interact with content on your screen, process information from multiple sources at once, and give far more relevant answers. These abilities are shared with iOS 27, creating a single AI brain across Apple's ecosystem.
The new Siri AI will launch in English first, with more languages coming later. This marks the biggest shift in Apple's interaction model in years, pushing the iPad from a touch-first device to one that also thrives on conversational commands.
Beyond the AI-powered brain transplant, Apple put a major focus on core speed with iPadOS 27. The company promises a faster, more fluid experience, backing it up with specific numbers from the keynote.
These gains come from system-wide optimizations rather than a single new feature. For users, this means everyday tasks, from multitasking to managing large files, should feel significantly snappier.
The user interface also gets some subtle but welcome tweaks. The "Liquid Glass" design language is refined with new transparency effects and button styles, aiming for a cleaner, more modern look. The update also adds enhanced child safety features and supports 4K resolution for HomeKit Secure Video.
With its powerful on-device AI, iPadOS 27 draws a new, stricter line for hardware support. The update drops several older models, creating a clear divide between iPads that can run Apple Intelligence and those that can't.
The heavy lifting required for neural processing means Siri AI and other key intelligence features are exclusive to iPads with recent, powerful chips. Specifically, these new abilities demand an M-series Apple Silicon chip or, in some cases, an A17 Pro or newer.
This update ends software support for popular models like the iPad (8th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), and the first-generation 11-inch and third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Owners of these devices will not get iPadOS 27.
This move ensures the new AI features run smoothly, but it also pressures users to upgrade if they want the latest software innovations.
The launch of iPadOS 27 cements Apple's all-in bet on artificial intelligence. But it also raises familiar questions about the iPad's unique identity. While Siri AI and the speed boosts are great, the update is missing a big, iPad-only feature to call its own.
Most of the headlining advancements are shared directly with iOS 27. This left some analysts feeling the iPad didn't get its own moment in the WWDC spotlight. There were no revolutionary multitasking updates or new pro-app paradigms to further separate the tablet from the iPhone or Mac.
Apple's strategy is clear: build a powerful, unified AI foundation to elevate its entire ecosystem. While logical, it leaves the iPad's software evolution tied directly to the iPhone's for another year. For now, the iPad remains an incredibly powerful follower, waiting for developers to prove if Apple's new AI toolkit can finally give it a killer app the iPhone can't match.
