iPadOS 16 Big Updates: What’s New & How to Get It

Updated 14 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

iPadOS 16 is a major free update for compatible iPad models, bringing the biggest changes to the iPad interface in years. You get it by going to Settings > General > Software Update on a supported iPad. The headline feature is Stage Manager for multitasking, alongside new apps like Freeform, plus big upgrades to Messages, Mail, and Safari.

Background: Why iPadOS 16 Matters

Apple split iPadOS from iOS in 2019 to give the iPad its own identity. iPadOS 16, announced at WWDC in June 2022 and released in October 2022, is the most ambitious version yet. It pushes the iPad closer to a laptop replacement with windowed multitasking, external display support, and desktop-class apps. For many users, this update answers the long-standing question: “Can the iPad replace my computer?” For others, it simply makes everyday tasks faster and more flexible.

Stage Manager: The Big Multitasking Change

Stage Manager is the centerpiece of iPadOS 16. It lets you run multiple overlapping windows on the same screen, resize them, and group apps together. Here’s what you need to know:

Compatibility: Stage Manager works only on iPad Pro models with the M1 chip or later, and iPad Air 5 (M1). Older iPads don’t get it.
How to turn it on: Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap the Stage Manager icon (a square with two dots), or go to Settings > Home Screen & Multitasking > Stage Manager.
What it does: Your current app appears in the center, other open apps sit in a thumbnail strip on the left, and you can drag apps together to create groups. You can resize windows by dragging their corners.
External display support: With an M1 iPad and a compatible monitor, you can run up to four apps on the external display and four on the iPad simultaneously.

Stage Manager is powerful but takes time to learn. Many users find it confusing at first. If you prefer the old split view and slide over, you can turn Stage Manager off entirely and keep using the classic multitasking gestures.

Freeform: A New Collaborative Whiteboard

Freeform is a brand-new app in iPadOS 16.2 (a later update). It’s an infinite canvas where you can sketch, write, paste images, add links, and share the board with others in real time. Think of it as a digital whiteboard for brainstorming, planning trips, or mapping out projects. It works with Apple Pencil, and everyone on the board can see changes live. Freeform is available on all iPads that support iPadOS 16, not just M1 models.

Messages, Mail, and Safari: Everyday Upgrades

Beyond the headline features, iPadOS 16 improves the apps you use daily:

Messages: You can now edit or unsend a message within 15 minutes of sending it, and mark conversations as unread. These features require both you and the recipient to be on iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or macOS Ventura.
Mail: The new Mail app lets you schedule emails, cancel sending for up to 10 seconds, and follow up on messages you haven’t replied to. You can also add rich links to your emails.
Safari: Tab groups get a shared version, so you and friends can collaborate on a set of tabs. You can also pin tabs in a group, and the start page is more customizable.
Weather: The Weather app finally comes to iPad, with the full forecast, radar, and severe weather alerts.

Compatibility and How to Get iPadOS 16

Not every iPad can run iPadOS 16. Here is the full list of supported models:

iPad Pro (all models)
iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
iPad (5th generation and later)
iPad mini (5th generation and later)

To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap “Download and Install.” Make sure you have at least 50% battery and a Wi-Fi connection. The update is free. If you don’t see it, check that your iPad is on the list above and that it has enough free storage (the update needs several gigabytes).

Common Problems and Fixes

Users commonly run into a few issues after updating:

Stage Manager not appearing: If you have an M1 iPad and still don’t see it, go to Settings > Home Screen & Multitasking and make sure it’s enabled. Also check that you’re on iPadOS 16.0 or later.
Battery drain: The first day or two after a major update, the iPad may use more battery as it reindexes photos and files. This usually settles down.
Apps crashing: Some older apps may not be updated for iPadOS 16 yet. Check the App Store for updates, and if an app keeps crashing, try deleting and reinstalling it.
External display not working: Stage Manager on an external display requires an M1 iPad, a DisplayPort or USB-C cable, and a monitor that supports the resolution. Not all adapters work.

iPadOS 16 vs iPadOS 15: What Changed

If you’re deciding whether to update, here’s the short comparison:

Multitasking: iPadOS 15 had split view and slide over. iPadOS 16 adds Stage Manager with overlapping windows and external display support (M1 only).
Apps: iPadOS 16 adds Freeform and Weather; iPadOS 15 had neither.
Messages: iPadOS 16 adds edit, unsend, and mark as unread; iPadOS 15 did not.
Mail: iPadOS 16 adds schedule send and follow-up reminders; iPadOS 15 did not.
Safari: iPadOS 16 adds shared tab groups; iPadOS 15 had tab groups but not shared ones.

For most users, the update is worth it. The only reason to stay on iPadOS 15 is if you have an older app that isn’t compatible yet, or if you prefer the simpler multitasking interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is iPadOS 16 free?

Yes, iPadOS 16 is a free download for all supported iPads. You don’t need a developer account or a paid subscription. Just go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Will iPadOS 16 slow down my old iPad?

On supported models, iPadOS 16 generally runs as well as iPadOS 15. The oldest supported iPad is the 5th generation (2017), and it may feel slower with heavier tasks, but basic browsing and apps work fine. If you’re concerned, back up your iPad before updating so you can revert if needed.

Why don’t I have Stage Manager on my iPad?

Stage Manager requires an M1 chip: iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), or iPad Air 5. If you have an older iPad, you won’t get Stage Manager, but you’ll still get all the other iPadOS 16 features.

Can I turn off Stage Manager?

Yes. Open Control Center and tap the Stage Manager icon to toggle it off. You can also go to Settings > Home Screen & Multitasking > Stage Manager and turn it off there. When off, you’re back to the classic split view and slide over.

Does iPadOS 16 work with external monitors?

Yes, but only on M1 iPads. With Stage Manager, you can connect an external display via USB-C or DisplayPort and run up to four apps on the external screen. Older iPads can only mirror the iPad’s screen, not extend it.

How much storage does iPadOS 16 need?

The update itself is around 3–5 GB, but you’ll need more free space to download and install it. Apple recommends having at least 10–15 GB free. You can check your storage in Settings > General > iPad Storage.

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