Apple released iPadOS 26.2 on December 12, 2025, restoring drag-and-drop multitasking gestures that users lost in the iPadOS 26.0 update. The second major update to September's iPadOS 26 brings back intuitive app window management through direct manipulation.
Users can now drag app icons from the Dock, Spotlight Search, or App Library directly onto the screen. Apps dragged to screen edges create Slide Over panels, while dropping them beside existing windows forms Split View layouts. Visual indicators show what each drop zone will produce before release.
The drag-and-drop system originally debuted in iPadOS 18 but disappeared with iPadOS 26's new windowing engine. Apple reintroduced Slide Over in iPadOS 26.1 before fully restoring gesture controls in this update. The hybrid approach blends traditional multitasking with Apple's modern window management framework.
AirDrop gains security enhancements through one-time codes that expire after 30 days. Users can share files with non-contacts without exposing themselves to public AirDrop requests or adding temporary contacts. The feature provides an alternative to the "Everyone for 10 Minutes" setting for secure sharing with non-contacts.
Liquid Glass customization expands with a new Lock Screen slider controlling clock transparency. The UI animation system receives subtle refinements across system apps including Photos. Apple continues adjusting its visual design language based on user feedback.
Reminders adds urgent alarm functionality that schedules system alarms for critical tasks. Podcasts introduces AI-generated chapter markers for automated episode navigation. Apple Music now displays offline lyrics for downloaded songs without internet connectivity.
Freeform gains table support with intelligent cell resizing for mixed content. The Games app adds library filtering by category and size alongside real-time challenge score tracking. Controller navigation support eliminates touch requirements for Backbone and Razer gamepads.
Apple News redesigns section navigation with prominent sidebar links to Sports, Politics, Business, and Food categories. The Home app simplifies multipack accessory pairing using single setup codes for bundled devices.
Accessibility settings include new flash alerts that pulse the screen with notifications. Security fixes address enterprise management mislabeling and Apple Music pre-release album playback issues. This follows recent CISA warnings about actively exploited Apple WebKit vulnerabilities.
iPadOS 26.2 remains free for all compatible iPads through Settings > General > Software Update. The update represents Apple's final major iPad software release of 2025, with iPadOS 26.3 expected in beta testing soon.
