The launch of iPadOS 26 brings major changes to the iPad Pro. It now includes Apple Intelligence, AI-powered creative tools, better multitasking with windowed apps, and a new Liquid Glass design. Built-in ChatGPT also adds real-time translation and image generation, making it more productive than ever. While other models like the iPad Air 2020 and iPad Mini 2021 get some features, only the latest iPad Pro with the M4 chip supports all the new AI tools fully.

The Evolution of iPad Pro in the AI Era

The new version has taken a big step forward with iPadOS 26 by adding powerful AI features. Since iPadOS 26 launched, both performance and design have improved a lot. But what really makes this update special is its smart AI system. At WWDC 2025, Apple announced that iPadOS 26 includes real-time transcription, visual understanding, and creative AI tools.

Earlier versions of iPadOS mainly focused on speed and display quality. But this new version introduced the on-device artificial intelligence, which its previous and traditional tablets could never do.

Only the latest iPad Pro with the M4 chip can run these new AI tools. That makes it very different from older iPad models.

As a tech-savvy user, I’ve reviewed every iPad Pro version, and my research shows that iPadOS 26 adds real AI features that turn the iPad Pro into a powerful tool for large-scale work and content creation.

Apple’s 2025 WWDC keynote confirmed what many anticipated: iPadOS 26 is more than a system update. It transforms the iPad Pro into a full-scale AI-driven productivity tool. But this transformation isn’t universal across the iPad lineup.

What Are the Major AI Features in iPadOS 26?

1. Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence, a new addition to iPadOS 26, which is Apple’s new AI system. This on-device AI suite includes:

• Smart Rewrite & Proofread: Rewrite text, adjust tone, and correct grammar using contextual awareness.
• Summarization: AI-powered summarization in Notes, Mail, and Safari Reading View.
• Contextual Suggestions: Actions based on what’s on screen or mentioned in messages.

Since the iPad Pro runs everything directly using the M4 chip, it does not depend on the cloud.

2. Image Playground

You can easily create images in any app using Apple Pencil or by typing prompts. As a content strategist, I find this tool really useful, especially when I need to make quick image mockups or plan a blog layout.

3. Genmoji Creation

This is one of the most user-friendly implementations of AI so far. By describing a mood, outfit, or setting, users can generate custom emojis that reflect their exact sentiment.

4. Live Transcription and Real-Time Translation

Live audio transcription is now built-in into FaceTime, Voice Memos, and Messages. It also detects language changes during calls, which is especially useful for global team meetings.

5. Visual Intelligence

An important feature is that you can now long-press on any image or screenshot to access useful information. From identifying landmarks to extracting data tables, this rivals Google Lens but works entirely on-device.

Enhanced User Experience with Liquid Glass and Windowing

Liquid Glass Design

Apple has introduced a stunning new UI aesthetic called Liquid Glass. It integrates depth, reflection, and motion, offering:

• Real-time lighting response.
• Smooth transitions between windows and apps.
• Parallax effects for layered content.

It’s not just designed to look good. It’s designed to improve a user’s clarity and experience.

macOS-like Windowing System

The iPad Pro now supports:

• Resizable app windows.
• Top-bar navigation similar to macOS.
• Multi-app multitasking with overlapping views.

Using it with the Magic Keyboard makes the experience almost the same as a MacBook, minus full desktop apps.

iPad Pro vs. Older iPads: How the AI Edge Plays Out?

iPad Air 2020 and iPad Air 2021

iPadOS 26 is only partially supported on both models. The iPad Air 2020 has the A14 Bionic chip, which lacks the advanced Neural Engine needed for full AI features. 

In contrast, the iPad Air 2021 with the M1 chip supports some Apple Intelligence tools. However, only the iPad Pro with the M4 chip can fully use features like image generation and Genmoji creation.

iPad Mini 2021

The iPad Mini 2021 has limited access to AI features, despite having the A15 bionic chip. It does support some parts of iPadOS 26, including the new Liquid Glass UI and multitasking improvements. However, it doesn’t have enough processing power to run advanced on-device AI tools.

iPadOS 15 and iOS 14.6 – A Contrast in Capabilities

In the days of iPadOS 15 and iOS 14.6, productivity focused mainly on simple multitasking and app optimization. These systems did not include advanced AI, deep learning, or intelligent automation. The journey from iPadOS 15 to iPadOS 26 is a big leap forward, just like moving from dial-up internet to 5G. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

While budget-friendly and Android-powered, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite lacks any form of comparable AI tooling. With its outdated chipset, it doesn’t even support Android’s newer Gemini-based AI features. In terms of creativity, multitasking, and productivity, it’s a decade behind the iPad Pro.

Performance Benchmarks and Hardware Synergy

Why the M4 Chip Matters?

Apple’s M4 chip is designed for on-device AI. Benchmarks show:

• 38% faster machine learning tasks than M2
• Neural Engine performing 38 trillion operations per second
• Improved thermal efficiency

“According to Apple’s official WWDC 2025 announcement, the M4 chip delivers a Neural Engine capable of performing 38 trillion operations per second, enabling real-time on-device AI processing without relying on cloud services. Independent benchmarks from Geekbench confirm the M4 outperforms its predecessor, the M2 chip, by approximately 38% in machine learning tasks, setting a new standard for tablet AI performance.”— Apple.com WWDC 2025 Keynote & Geekbench 2025 Benchmarks

Accessories Amplify AI Use

The new Apple Pencil Pro supports squeeze and barrel roll actions, making tools like Image Playground and Smart Rewrite easier to use.

Paired with the Magic Keyboard, iPadOS 26 offers smooth, Mac-style windowing and fast, responsive typing.

iPad Pro with iPadOS 26: Who Should Upgrade?

Professionals & Creatives

Designers, marketers, and writers benefit from the AI toolkit. From AI-assisted content editing to rapid image generation, the iPad Pro is now a creation-first device.

Educators & Researchers

Real-time transcription, intelligent summarization, and visual learning tools make it an ideal academic companion.

Global Teams

With multilingual support and on-device translation, cross-border collaboration is seamless.

If you’re still on the iPad Air 2020 or even the iPad mini 2021, this is the right time to leap forward.

Final Thoughts

Apple hasn’t just upgraded the iPad Pro, it’s also changed how far a tablet can go. iPadOS 26’s Apple Intelligence features, visual redesign, and windowing framework have made the iPad Pro the benchmark for others to follow.

For tech professionals, educators, and global users, the iPad Pro with iPadOS 26 has become essential.

Whether you’re moving up from iPadOS 15 or comparing it to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, the improvement is clear. Apple is now creating smart tools designed for today’s work needs.

FAQs about iPad Pro and iPadOS 26