iPadOS 27 will bring significant improvements to the iPad experience, building on the productivity features introduced in previous versions. Whether you use your iPad for creative work, productivity, or entertainment, this guide will help you prepare for and install iPadOS 27 Beta when it becomes available.
Apple typically announces iPadOS alongside iOS at WWDC, with the first Developer Beta available immediately after the keynote and the Public Beta following a few weeks later. iPadOS 27 is expected to focus on enhancing Stage Manager, improving Apple Pencil functionality, and bringing deeper Apple Intelligence integration to compatible iPads.
iPadOS 27 Compatible iPads
Based on Apple's historical support patterns and hardware requirements, here are the iPad models expected to support iPadOS 27:
| iPad Model | Chip | iPadOS 27 Support | Apple Intelligence |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 13" & 11" (M4, 2024) | M4 | Full Support | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9" & 11" (M2, 2022) | M2 | Full Support | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9" & 11" (M1, 2021) | M1 | Full Support | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9" & 11" (2020) | A12Z | Full Support | No |
| iPad Pro 12.9" & 11" (2018) | A12X | Uncertain | No |
| iPad Air 13" & 11" (M2, 2024) | M2 | Full Support | Yes |
| iPad Air (M1, 5th gen, 2022) | M1 | Full Support | Yes |
| iPad Air (4th gen, 2020) | A14 | Full Support | No |
| iPad (10th gen, 2022) | A14 | Full Support | No |
| iPad (9th gen, 2021) | A13 | Uncertain | No |
| iPad mini (6th gen, 2021) | A15 | Full Support | No |
Expected iPadOS 27 Features
While Apple hasn't announced iPadOS 27 features yet, based on user feedback, developer requests, and industry reports, here are the improvements iPad users are hoping to see:
Stage Manager Improvements
Better window management, more flexible layouts, improved external display support, and smoother animations for multitasking.
Apple Pencil Enhancements
New gestures for Apple Pencil Pro, improved palm rejection, enhanced hover preview, and better handwriting recognition.
External Display Support
Full desktop-class experience on external monitors, native resolution support, and independent app spaces.
Apple Intelligence
Writing Tools across all apps, smarter Siri with on-screen awareness, Image Playground, and priority notifications.
Keyboard & Trackpad
New keyboard shortcuts, improved cursor control, better trackpad gestures, and enhanced accessibility options.
Files App Upgrades
Better file management, improved SMB support, enhanced Quick Look, and more desktop-like file operations.
Backup Your iPad Before Installing
Creating a complete backup is the most critical step before installing any beta software. Beta versions may contain bugs that could cause data loss or require a complete device restore.
Method 1: iCloud Backup
Connect to Wi-Fi
Ensure your iPad is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. iCloud backups require Wi-Fi and won't work over cellular data.
Start iCloud Backup
- Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup
- Tap "Back Up Now"
- Wait for the backup to complete (can take 30-60 minutes)
Verify Backup
After completion, check Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup. You should see today's date under "Last successful backup."
Method 2: Computer Backup (Recommended)
Computer backups are faster, don't require iCloud storage, and can be encrypted to include passwords and Health data.
Connect iPad to Computer
Use a USB or USB-C cable to connect your iPad to your Mac or Windows PC.
Open Finder or iTunes
- Mac (macOS Catalina or later): Open Finder and select your iPad from the sidebar
- Windows or older Mac: Open iTunes and click the iPad icon
Create Encrypted Backup
- Select "Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac"
- Check "Encrypt local backup" (saves passwords, Health, HomeKit data)
- Create a password you'll remember
- Click "Back Up Now"
Join Apple Beta Software Program
Apple offers two beta programs: the free Public Beta and the paid Developer Beta ($99/year). For most users, the Public Beta is sufficient and provides a more stable experience.
Public Beta (Free) - Recommended
Visit Apple Beta Website
On your iPad, open Safari and go to beta.apple.com
Sign In with Apple ID
Sign in with the same Apple ID you use on your iPad. Complete two-factor authentication if prompted.
Accept Agreement
Read and accept the Apple Beta Software Program Agreement. This outlines your responsibilities as a beta tester.
Enroll Your iPad
Follow the on-screen instructions to enroll your iPad in the beta program.
Install iPadOS 27 Beta
Once you've enrolled in the beta program, you can install iPadOS 27 Beta directly from your iPad's Settings app. No separate profile download is required since iOS 16.4.
Open Settings
Go to Settings → General → Software Update
Tap Beta Updates
Below the current iPadOS version, tap "Beta Updates" to see available options.
Select iPadOS 27 Beta
- Choose "iPadOS 27 Developer Beta" (if you have developer account)
- Or choose "iPadOS 27 Public Beta" (free, more stable)
Download and Install
- Return to Software Update screen
- iPadOS 27 Beta should now appear
- Tap "Download and Install"
- Enter your passcode when prompted
Wait for Installation
- Download size is typically 5-8GB
- Installation takes 30-60 minutes
- iPad will restart multiple times
- Keep iPad connected to power throughout
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Beta Update Not Appearing
- Verify you're enrolled at beta.apple.com
- Restart your iPad and check again
- Ensure you have at least 8GB free storage
- Check that your Apple ID matches on beta.apple.com and your iPad
- Wait 24 hours - sometimes enrollment takes time to sync
Download Stuck or Failed
- Pause and resume the download
- Switch to a different Wi-Fi network
- Delete partial download: Settings → General → iPad Storage → find and delete the update
- Reset network settings: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPad → Reset → Reset Network Settings
Installation Stuck on Apple Logo
- Wait at least 30 minutes - some installation phases appear frozen but are working
- If stuck for over an hour, force restart: Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold Power button until Apple logo appears
- If still stuck, restore using Finder/iTunes with your backup
Stage Manager Issues
- Disable and re-enable Stage Manager: Settings → Home Screen & Multitasking → Stage Manager
- Restart your iPad
- Ensure you have enough free storage (Stage Manager is memory-intensive)
- Report bugs via the Feedback app
Apple Pencil Not Working
- Unpair and re-pair: Settings → Apple Pencil → Forget This Apple Pencil, then re-pair
- Charge Apple Pencil fully
- Clean the Apple Pencil tip
- Restart iPad