How to download and install iPadOS 16 to your iPad

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Apple has released iPadOS 16, bringing Stage Manager, new Messages features, and more to the iPad.

The latest iPad operating system brings SharePlay to Messages, so you can do shared activities, like watching movies, with your friends.

Mail has expanded functionality, as well, with AI-powered suggestions to follow up on emails or reminders if they’d forgotten to attach a file.

The Weather app is finally on iPad, and iPad Pro users get some new pro-level features to match the hardware inside.

Stage Manager is finally here for multitasking workflows, and the Home app has a new design.

These are just a few improvements Apple has brought to iPadOS 16.

To get all these new iPadOS features, you’ll first need to know if your iPad is compatible. Here’s how to check.

Who can update to iPadOS 16?

According to Apple, all owners of iPad Pro devices are going to get iPadOS 16.

That also goes for anyone with an iPad Air (3rd gen or later), iPad mini (5th gen or later), or iPad (5th gen or later). Any devices older than this will be stuck on iPadOS 15.

Apple will still support iPadOS 15 with security updates for a while, but you won’t be getting any new features.

How to update your iPad to the latest version

Open the Settings app on your iPad

Tap on General

Then, tap on Software Update

Tap on Download and Install

You might get asked if you want to temporarily remove apps because the update needs more space. Tap on Continue. iOS will reinstall those apps after the update is finished.

Tap on Install once the update has been downloaded

Now your iPad is updated to iPadOS 16. You can now use all of the new features that Apple has been working on.

Those features include a new handwriting straightener to fix messy Apple Pencil scribbles and editable Messages.

You’ll also be safe from multiple security issues, as Apple patched a long list in this update.

What you won’t be able to use yet is the external monitor part of Stage Manager. Apple says that’s coming later this year.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.