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How to download and install iPadOS 16 to your iPad

iPadOS 16 brings a bunch of new features to the OS.

New apple ipad 2022 in different colors
Image: KnowTechie

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?

Apple ipad in use on table
Image: Apple

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

If you want to update your iPad (and you totally should), here’s how you can do that in just a couple of quick steps:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPadIpad homescreen showing the settings icon

  2. Tap on GeneralGeneral settings menu on ipad

  3. Then, tap on Software UpdateSoftware update screen on digital screen

  4. Tap on Download and InstallIpados 16 update screen

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

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Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere. His hobbies include photography, animation, and hoarding Reddit gold.

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