The iPadOS 27 developer beta is here - how to download it

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Apple unveiled iPadOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote, highlighting many new features coming to its tablet platform. Shortly after the presentation, the company released the first developer beta, giving users an early opportunity to try out the software before the official release later this year.

Much of the presentation was focused on Apple Intelligence and the different ways it'll change how people use their iPads. You'll see major upgrades to Siri, enhanced image editing tools, and new features in Safari.

Also: Apple WWDC 2026 live: Biggest news on Siri AI, Tim Cook, iOS 27 developer beta, more

If you're interested in trying out the beta, I highly recommend backing up your iPad before proceeding. Beta builds aren't the most stable pieces of software, and iPadOS 27 is no different. You may encounter bugs, glitches, and the occasional crash. Backing up the files will keep them from being permanently deleted.

Personally, I would wait until the public beta; however, if you're eager and want to try the software right now, here's how to do it.

How to install iPadOS 27

To access the iPadOS 27 developer beta, you'll first need to enroll in Apple's Developer Program. Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store if you don't already have it and sign in with your Apple Account.

After signing in:

Review and accept the Apple Developer Agreement.

Tap Enroll Now, then select Continue when prompted.

Enter your personal information and verify your identity.

Review your information, then hit Continue.

Select Individual for the entity type.

Review and accept the Apple Developer Program License Agreement.

The Apple Developer Program is free if you just want access to the beta. Apple's $99 annual subscription is only necessary if you plan to distribute apps on Apple platforms or need access to additional developer tools.

Also: MacOS 27 is almost here: How to download the developer beta now

Once your enrollment is complete, open the Settings app on your iPad and navigate to General > Software Update. There, you will see the option to download and install iPadOS 27.

Which iPads are compatible with iPadOS 27?

The following devices support iPadOS 27:

iPad Pro

iPad Pro (M4 and later)

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation and later)

iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation and later)

iPad Air

iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and later)

iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4)

iPad Air (4th generation and later)

Base iPad

iPad (A16)

iPad (9th generation and later)

iPad mini

iPad mini (A17 Pro)

iPad mini (6th generation and later)

When will iPadOS 27 be released?

Following the developer beta, Apple will release a public beta for iPadOS 27 next month, giving more users the opportunity to try out the software before it is officially released sometime in Fall 2026. If history repeats itself, the final version of iPadOS 27 should arrive sometime in September 2026 alongside the other updates.

How to submit feedback to Apple

Along with the beta, you will receive the Feedback Assistant app. You can use this app to submit feedback directly to Apple about any issues you encounter with the beta. It even comes with an on-device diagnostics tool that automatically collects diagnostic information about the OS and all recent crash logs. The app also provides detailed forms that you can fill out by answering "specific, conditional questions".