My iPad is slow and laggy after iPadOS 26 update

IOS 26 is one the worst releases I have experienced as an Apple user. It feels incoherent and unstable. In many instances it’s so bad it is simply unusable. Sadly, the rapid and continuous decline in quality and innovation has cause me to divest myself of Apple’s ecosystem.

JonnySE wrote:

IOS 26 is one the worst releases I have experienced as an Apple user. It feels incoherent and unstable. In many instances it’s so bad it is simply unusable. Sadly, the rapid and continuous decline in quality and innovation has cause me to divest myself of Apple’s ecosystem.

As this is a Support Site nobody cares what device you choose to use. Even though I like iOS 26, neither of our opinions are relevant and the whole purpose is to describe an issue you are having for other users to provide assistance. If you want to let Apple know of your experience, you would be advised to use the Feedback link where Apple will see your concerns or contact Apple directly either by phone or scheduling an appointment with the link provided for service through them.

Since you are no longer in the Apple ecosystem, here is the link for Android support that you may now find beneficial. Ironically you will also see posts over there from users who are fed up with their devices and are now switching to Apple. It just seems common for some to say that and is just a moot point. Maybe they think they are posting on a Social Media site.

https://support.google.com/android/?hl=en#topic=7313011

I also find it odd that years ago you also said you have left the Apple ecosystem:

• Unlocked iPhone Apple Card Financing - Apple Community
• https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255174231?answerId=259831971022&sortBy=newest_first#259831971022
• iPhone 15 WiFi painfully slow. - Apple Community

JonnySE wrote:

IOS 26 is one the worst releases I have experienced as an Apple user. It feels incoherent and unstable. In many instances it’s so bad it is simply unusable. Sadly, the rapid and continuous decline in quality and innovation has cause me to divest myself of Apple’s ecosystem.

Hello~ Divest away and good luck. Not me though. I will continue to be what my very wise grandfather always said “ Be a wise cow …eat the good hay and spit out the sticks.” Nothing in life is perfect …we must adapt and learn to work with changes.

~Katana-San~

liligrace wrote:

Yes the most recent IOS updates have made my gen 9 15 month old iPad barely usable. I called apple care twice. The first person said there was no way to switch back. The second person said the updates enhanced performance. I’ve given up and am researching which android tablet would be best. I’ve only had apple products but I need a product that performs well.

Not sure if you are looking for assistance or not. You apparently turned to this Support Site for some reason, yet provided no information on how your iPad is barely usable. You will find that this is not a Social Media site, so if the purpose is to tell us that you are going to get an Android tablet, none of us would care and Apple is not here to read your post if you thought that is what you were attempting to accomplish. In fact, I would suggest to anyone that they should purchase whatever product they want.

If you would like to continue with problem solving, we would be happy to help. You can start with the link provided by Katana-San if the issue is that it appears slow or sluggish.

Another issue that some users have trouble with is the Liquid Glass UI and some just don't like it. There are steps you can take to reduce those effects and noted in the User Tip below. You will find this progression in the UI is being adopted by Android platforms as well with the recent release of Android 16 which includes the same blur and transparency look.

Liquid Glass - Love It Or Hate It - It's … - Apple Community

I am facing the same issue after the update. Actually it lag at a specific point always .

I am facing the same issue while open the app drawer and exiting apps.

Same problem! iPad A16. Cod mobile 30 fos… sometimes freezing! ???

Hello~ Good work.

~Katana-San~

It’s over a month now

I encounter same issues, hope to downgrade IpadOS 18

kai_tx wrote:

I encounter same issues, hope to downgrade IpadOS 18

Having upgraded to iPadOS 26, it is now not possible to roll-back to iPadOS 18.x.

same issue its been a week still every game i play lags badly

Mine doesn't improve at all after a reboot - even temporarily. It's really a hard-coded performance glitch,

[Edited by Moderator]

DrJonesUSA wrote:

Mine doesn't improve at all after a reboot - even temporarily. It's really a hard-coded performance glitch,

Then why isn't it happening to everyone?

One of the questions nobody ever ask the OP is… do you let other people use your iPad, especially children. If so that might be your to start with problem.