Severe lag and stuttering on iPad A16 after updating to iPadOS 26

After updating my iPad with the A16 chip to iPadOS 26, the device has become nearly unusable due to persistent and severe performance issues. The iPad experiences constant lag, stuttering, and frame drops in all aspects of its operation.

Description of the Problem:

*System-wide Performance Issues: The lag is not isolated to specific apps. It's noticeable everywhere, including browsing, watching videos, navigating the home screen, and switching between apps.

*Gaming Performance: The issue is particularly severe in games, with frequent and sudden frame drops that make gameplay impossible.

Persistent Stuttering: The stuttering is constant and makes basic navigation feel sluggish and frustrating.

Unexpected Behavior with Screen Recording: Strangely, the lag and stuttering almost completely disappear or are significantly reduced when I start a screen recording. This is not a viable solution as it drains battery, consumes storage, and is not a practical way to use the device.

Steps I have Taken to Troubleshoot:

I have attempted numerous troubleshooting steps, none of which have resolved the issue:

1.  Forced restart.

2.  Reset all settings.

3.  Verified that Low Power Mode is not enabled.

4.  Ensured the device is cool, with no overheating issues.

5.  Cleared storage to over 80% free space.

6.  Deleted all applications and files.

7.  Waited for over 10 days for the system to stabilize.

8.  Performed a full factory reset (restore). The issue persists even after a complete wipe.

Device Information:

Device: iPad with A16 chip

*Software Version: iPadOS 26

Impact:

The performance degradation is so severe that the device is no longer fit for its intended use. This is very disappointing, especially after being excited about the new update. The issue appears to be a bug introduced in iPadOS 26, as the device was working flawlessly on the previous operating system.