iPad A16 on iPad OS 26 - Noticeably Blurrier and Resolution Seems to be Lower

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

ronjoshua wrote:

UPDATE: Never mind, it was the matte screen protector all along. Hence, even outside the OS, it looked blurry.

Textured (i.e. matt finish) screen protectors, where fitted, will always "soften" and reduce visual sharpness of the screen image. This is an unavoidable side-affect of using this type of screen protector.

There are similar complaints here that seem to be associates with the Liquid Glass "look" introduced with iPadOS 26. It's a love-hate thing. Many people do not even notice it.

As you obviously notice it. please do these two things:

1 — Read this excellent user-submitted tip on reducing the visual effects of Liquid Glass:

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

2 — As Apple will not see concerns posted in these user-to-user forums, use this link to communicate your issue to an Apple employee: Feedback - iPad - Apple

Mine is great. Maybe someone dropped your iPad.