My mini iPad just completed a 26.2 update and it all looks completely different, my screen freezes etc. anyone else have this issue or know of a solution? Please. The update was automatic, not voluntary
iPad mini, iPadOS 26
There have indeed been many changes (particularly visual) with introduction of iPadOS 26. You can find a summary of changes within the iPad User Guide. Here is direct link to the relevant chapter of the Guide:
What’s new in iPadOS 26 - Apple Support
If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated or post-update 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:
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:
There have indeed been many changes (particularly visual) with introduction of iPadOS 26. You can find a summary of changes within the iPad User Guide. Here is direct link to the relevant chapter of the Guide:
What’s new in iPadOS 26 - Apple Support
If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated or post-update 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:
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:
“looks completely different” is due to a lot of changes Apple made to the user interface in iPadOS 26.
However, ”Screen freezes” should not be an issue. A number of users here report that simply restarting their iPads restored normal function.
A common UI complaint is the change isplit screen. Options to change that are now under under Settings > Multitasking.
Beyond that, if you tell what functions are behaving badly, we can better help in this user-to-user setting where we cannot see nor remotely access your iPad.
26.2 update. Functions missing and iPad not operating in usual way
