iOS 26.2.1 Update to Scrolling

It seems that a reboot did fix the issue - for now. Let’s see if it occurs again later.

Reporting as promised. I've used my iPad together with Macbook Air and there were no problems what so ever.

I have now updated to iPadOS 26.3 (23D127) and everything works fine.

Just to be clear, I did NOT do a Force restart, merely a normal shut down and start.

So far, it's been working fine. I'm eager to see what happens on Monday when I start my Macbook Air again as I've started to use them together, so that my mouse travels from Macbook screen to iPad and back. I wouldn't be surprised if that would trigger this behaviour, though of course it should not. I'll report back, especially if that happens.

I have iPad Pro M1 and after this software update it started to suffer from the same issue. It’s very annoying behaviour. When reading a longer text on a web page, it was nice to scroll the page just little by little while. Now there seems to be two unnatural options.

1. You can do kind of a push to the desired direction so that you do a quick swipe and lift your finger off the screen. Then the page rolls awhile and then stops. But you have no exact control where.
2. You keep your thumb on the right hand side edge a moment so that the scroll bar widens and then you can move your thumb or finger slowly to scroll the page exactly where you want.

Since intuitive use has always been one of the main principles of iOS/iPadOS UX, this is clearly a mistake. Pleasae fix it in the very next upgrade.

It’s been so natural to browse in any app just by moving your finger slowly on the screen.

I’m having the same issue with an iPad M1.

The screen no longer scrolls unless I use five fingers.

Who at Apple thought this is an improvement?

Sometimes it seems apple just changes things because they think things have to be different then they were.

But all that really happens is I have to waste time learning some new routine to do something that was working just fine.

I thought Apple had better judgment than this, but I guess I’m wrong

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 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 assist with troubleshooting:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple