iPad running slow after iOS 26 upgrade

MikeyJohnS wrote:

Finally sorted this out. Went to Apple shop for a check, they found Safari was over 3gb rather than more usual 750mb. No idea why. They fiddled around with things and got it back down to usual size, running fine ever since! So if anyone else has similar issues, try checking Safari size first

Should you need to do so, your locally cached Safari data can be deleted from iPad settings:

Settings > Apps > Safari > [History & Website Data] Clear History & Website Data

Reduced performance can be expected immediately following a system software update as the iPad will still be running background housekeeping tasks (such as reindexing and downloading/installing additional software assets) - however nominal performance should return within a day or two.

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:

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.

Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

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 - and request a remote diagnostic test of your iPad. 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 hands-on test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

This happened to me as well. From what I see from my friend's iPad, this doesn't happen with the new M5 iPad Pro, and since yours is already 2.5 years old maybe you could upgrade?

That's the only solution I've found so far. Hope that helps.

Cheers!

The upgrade have made my iPad Air 3 a nitemare I don’t won’t excuses about do this try that…my iPad is slow it DONT search for pages sometimes..it’s now out off focus wen you have to click on some thing it’s out off the page…it’s got too the stage now wen I’m thinking off upgrade a decent no problem until b4 Xmas that is working charging fine iPad 3 air…we should be getting compensated for this mess our apple equipment as been left in no fault off our own

Do you let others use your iPad?