With the release of iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26, Apple has introduced Liquid Glass in addition to a range of updates on iPad and Mac. Liquid Glass is a dynamic interface that enhances focus on content and makes interactions more vibrant. For educators and students, these updates represent a significant boost in productivity and creativity thanks to deeply integrated Apple Intelligence.
During our Apple Professional Learning Live session, we explored the latest tools, features, and resources for education. These include iOS updates, Apple Intelligence, Writing Tools, Image Playground, and more to boost productivity and collaboration.
iPadOS 26: Transforming the Classroom Experience
iPadOS 26 marks the biggest iPad release yet, boasting a completely redesigned windowing system that revolutionises multitasking for both ease and power.
Advanced Multitasking and Windowing
Students can now resize app windows, place them exactly where they want (even off-centre), and use new flick gestures to arrange their workspace. The redesigned menu bar also brings Mac-like command access to iPad apps.
Desktop-Class Apps: Preview and Journal
While Preview has officially arrived on iPad to handle PDFs and image markups, Journal can be used by students as a central hub for research and study.
Apple Intelligence in Action
Apple Intelligence is integrated throughout the system, offering tools that help educators and students communicate, learn, and teach more effectively.
Boosting your study with Apple Notes - Using Writing Tools
In iPadOS 26, Notes has evolved beyond text. It’s now a powerful tool for capturing and organising lesson content using audio and AI.
Step 1
Record and Transcribe. Open a note, tap the Paperclip icon, and select Record Audio. Notes will now provide a real-time transcript as you speak.
Step 2
Generate AI Summaries. Once the recording is finished, tap the recording in your note and select the Summary button. Apple Intelligence will generate a concise overview of the key points.
Step 3
Organise with Writing Tools. Highlight the generated summary or the transcript itself. Tap the Writing Tools button and select List or Table. This instantly transforms raw text into a structured study guide.
Bonus Tip
Advanced Math Notes. Use your Apple Pencil to write an equation. With iPadOS 26, Notes now introduces 3D Graphing—simply write an equation with three variables and watch it render in three dimensions instantly.
Enhancing Visuals with Image Wand
If you are like me, your sketching skills are poor! But this is no longer a barrier to creating diagrams and graphics:
Step 1
Open the Pen Palette and select the Image Wand.
Step 2
Circle your rough sketch.
Step 3
Image Wand pulls contextual information from your surrounding notes to generate a polished image in Animation, Illustration, or Sketch styles.
Creating Custom Images with Image Playground
Step 1
Open the Image Playground app or even ask Siri to open it for you.
Step 2
Create an image.
Step 3
Choose your preferred style.
Step 4
Tap the image to copy it and paste it in Keynote.
macOS Tahoe: Productivity Reimagined
macOS Tahoe introduces a stunning new design and a suite of tools designed to simplify the educator’s workflow.
Spotlight
Spotlight is now the main place for doing things. You can search just for PDFs or Mail messages and do actions like “Send an Email” or “Play a Podcast” right from the search bar.
Take Your Learning Further
These features are made to blend in with your workflows so you can concentrate on learning. We invite you to try these tools on your own devices and share your favourite ways of using them with the community.
Ready to bring an Apple Professional Learning Specialist to your school?
Connect with an Apple Professional Learning Provider or Specialist to get personalised support for your educators and students.
Join the conversation in the Apple Education Community Forum and share how you’re using these new features in your classroom!
Attach up to 5 files which will be available for other members to download.