How To Explore iPadOS 26 on Your iPad 9th Generation: A Comprehensive Review

So, iPadOS 26 dropped recently, and while it packs a bunch of new features—like that slick liquid glass UI, better multitasking, and some iMessage improvements—it’s kind of a mixed bag. A lot of folks are running into bugs, sluggish performance, or just plain weird glitches. If your iPad 9th gen started acting funky after updating, you’re not alone. This guide isn’t exactly a magic fix all, but it covers some practical tweaks and things to check before deciding whether to roll back or hold tight for a future patch.

How to Tackle iPadOS 26 Bugs and Performance Woes

Why these fixes matter (and when to try them)

If your iPad suddenly feels slower, apps crash without reason, or new features don’t work right—these are common symptoms right after an update. Sometimes, a simple restart or cache clear can smooth things out. Other times, you might need to dig deeper into settings or even do a factory reset. The key is understanding that Apple’s updates often come with bugs initially, and not all issues are immediately addressed.

Method 1: Restart and Free Up Storage

This one’s kind of obvious, but don’t skip it—turn off the iPad completely (hold the power button and volume up), then turn it back on. For some weird reason, that can temporarily fix minor glitches, especially after a big update. Also, check your storage in Settings > General > iPad Storage. With an update size of around 6.98 GB, if you’re running low, the system may choke, leading to lag or instability. Free up space if needed — remove unused apps, old screenshots, or media to give the OS some breathing room.

Method 2: Reset All Settings

This resets your preferences without deleting personal data, which can sometimes fix weird bugs caused by corrupted settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings. It helps if the UI feels sluggish or if toggles aren’t responsive. Not sure why, but on some setups, this fix clears up glitches without the hassle of a full reset.

Method 3: Reinstall the Update

If the bugs are persistent and you’re comfortable with a bit more technical stuff, try reinstalling iOS via a computer. Connect the iPad to your Mac or PC, then open Finder or iTunes. Put the device into recovery mode: quickly press and release volume up, then volume down, then hold the power button until the recovery screen appears. From there, select “Update” — this will reinstall iPadOS 26 without erasing your data. Sometimes, the initial update goes wrong, and a clean reinstall clears out corrupt files causing instability. On some setups, this might need to be repeated or paired with a reset.

Method 4: Check for Pending Patches or Beta Profiles

Head to Settings > General > Software Update—sometimes, Apple releases quick patches fix bugs reported early on. Also, if you’re enrolled in any beta programs, temporarily switch back to the public build via Settings > Profile Downloaded > Delete Profile. Beta profiles can cause instability, especially with major releases like this one. Sometimes, this leads to compatibility hiccups, so removing the beta profile and reverting to the stable build might make things smoother.

Option: Wait for a Smaller Patch

If you’re really annoyed or your iPad is pretty much unusable, consider waiting a few weeks. Apple tends to release quick fixes or small patches after the initial update. Keep an eye on the Apple System Status page or relevant forums. It’s not ideal, but sometimes it’s better to hold off until things settle down.