iPadOS 26.0.1 fails to fix laggy mess introduced with initial release, but will iPadOS 26.0.2 bring a fix?

Apple’s latest iPadOS 26.0.1 update has landed, but for many iPad users, it’s a case of ‘too little, too late’ as the new software fails to address the widespread performance issues that have plagued the initial iPadOS 26 release.

Frustration is mounting among users of all iPad models, from the latest M4-powered Pro to older generations, who report that their devices have been bogged down by a laggy and unresponsive experience since the update.

The dream of a smooth, seamless operating system has turned into a bit of a nightmare for many. Simple, everyday tasks like swiping through home screens, opening the App Library, or even just typing have become a stuttering mess for a significant number of users.

A video posted on Reddit by user u/FitCalligrapher8646 clearly demonstrates the frustrating animation lag on an iPad Pro M2 running iPadOS 26.0.1. This optimization issue makes the device feel years older and cheaper than it actually is.

Many others have also posted complaints across various online forums. One user on Apple’s discussions forum described their iPad Air 4 as “noticeably sluggish” with a “delay with every action,” even after performing all the recommended troubleshooting steps.

Similarly, you will find many posts on Reddit, Facebook, and the official forums that popped up days or even weeks ago, dating all the way back to the initial iPadOS 26 release.

That said, iPads aren’t the only devices that have been plagued with performance issues following the recent software updates from Apple. Many media outlets have already highlighted the lag and buggy mess that arrived with iOS 26. So it’s clear that Apple really messed up big time by putting all its efforts into making its new software “pretty” with the Liquid Glass design, but put optimization on the back burner.

The problems aren’t just limited to general navigation. The highly anticipated Journal app, which finally made its way to the iPad with iPadOS 26, has been a particular source of disappointment. Users who were excited to use the app with their Apple Pencils for a more natural writing experience have been met with significant input lag, with some reporting that the app becomes almost unusable after just a few lines of text. As one Reddit user commented, the experience is like “playing PUBG with 999 ping.” These issues have left many wondering how such a buggy app made it through beta testing and into the final release.

With iPadOS 26.0.1 offering no respite, all eyes are now on the upcoming iPadOS 26.0.2 update that should go live with iOS 26.0.2. While there has been no official word from Apple on a specific fix for the performance issues, the sheer volume of complaints across various platforms suggests that the company should be well aware of the problem.