iPad OS 26 lagging issue on multiple iPad models

Impaired performance should be anticipated for a few days after performing a major version update - such as upgrading from iPadOS 18.x to iPadOS 26 - as the device will be performing background housekeeping tasks to download and install additional software assets and re-index its file system.

Otherwise, Iif 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.

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 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 assist with troubleshooting:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

If Apple Support have performed remote diagnostics of multiple devices as you indicate - and have not identified a hardware issue - then you need to consider a common factor.

Given that iPadOS 26 is largely stable for the vast majority of users with various iPad models, it is reasonable to assume that iPadOS 26 is not of itself the cause - but a specific App in combination with the new OS is causing the problem. A logical diagnostic is to perform a factory restore and setup the iPad(s) as new - without restoring a backup or your usual Apps - and test the performance in this minimal state.

Having verified nominal behaviour and performance, third-party Apps can be added one at a time - and performance re-tested. The objective here is to identify the App that is causing the problem. Until Apps have been specifically updated by their Developer, it is not unusual for Apps to misbehave.

M1 iPad Pro with 1 Terabyte. Was running flawlessly since I bought it. After updating to iOS 26, my iPad Pro lags when I swipe, it freezes when I try to switch apps. When the screen sleeps and I swipe, I get a black screen. The Pro Motion is nonexistent, and worse, I use Pro apps ( Cubasis DAW, Logic, Black Magic, Adobe, etc.). These all freeze when I attempt to resize an app window. The **** writing tools pop up out of nowhere. I have to multiple tap on targets in my DAW apps, and everything is animating like I'm watching a stop-motion screen. All the screen animations are virtually gone. They just pop down, get stuck, then wham! Gone from the prior tap. This is especially true when using the new window menu ( green, yellow , red buttons). In fact, I have to tap, wait, then tap to close, wait, then I try and tap or swipe another window while the prior action ends. The Safari Browser moves around even when I have it full screen when scrolling. Adding more frustration is the virtual keyboard does not launch when visiting many commercial websites. I literally have to exit the browser to try and get my keyboard showing again. I have changed my settings back to just single full-screen apps, but now I feel I’m going backwards in time. What’s worse is the back of my iPad Pro is hotter than a stove. I never have had to turn it off to cool down and keep from over heating or move it off my lap because of the heat. It gets so hot it’s dangerous. To top it all off, my iPad Pro no longer can connect to my Apple Pencil. (And yes, I have done everything support recommends.) I have been an iPad Pro power user for years and use it as my primary device and laptop replacement. No longer can I have my same workflows and hope Apple addresses these issues. Instead of making excuses, they should listen to the many having the same issues, including my wife who has an M4 iPad Pro and is getting the sticky screens.

Okay, having followed all the guidance already provided, what advice was offered by Apple Support when you contacted them?

what apps and what performance expectations?

my ipad pro m2 run pretty much as it did before, but then I do not run online shooter games

nor do I measure fps or the likes.