The files app in iOS 26 and iPados 26 now has a simple list display with adjustable columns, feasible folders and sorting settings per folder. Another handy side effect is the personalization of folders with colors, symbols or emojis and making them accessible quickly through the dock.
Furthermore, you can choose standard apps per file type, and uploads and downloads run as background processes, so that you can follow the progress as ‘live activity’. This makes managing files more efficient and is more like working with a Mac.
Personalizing folders in files
From iOS 16 and iPados 16 you can easily personalize folders in files by giving them a color, symbol or emoji. This way you can visually distinguish each folder, which makes organizing and finding important folders a lot easier. The adjustments are synchronized with your Mac (MacOS 26 or newer required) and vice versa.
Folder color linked to tags
The folder color in files is connected to the tag that you assign to the folder. This means that if you select a color tag, the folder automatically gets that color and stands out visually. If you had already linked tags to folders, you will notice that the folder has changed.
Adjust folders in files
- Open the files app for iPhone or iPad
- Put your finger on the folder you want to adjust
- Wait a few moments
- In the context menu, choose ‘Adjust folder and tags …’
- Tap ‘Tags’ to choose a color
- Select a symbol
- Tap ’emoji’ to add an emoticon
Once you have adjusted the folder you can keep the changes by tapping an iPad next to the editing window. Tap the check mark on an iPhone to attach it.
Place folders in dock
From iPados 26 it is possible to place folders directly in the dock, just like on the Mac. This way you have quick access to your most important documents.
- Open the files app
- Put your finger on the folder you want to place in the dock
- Wait a few moments
- In the context menu, tap ‘Pet in’
- Choose ‘Dock’
Select standard app for files
From now on you can determine in the files app yourself with which app a specific file type will be opened as standard. By holding down a file for a long time, choose the ‘Open with’ option, after which you can set a desired app as a standard for that type of file. This ensures that, for example, PDFs always open automatically in your favorite PDF app, which makes working with files more efficient.
List view in files for iPad
The list view in the files app is similar to that of Finder on the Mac. You can add, adjust and move columns such as name, file type, size, etc. Folders can be folded together for a better overview, and sorting settings are remembered per folder, which makes navigation easier by large folders.
- Open files
- Tap the ‘display button’ next to the magnifying glass
- Choose ‘List’
- Tap the ‘display button’ again to change the sorting options
On an iPhone you tap the three dots to select the list view and also immediately adjust the sorting options, for example sort by name, type, date, etc.
You can adjust the display even further on an iPad. Tap the three dots under the search field and check the desired parts. These are then shown in the list display. You can use the dividing line between the parts to change the column size.
Tasks in the background
From now on you no longer have to keep the files app open to download or upload files. These tasks happen in the background while you use other apps. This also applies to copying and transferring files within the app or to external devices. You can see the progress of the operation as a live activity at the top of the screen, similar to AirDrop or notifications. This way you stay up to date with the status without the files app having to be active.
Disconnect external hard drives
From iPados 26 you can safely disconnect external storage media from the files app. Instead of simply disconnecting an SSD or USB stick, you can now ensure that your data and files remain safe with a new option. With one tap you can safely remove a connected disk, just like on the Mac.