iPadOS 27: the best non-AI features in Apple's update

Apple released iPadOS 27 with a heavy focus on Apple Intelligence, which the budget iPad cannot run. Non-AI improvements include a Liquid Glass appearance slider, faster app launches, up to 5x faster file transfers to external drives and more reliable read-status sync for Mail and Messages.

• Liquid Glass slider in Settings > Appearance adjusts interface translucency
• File transfers between iPad and external drives are up to 5x faster
• The macOS-style menu bar can now stay permanently visible with a keyboard
• Read status for Mail and Messages now syncs more reliably across iOS, iPadOS and macOS