Interactive Brokers released IBKR Desktop 2.2 on March 27, 2026. The update adds two notable features for options traders: a synthetic option price calculator integrated directly into the option chain, and investment theme screeners in the stock screener tool.
Synthetic Option Price Calculator
The headline addition is a synthetic (theoretical) fair value calculator that appears natively inside the option chain view. Previously, options traders at IBKR had to switch between the option chain and a separate model pricing tool. The new feature calculates theoretical fair value using an options pricing model and displays it alongside market bid/ask prices.
Why this matters: Seeing the theoretical value next to the market price lets you instantly identify whether an option is trading rich or cheap relative to the model. Premium sellers can use it to confirm they’re collecting above theoretical value; premium buyers can check they’re not overpaying significantly for IV.
This feature has been available in thinkorswim for years. IBKR’s implementation brings parity for traders who prefer IBKR’s margin rates and global access but found the options analytics behind thinkorswim.
Investment Theme Screeners
IBKR Desktop 2.2 also adds curated investment themes to the stock screener – predefined filters based on sector trends, macro themes, or quantitative criteria. These aren’t directly relevant to options strategy selection, but they can help identify underlying candidates for options strategies like covered calls or cash-secured puts.
What Didn’t Change
Commission structure is unchanged: IBKR Lite remains $0 stock, $0.65/contract options. IBKR Pro tiered pricing is also unchanged. This is a pure platform feature update.
IBKR vs. Competitors on Options Analytics
| Feature | IBKR 2.2 | thinkorswim | tastytrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theoretical fair value in chain | ✓ New | ✓ | – |
| IV Rank / IV Percentile | Pro only | ✓ | ✓ |
| Probability of Profit | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Portfolio Greeks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paper trading | – | ✓ | ✓ |