Apple unveiled the brand new M5 iPad Professional final month, kicking off a brand new iPad lineup. Whereas it didn’t convey any headlining upgrades, it does present us some clues as to what’s coming subsequent for the iPad lineup. Plus, there are numerous rumors to observe, which we’ll be diving into.
M4 iPad Air
The primary large iPad launch of 2026 will probably be the subsequent iPad Air mannequin. This’ll convey the M4 chip to the iPad Air, introducing one other 10-20% enhance in efficiency in comparison with the M3 chip.
Given the introduction of the N1 chip and the C1X modem within the M5 iPad Professional, it’s possible that the subsequent iPad Air may even make the change to Apple’s in-house modem and networking chips. This’ll convey quicker mobile connectivity and Wi-Fi 7 assist.
Aside from inner chip enhancements, there aren’t many clear upgrades for the M4 iPad Air. Believable, however not rumored upgrades would come with a 600 nit show (at the moment unique to the 13-inch mannequin) and new colour choices. A 90 or 120Hz display can be good as nicely.
Whereas OLED has been within the playing cards for iPad Air, it probably received’t debut till 2027 or later.
A18 iPad
After that, the funds iPad, which retails at $349 however typically goes on sale for $299, is rumored to achieve the A18 chip. This one isn’t only a spec bump, because it’ll convey Apple Intelligence capabilities to the funds iPad for the primary time.
Just like iPad Air, the funds iPad can also be more likely to achieve Apple’s in-house N1 chip and C1X modems.
Personally, I’d like to see a correct keyboard for the funds iPad, one thing extra akin to the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and iPad Professional. Presently, the funds iPad is caught with the Magic Keyboard Folio, which restricts you to only using it on a desk, because it depends on a kickstand to be propped up.
iPad ought to obtain the A18 chip someday within the first half of 2026.
A19 iPad mini
Final however not least, iPad mini is ready to get its first refresh since 2024. This improve will probably introduce the A19 Professional chip, however it’ll additionally introduce a a lot larger improve… OLED.
This improve will occur later within the 12 months, however in line with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has its eyes on the iPad mini to be its subsequent main product to make the transition. Apple first launched OLED to the iPad Professional again in early 2024 with the M4 mannequin, after bringing it to the iPhone lineup beginning in 2017.
On high of OLED and the A19 Professional chip, the subsequent iPad mini is reportedly going to function a extra water-resistant design, per Bloomberg.
The iPad mini hasn’t acquired an overhaul since 2021. Based mostly on these rumors, it appears like Apple has large plans for the 5 12 months mark since that preliminary redesign.
Wrap up
All in all, it’s a moderately tame 12 months for iPad, excluding iPad mini.
Trying forward, Apple plans to convey a vapor chamber cooling system to the M6 iPad Professional, set to hit the market in early 2027. That’s a bit out of scope for this protection, although.
If none of those updates excite you and also you’re pleased with the present iPad fashions, you possibly can at the moment discover $50-100 early Black Friday reductions on all current iPad fashions on Amazon: iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Professional.
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