The iPad lineup has settled right into a predictable and secure replace cycle lately. Main redesigns are uncommon, with Apple largely specializing in inner upgrades equivalent to sooner chips, higher shows, and incremental refinements. And in response to a number of rumors, we have already got an thought of what to anticipate from the iPad lineup in 2026.
Primarily based on data reported by Macworld and different dependable sources, Apple is gearing as much as launch one other wave of minor iPad refreshes with spec bumps. Learn on as we element which iPads will likely be up to date and which received’t over the course of the approaching 12 months.
Entry-level, Twelfth-gen iPad: A a lot sooner chip
The base mannequin iPad is definitely the correct selection for most individuals who simply desire a good pill at an inexpensive worth. This iPad is very in style within the training phase, with Apple providing it for under $329 to college students. In 2025, Apple gave its iPad such a small replace that it wasn’t even able to working Apple Intelligence, however in 2026, it appears to be like like it can get a way more important spec bump.
As beforehand reported by Macworld, the Twelfth-generation iPad is predicted to debut in 2026 with the sooner A19 chip, changing the A16 discovered within the present Eleventh-generation mannequin. The A19 chip is identical because the one within the iPhone 17, and is greater than 50 % sooner than the A16 chip within the present iPad.
The entry-level iPad may very well be getting a a lot sooner chip subsequent 12 months.
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With the improve, the entry-level iPad will lastly help extra superior capabilities, together with Apple Intelligence. It should additionally turn out to be an important choice for players, because the A19 chip can run console-level video games with ease.
Along with the A19 chip, Apple can also be anticipated to deliver its new N1 wi-fi chip to the brand new iPad. That is Apple’s first customized wi-fi chip to deal with each Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, delivering each higher efficiency and power effectivity.
Stories recommend that Apple will maintain the identical general design, show, and digital camera system. Which means that the Twelfth-gen iPad will possible have the identical 60Hz LCD panel as the present technology, in addition to Contact ID within the energy button.
Whereas the concept of getting the identical design and show for an additional 12 months might not sound thrilling, most patrons searching for an entry-level iPad are extra thinking about having a dependable pill at a cheaper price. The A19 chip will make the subsequent entry-level iPad very future-proof.
iPad Air: M4 involves the center of the lineup
The iPad Air has more and more turn out to be Apple’s “candy spot” pill, providing near-Professional efficiency with out the Professional price ticket. In 2026, that positioning appears to be like set to proceed.
Macworld has reported that Apple plans to replace the iPad Air with the M4 chip, changing the present M3. The bounce from M3 to M4 isn’t important, however most customers don’t improve their iPad yearly anyway. The thought is definitely to make the product extra interesting to first-time patrons or these upgrading from a a lot older iPad.
The iPad Air is reportdly getting an M4 in 2026.
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The improve seems to be virtually totally inner. Similar to the subsequent entry-level iPad mannequin, the M4 iPad Air can even function Apple’s N1 wi-fi chip and probably the C1 modem. In any other case, the design, show, and cameras are all anticipated to stay unchanged. The present iPad Air is obtainable in 11-inch and 13-inch display screen choices, each with a 60Hz LCD panel.
Apple is snug with the present Air design, which already helps Magic Keyboard and the most recent Apple Pencil Professional. Plus, the iPad Air is already appropriate with options together with Apple Intelligence and Stage Supervisor.
Briefly, the iPad Air will get even higher and extra highly effective with M4, simply don’t anticipate it to have the identical fancy show and design because the iPad Professional.
iPad mini: The subsequent to get OLED
Whereas each the entry-level iPad and iPad Air will retain the identical show expertise for an additional 12 months, the subsequent technology of iPad mini might shock us with a extra trendy show.
In response to Bloomberg, the Eighth-gen iPad mini may function an OLED panel for the primary time. Different sources have already corroborated that the smallest iPad may have its LCD display screen changed by an OLED show made by Samsung.
The iPad mini may very well be in for an OLED improve subsequent 12 months.
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OLED panels are brighter and have higher distinction than LCD, as every pixel is managed individually. Presently, the iPad Professional is the one iPad to function OLED, although it’s unclear whether or not the OLED panel within the new iPad mini will function ProMotion with a better refresh fee or stay restricted to 60Hz.
In the case of efficiency, MacRumors reported that the iPad mini 8 will likely be powered by the A19 Professional chip – the identical because the iPhone 17 Professional fashions. The chip is about 30 % sooner than the A17 Professional within the iPad mini 7. It’s not an enormous leap, nevertheless it’s sufficient to maintain the iPad mini on par with the most recent Apple units. As well as, a separate Bloomberg report urged that the subsequent iPad mini may very well be the first waterproof iPad.
Sadly for iPad mini followers, rumors concerning the launch date are fairly conflicting. Whereas some consider it might arrive in late 2026, it appears extra possible that the iPad mini 8 will likely be held again till 2027.
iPad Professional: Don’t anticipate a brand new mannequin anytime quickly
Of all of the iPads Apple makes, the one least more likely to make headlines subsequent 12 months is the iPad Professional. That’s as a result of Apple has simply launched the M5 iPad Professional, and a brand new mannequin is unlikely to reach till spring 2027, about 18 months after the discharge of the most recent mannequin.
In response to rumors, Apple is already engaged on a brand new iPad Professional with the yet-to-be-announced M6 chip. Nonetheless, the M6 remains to be a 12 months away from being introduced, as is the subsequent technology of iPad Professional.
Along with the brand new chip, the subsequent technology of iPad Professional can also be rumored to function vapor chamber cooling, similar to the iPhone 17 Professional. On condition that Apple has already refreshed the iPad Professional design with the M4 fashions in 2024, one other redesign for 2027 is very unlikely.
The iPad Professional most likely received’t get an replace till 2027.
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Must you purchase a brand new iPad now or wait?
Whether or not you can purchase an iPad now or wait relies upon largely on which mannequin you’re contemplating and the age of your present iPad.
When you’re wanting on the entry-level mannequin, ready for the subsequent technology is unquestionably price it. Regardless of no modifications to the design or show, the bounce from the A16 to the A19 chip won’t solely deliver considerably higher efficiency, but in addition allow help for extra iPadOS options.
For the iPad Air, the choice is much less clear-cut. The transfer from M3 to M4 received’t dramatically change the expertise for many customers, and the present iPad Air is already extraordinarily succesful. When you discover a whole lot on an M3 iPad Air, shopping for now nonetheless is sensible.
iPad mini patrons might need to maintain off if potential. An OLED show and A19 Professional chip can be significant upgrades, even when the discharge timeline stays unclear. That stated, for those who want a compact iPad right this moment, the present mannequin stays a stable choice, particularly provided that the brand new mini might not arrive till 2027.
As for the iPad Professional, don’t hesitate to purchase one. With the M5 fashions simply launched and no main replace anticipated within the close to future, there’s little purpose to attend until you’re particularly holding out for next-generation options like vapor chamber cooling.
