Apple is planning updates for most of its iPad models this year. The M5 iPad Pro launched in October 2025, and the rest of the lineup will follow in 2026. Here’s a breakdown of the rumored updates.
iPad Air (M4 Chip) – Likely March Launch
- Processor: M4 chip with 10–20% performance boost over M3
- Connectivity: N1 modem and C1X chips for faster cellular and Wi-Fi 7
- Other Possible Upgrades:
- Brighter 600-nit display
- Higher refresh rate (90–120Hz)
- New color options
- OLED: Unlikely until 2027 or later
Budget iPad (A19 Chip) – First Half of 2026
- Processor: A19 chip
- New Features: Apple Intelligence support for the first time
- Connectivity: N1 modem and C1X chips
- Other Improvements: Fans hope for a Magic Keyboard–style option
- Price: Currently $349 (often discounted to $299)
iPad Mini (A19 Pro + OLED) – Later in 2026
- Processor: A19 Pro chip
- Display: Switch to OLED
- Design: More water-resistant
- Notes: First major refresh since 2024. Biggest update for the mini in years.
Looking Ahead
- Most iPads will get modest updates this year.
- Bigger changes, like vapor chamber cooling for the M6 iPad Pro, are expected in 2027.
- Current models are discounted $50–100, making now a good time to buy.
