What’s Coming to the iPad Lineup in 2026: A Complete Guide

If you’ve been holding off on buying a new iPad, 2026 might finally be your year. Apple is gearing up to refresh nearly its entire tablet lineup with some genuinely exciting upgrades. From powerful new chips to display improvements, here’s everything we know about the iPads coming in 2026.

The Budget iPad Gets a Major Intelligence Boost

Let’s start with the most exciting news for everyday users: the entry-level iPad is getting a massive upgrade. Apple’s most affordable tablet, which currently retails for $349, is expected to receive the A19 chip in spring 2026—the same processor powering the iPhone 17.

This isn’t just a minor spec bump. We’re talking about a performance increase of over 50% compared to the current A16 chip. But here’s what really matters: the new iPad will finally support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI-powered features that include improved Siri, smart writing tools, and photo editing capabilities.

To make this happen, Apple will bump the RAM from 6GB to 8GB. That extra memory means smoother multitasking and better overall performance, whether you’re browsing, gaming, or using productivity apps. The upgrade also brings Apple’s new N1 wireless chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.3 connectivity for the first time on the budget iPad.

What Stays the Same

Don’t expect a dramatic redesign. The 12th-generation iPad will likely maintain the same 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and familiar design introduced with the 10th generation. Storage options should start at 128GB, with configurations up to 512GB available—a welcome improvement for users who need more space.

The good news? Pricing is expected to remain at $349, making this potentially the most affordable AI-powered tablet on the market.

iPad Air: Steady Improvements for the Goldilocks Tablet

The iPad Air occupies that sweet spot in Apple’s lineup—more powerful than the basic model but more affordable than the Pro. In 2026, expect the Air to receive a “chip-and-ship” upgrade, moving from the M3 to the M4 chip.

While this might not sound as dramatic as the entry-level iPad’s transformation, the M4 brings meaningful improvements in CPU and GPU performance, better energy efficiency, and enhanced neural processing for AI tasks. Apple will also integrate the N1 wireless chip for improved connectivity.

The iPad Air will maintain its current form factor with 11-inch and 13-inch size options, Touch ID, and LED display technology (not OLED—that’s reserved for the Pro models). The refresh is expected in March or April 2026, with pricing likely staying at $599 for the 11-inch and $799 for the 13-inch model.

iPad mini 8: The Most Exciting Update?

Here’s where things get really interesting. The iPad mini 8 might steal the show in 2026 with what could be the most significant upgrade since its 2021 redesign.

Rumors suggest Apple is planning to equip the iPad mini with an OLED display featuring ProMotion technology—that smooth 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and animations buttery smooth. This would be a huge win for iPad mini fans who’ve been waiting years for this upgrade.

Under the hood, expect the A19 Pro chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 17 Pro models. This represents about a 30% performance boost over the current A17 Pro. Some reports also hint at improved water resistance, making the iPad mini more durable than ever.

The Timing Question

While these upgrades sound fantastic, there’s some uncertainty about when we’ll actually see them. Some sources point to late 2026, while others suggest Apple might hold the iPad mini 8 until 2027. If you need a compact iPad today, the current model remains solid, but if you can wait, the potential upgrades seem worth it.

iPad Pro: Already Updated

Good news if you’re eyeing the iPad Pro—there’s no reason to wait. Apple just updated the Pro lineup in fall 2025 with the M5 processor and OLED displays. With the typical 18-month update cycle, the next generation isn’t expected until spring 2027. That makes now a great time to buy if you need professional-grade tablet performance.

Should You Wait or Buy Now?

This is the million-dollar question. Here’s my honest take:

Wait if: You’re considering the entry-level iPad and want Apple Intelligence features, or if you’re an iPad mini fan willing to wait for that OLED ProMotion display.

Buy now if: You need an iPad Pro (just updated), or you can’t wait several months for the new models. Current iPads are frequently discounted by $50-100, which might offset the benefits of waiting.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 iPad lineup focuses on internal performance improvements rather than dramatic redesigns. The entry-level iPad’s jump to the A19 chip with Apple Intelligence support represents the most compelling upgrade, potentially making it the best value in Apple’s entire product range.

For most users, spring 2026 looks like a smart time to upgrade, especially if you’re working with an older device. The combination of faster processors, AI capabilities, and improved connectivity should keep these iPads relevant for years to come.

Just remember: Apple hasn’t officially confirmed any of these details. Rumors have a way of shifting, and release dates can change. But based on what we’re hearing from multiple reliable sources, 2026 is shaping up to be a solid year for iPad fans.

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