New iPad and iPad Air models should be launching soon, but don’t get too excited
Source: 9to5Mac
New chipsets, nothing else
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new base iPad will receive the A18 chip (up from the A16), while the iPad Air will be upgraded from M3 to M4. For the base iPad, this means Apple Intelligence support for the first time, which could be valuable now that Apple Intelligence Siri is expected with iOS 26.4.
Beyond the chipset updates, there aren’t any major changes. The iPad Air has kept the same design since 2020, and the base iPad has remained unchanged since 2022. Neither model will get a redesign, Face ID, ProMotion, or a laminated display (at least for now).
Other rumors suggest both devices could receive the N1 wireless networking chip, similar to other Apple products.
Should you wait to upgrade?
For most people, these devices aren’t worth waiting for—especially the iPad Air. The M4 chip is faster, but the performance gain is unlikely to be noticeable for typical iPad usage. For the base iPad, the decision to wait hinges on how much you value Apple Intelligence.
If you’re interested in buying a current‑generation iPad or iPad Air, there are discounts of $50–$110 available right now, which may make purchasing sooner more appealing.
Overall, the 2026 updates for the iPad and iPad Air are fairly modest, aside from Apple Intelligence support on the base iPad.