New iPads are launching next week, here’s what’s coming
Source: 9to5Mac
Tim Cook has confirmed it: Apple has new hardware being unveiled next week, starting Monday morning. Among the many products rumored to launch, two are new iPads: a base iPad with A18 and an M4 iPad Air. Here’s what to expect.
iPad (12th generation) with A18 chip
Next week, the base iPad is getting a big upgrade thanks to its new chip.
Across Apple’s current lineup of iPhones, iPads, and Macs, the base iPad is the only product Apple sells that doesn’t yet support Apple Intelligence. But with the A18 chip, that will change.
Apple Intelligence support will unlock all of the existing AI features in iPadOS 26, as well as upcoming ones like Siri’s long‑awaited improvements.
The A18 chip will also bring 8 GB of RAM, up from the 6 GB found in the current A16 iPad.
Another potential change is the new N1 wireless chip. First launched with iPhone 17, the N1 enables Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. It also, per Apple, “improves the overall performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop.”
Otherwise, the same basic iPad design is expected to stick around—though we may see new color options.
M4 iPad Air
If you want an iPad that’s more powerful than Apple’s base option, or need a larger screen, the new iPad Air might be your best choice.
The iPad Air’s biggest upgrade next week, per rumors, will be an M4 chip. The iPad Air was updated with an M3 chip last March, and the new version isn’t expected to differ much from that existing model.
The M4 chip should help the new iPad Air better power iPadOS 26, perform AI tasks, and run pro apps like those offered by Apple Creator Studio.
Apple’s N1 wireless chip is another likely upgrade for the iPad Air, and we may see a switch to C1X for cellular models.
Expect the same 11‑inch and 13‑inch size options, Touch ID, and an overall very similar feature set to the current model.
If you’re holding out for a different iPad, the iPad mini is expected to get an update later this year with an OLED display, while a new iPad Pro isn’t likely until 2027.
Best iPad accessories
- AirPods Pro 3 (limited‑time $219 price)
- 100 W USB‑C power adapter for fast charging
- tomtoc Tablet sleeve bag for protection and style
- Baseus 10 ft USB‑C cable for extended reach
- Apple Pencil Pro (now only $95, down from $129)
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