TL;DR
Apple is expected to update most iPad models across 2026, following the M5 iPad Pro introduced in October. Rumors point to chip upgrades across the lineup — including M4 for iPad Air and A19/A19 Pro for the entry-level iPad and iPad mini — plus OLED arriving for the mini later in the year.
What happened
After launching the M5-equipped iPad Pro in October, Apple is widely reported to refresh the rest of its iPad range during 2026. The first likely update is a new iPad Air with an M4 processor, which analysts say could deliver roughly a 10–20% performance increase over the M3 and may adopt Apple’s in-house N1 networking chip and C1X modem for faster cellular and Wi‑Fi 7 support. The entry-level iPad is expected to move to the A19 chip in the first half of 2026, a change that would also introduce Apple Intelligence features to that model. Later in the year, the iPad mini is rumored to receive a bigger overhaul with an A19 Pro processor and a switch to an OLED display, along with improved water resistance. Beyond 2026, reports note Apple is exploring vapor chamber cooling for a future M6 iPad Pro slated for early 2027.
Why it matters
- Performance and networking upgrades across multiple iPad models could narrow gaps between the Air, mini and Pro tiers.
- Apple Intelligence arriving on the budget iPad would broaden AI-driven features to more buyers.
- An OLED iPad mini would mark a notable display upgrade for a model that hasn’t been fully redesigned since 2021.
- Modem and Wi‑Fi advancements could improve cellular and wireless speeds for iPads with cellular options.
Key facts
- Apple released the M5 iPad Pro in October 2025 and is expected to refresh most remaining iPad models in 2026.
- The next iPad Air is likely to use an M4 chip and could appear as early as March (reported timing is a rumor).
- Analysts estimate the M4 iPad Air could offer a roughly 10–20% performance boost over the M3.
- Reports indicate the M4 iPad Air may adopt Apple’s N1 networking chip and C1X modem, enabling Wi‑Fi 7 and faster cellular connectivity.
- The budget iPad is rumored to upgrade to Apple’s A19 chip in the first half of 2026 and gain Apple Intelligence features.
- The iPad mini is expected to be refreshed later in 2026 with an A19 Pro chip, an OLED display, and improved water resistance, per Bloomberg reporting.
- The iPad mini has not had a full redesign since 2021, making the rumored update its most significant in years.
- Apple is reportedly planning a vapor chamber cooling system for an M6 iPad Pro targeted for early 2027.
- Current-generation iPad models are being discounted at the time of reporting, with typical deals around $50–$100 off.
What to watch next
- Timing and official announcement for the M4 iPad Air (rumored for March) — not confirmed in the source.
- A19 adoption for the entry-level iPad and its rollout schedule in the first half of 2026 — not confirmed in the source.
- OLED transition and water-resistance claims for the iPad mini later in 2026 (reported by Bloomberg) — not confirmed in the source.
- Apple’s broader shift to in-house N1 networking and C1X modem chips across non‑Pro iPads and the real-world impact on connectivity — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- M-series: Apple’s line of high-performance ARM-based chips used in iPad Pro and Mac models for advanced CPU and GPU tasks.
- A-series: Apple’s family of system-on-chip (SoC) processors commonly used in iPhones and some iPad models for mainstream performance.
- OLED: A display technology that can offer deeper blacks and higher contrast than LCD by individually lighting pixels.
- Modem (N1/C1X): Cellular modem and networking components that handle mobile data and wireless connectivity; N1 and C1X refer to Apple’s in-house designs mentioned in reports.
- Apple Intelligence: A collection of Apple features and services that apply machine learning and AI capabilities across devices and apps.
Reader FAQ
When is the next iPad Air expected to arrive?
Reports point to a possible March launch, but that timing is a rumor and not officially confirmed by Apple.
Will the entry-level iPad get Apple Intelligence?
The budget iPad is reported to move to the A19 chip and gain Apple Intelligence capabilities, according to the coverage.
Is OLED confirmed for the iPad mini in 2026?
Multiple reports, including Bloomberg, suggest an OLED iPad mini later in 2026, but Apple has not confirmed the change.
Are there major external design changes for the iPad Air in 2026?
No clear external upgrades are widely reported; plausible improvements like higher-brightness panels or higher refresh rates have been suggested but are not confirmed in the source.
All the new products Apple released in 2025 Chance Miller Dec 31 2025 IPAD Here’s what’s in store for the iPad lineup throughout 2026 Michael Burkhardt | Jan 3 2026 -…
Sources
- Here’s what’s in store for the iPad lineup throughout 2026
- iPads in 2026: What The Latest Rumours Are Telling Us
- Everything Apple Is Releasing in 2026: iPhone Fold, LLM …
- What to Expect From iPad in 2026: Pro, Air, Mini, and …
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