Abstract created by Sensible Solutions AI
In abstract:
- Macworld stories that the 2026 entry-level iPad is predicted to characteristic Apple’s A19 chip with 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 8GB RAM, delivering a major 50% efficiency increase over the present A16 mannequin.
- The upgraded RAM will allow Apple Intelligence compatibility, addressing a key limitation of present iPads, whereas an N1 chip could add Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connectivity enhancements.
- Apple could launch this enhanced pill round March 2026, making it a extra compelling funds possibility for customers in search of fashionable AI options and improved efficiency.
Rumors about Apple’s 2026 iPads level to sooner chips and potential show enhancements throughout the vary, from the iPad Air to the Professional. But for many patrons, a very powerful replace could also be coming to essentially the most reasonably priced mannequin. The entry-level iPad – Apple’s most cost-effective pill and the one aimed toward college students and households – is reportedly set to obtain a efficiency increase from the A19 processor in an replace that might arrive in March.
Apple is internet hosting a sequence of ‘Experiences‘ in varied areas on March 4. There may be an expectation that the brand new iPad might be one of many new merchandise to launch at, or earlier than, that occasion.
The present iPad was launched in March 2025, and whereas it’s a wonderfully good iPad for most individuals, it’s the one iPad that doesn’t help Apple Intelligence. Apple’s 2026 replace ought to deal with that shortcoming. Right here’s every part you should know concerning the new iPad.
2026 iPad A19 chip: How a lot sooner will the 2026 iPad be?
- A19 chip with 6-core CPU
- 5-core GPU
- N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
The foremost improve to the upcoming iPad can be a brand new chip. The stories don’t agree on which chip this can be, nevertheless. Some stories consult with the A18 chip getting used (as seen within the iPhone 16 era), whereas others recommend it is going to be the A19 (which is identical processor that powers the iPhone 17). Each chips are a major soar from the A16 within the present iPad, and most crucially, suitable with Apple Intelligence. Apple Intelligence was incomprehensibly omitted from 2025’s A16 iPad.
Apple could use the A18 chip if it decides to order the A19 for the iPad mini, which can additionally see an replace.
If it does use the A19 chip, which has a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU within the iPhone 17, Apple will most likely use a so-called “binned” A19 with one fewer CPU or GPU core for the iPad, a way it has carried out within the iPad mini and iPad Air.
The A19 comes with 8GB of RAM, about 30 p.c greater than the 6GB within the A16. The rise in RAM makes the upcoming iPad suitable with Apple Intelligence. No matter whether or not you resolve to activate Apple Intelligence or not, the additional RAM will assist with efficiency.
The A19 chip gives a 50 p.c efficiency enchancment over the A16.
Apple
With the iPhone 17 lineup and the iPhone Air, Apple launched the N1, a chip used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread wi-fi connectivity. The N1 will probably make its means into the brand new iPad, which may give the system a soar to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6.3, up from the present Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. Should you go for one of many 5G fashions, you’ll most likely get Apple’s C1 modem or some variant of it.
2026 iPad show: Sticking with LCD or one thing extra?
- Identical LED show as A16 mannequin
- Brightness, decision are an identical
Whereas there are stories that the opposite iPads (mini, Air and Professional) may get new OLED panels with richer colours and deeper distinction in 2026, the bottom mannequin is unlikely to evolve from its LCD panel.
We anticipate the upcoming iPad to have the identical 11-inch Liquid Retina show 2360-by-1640 show with 500 nits of brightness that it has had since 2022.
2026 iPad design: Any modifications past inner upgrades?
Apple presently gives the iPad in 4 colours.
Apple
The A19 iPad can also be anticipated to have the identical dimensions: 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches (248.6 by 179.5 by 7 millimeters) and weigh 1.05 kilos (477 grams).
We haven’t heard something about new colours, however since Apple hasn’t modified the colour palette (blue, pink, yellow, silver) since its unique launch, it’s attainable we get a few new choices.
2026 iPad cameras: May Apple replace the FaceTime digicam?
Britta O’Boyle
- 12MP rear digicam
- 12MP Middle Stage entrance digicam
The present iPad has two 12MP cameras, with the entrance ‘FaceTime’ digicam having help for Middle Stage. Apple isn’t anticipated to make modifications to the digicam for the upcoming iPad.
Nevertheless, the corporate did change the Centre Stage digicam with the arrival of the iPhone 17, and the brand new ‘sq.’ 18MP digicam might be used on the entrance of the brand new iPad.
This front-facing digicam has a bigger, sq. sensor that helps automated topic framing, orientation-agnostic seize, and superior video options. On the iPad the 18MP digicam may translate to improved video high quality. Nevertheless, present iPads already help sensible framing throughout video calls in order that side of the design is probably not needed.
2026 iPad launch date: When will Apple launch the following entry-level iPad?
Stories have indicated that the A19 iPad can be launched in early 2026. With Apple announing “Particular Experiences” in three areas (New York, London and Shanghai) for March 4, we are able to assume that one thing can be launching in that time-frame. May that one thing be a brand new iPad?
The present A16 iPad was launched in March 2025, so it looks as if Apple may launch the brand new iPad throughout the identical time-frame, probably alongside the iPhone 17e.
2026 iPad worth: Will Apple preserve the entry-level iPad reasonably priced?
After launching at $449 in 2022, Apple lower the worth of the entry-level iPad to $349 in Could 2024, and doubled the beginning storage from 64GB to 128GB with the Eleventh-gen mannequin. Nevertheless, there are just a few elements that might influence pricing this 12 months: tariffs and the rising value of RAM. Apple has but to regulate the worth of any of its merchandise to replicate these further prices, so it’s unclear if the iPad can be affected.
