Abstract created by Sensible Solutions AI
In abstract:
- Macworld studies that Apple’s entry-level iPad might quickly obtain Apple Intelligence options powered by a brand new A18 processor, upgrading from the present A16 chip.
- This replace goals to develop AI accessibility throughout Apple’s best-selling units, aligning the price range iPad with iPhones and Macs that already assist these options.
- No main design modifications are anticipated, with the main target remaining on inner upgrades to spice up AI adoption amongst mainstream customers.
Apple boss Tim Cook dinner has repeatedly stated the corporate is dedicated to (and enthusiastic about) AI expertise, however not each Apple product has gotten the message. Whereas each presently offered iPhone and Mac helps Apple Intelligence, the entry-level iPad nonetheless isn’t in a position to run any of Apple’s AI options.
Based on a brand new report, nonetheless, the baseline iPad will quickly obtain an replace that provides it the capability to run Apple Intelligence options, thus bringing it consistent with the remainder of Apple’s vary (minus the Apple Watch, after all). And, crucially, encouraging a big proportion of the corporate’s prospects to make use of its AI tech.
Within the newest version of his Energy On publication, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman discusses at some size what he describes because the “slew” of product launches which Apple has in retailer for us “over the subsequent a number of weeks.” This contains updates within the iPhone, Mac, and iPad traces, however many of the iPad bulletins shall be fairly minor, he warns.
“For these holding out for design modifications,” Gurman writes, “put together to be disenchanted: There’s little new coming to the iPad household this 12 months aside from sooner processors.”
The exceptions to this, he writes, are an OLED display coming to the brand new iPad mini (in all probability later within the 12 months), and the usual iPad’s elevation to AI-ready standing because of its inclusion of Apple’s A18 processor, up from the present A16. Gurman predicts this improve shall be central to the iPad’s advertising and marketing marketing campaign.
It does make sense that Apple wish to lastly full the set and produce the usual iPad into the Apple Intelligence fold. The corporate’s least expensive merchandise are, for apparent causes, its greatest sellers, so one of the simplest ways to extend take-up of a brand new characteristic is to ensure these merchandise assist it. Therefore the (considerably ill-advised) push to get Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16e final 12 months.
In reality, it was in some ways a shock that the 2025 iPad didn’t get AI and a value bump. Simply over a 12 months in the past, a supply predicted confidently that it will. That supply’s identify was Mark Gurman.
So it’s value remaining skeptical till the announcement is definitely made… however he’s in all probability proper this time. You may sustain with all the most recent information and rumors with our ceaselessly up to date new iPad 2026 superguide.
