Abstract created by Good Solutions AI
In abstract:
- Macworld experiences 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 finances choice for customers looking for fashionable AI options and improved efficiency.
Rumors about Apple’s 2026 iPads level to quicker chips and potential show enhancements throughout the vary, from the iPad Air to the Professional. But for many consumers, crucial replace could also be coming to probably the most reasonably priced mannequin. The entry-level iPad – Apple’s least expensive pill and the one geared 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 numerous places on March 4. There may be an expectation that the brand new iPad could possibly 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 superbly good iPad for most individuals, it’s the one iPad that doesn’t assist Apple Intelligence. Apple’s 2026 replace ought to deal with that shortcoming. Right here’s the whole lot you have to know in regards to the new iPad.
2026 iPad A19 chip: How a lot quicker will the 2026 iPad be?
- A19 chip with 6-core CPU
- 5-core GPU
- N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
The main improve to the upcoming iPad will probably be a brand new chip. The experiences don’t agree on which chip this will probably be, nevertheless. Some experiences consult with the A18 chip getting used (as seen within the iPhone 16 era), whereas others recommend it will likely be the A19 (which is identical processor that powers the iPhone 17). Each chips are a major leap 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 method 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 seemingly make its method into the brand new iPad, which might give the gadget a leap to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6.3, up from the present Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. For those who 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 experiences that the opposite iPads (mini, Air and Professional) might get new OLED panels with richer colours and deeper distinction in 2026, the bottom mannequin is unlikely to evolve from its LCD panel.
We count on 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 inside upgrades?
Apple at the moment 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 doable we get a few new choices.
2026 iPad cameras: Might Apple replace the FaceTime digicam?
Britta O’Boyle
- 12MP rear digicam
- 12MP Heart Stage entrance digicam
The present iPad has two 12MP cameras, with the entrance ‘FaceTime’ digicam having assist for Heart 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 could possibly be used on the entrance of the brand new iPad.
This front-facing digicam has a bigger, sq. sensor that helps computerized topic framing, orientation-agnostic seize, and superior video options. On the iPad the 18MP digicam might translate to improved video high quality. Nevertheless, present iPads already assist sensible framing throughout video calls in order that facet of the design might not be essential.
2026 iPad launch date: When will Apple launch the subsequent entry-level iPad?
Reviews have indicated that the A19 iPad will probably be launched in early 2026. With Apple announing “Particular Experiences” in three places (New York, London and Shanghai) for March 4, we will assume that one thing will probably be launching in that timeframe. Might that one thing be a brand new iPad?
The present A16 iPad was launched in March 2025, so it looks like Apple might launch the brand new iPad throughout the identical timeframe, presumably alongside the iPhone 17e.
2026 iPad value: Will Apple preserve the entry-level iPad reasonably priced?
After launching at $449 in 2022, Apple reduce 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 a couple of components that might influence pricing this yr: 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 will probably be affected.
