In recent years, the iPad line has moved toward a predictable and stable update cycle. Major design changes are rare, with Apple largely focusing on internal upgrades such as faster chips, better displays and incremental improvements. And according to numerous rumors, we already have an idea of what to expect from the iPad lineup in 2026.
According to information provided by Macworld and other reliable sources, Apple is preparing to launch another wave of small iPad updates with improvements in specifications. Read on as we detail which iPads will be updated and which won't over the next year.
Entry-level 12th-gen iPad: Much faster chip
base iPad model definitely the right choice for most people who just want a good tablet at an affordable price. This iPad is especially popular in the education segment, with Apple offering it to students for just $329. In 2025, Apple gave its iPad such a small update that it couldn't even run Apple Intelligence, but in 2026 it looks like it'll get a much more significant performance upgrade.
How previously reported McMirThe 12th generation iPad is expected to debut in 2026 with a faster A19 processor, which will replace the A16 found in the current 11th generation model. The A19 chip is the same as the one in the iPhone 17 and is more than 50 percent faster than the A16 chip in the current iPad.
Next year's entry-level iPad could get a much faster chip.
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With the update, the entry-level iPad will finally support more advanced capabilities, including Apple Intelligence. It will also be a great option for gamers, as the A19 chip can easily run console-level games.
In addition to the A19 chip, Apple is also expected to equip the new iPad with the new N1 wireless chip. It's Apple's first dedicated wireless chip that supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, delivering faster performance and more energy efficiency.
Reports suggest that Apple will keep the same overall design, display, and camera system. This means the 12th generation iPad will likely have the same 60Hz LCD panel as the current generation, as well as Touch ID in the power button.
While the idea of having the same design and display for another year might not sound too exciting, most buyers looking for an entry-level iPad are more interested in having a reliable tablet at a lower price. The A19 chip will make the next entry-level iPad very promising.
iPad Air: M4 occupies the middle of the range
iPad Air It's increasingly becoming the sweet spot of Apple's tablet, offering near-pro performance without the Pro price tag. In 2026, this positioning looks set to continue.
Macworld reported that Apple plans to update the iPad Air with an M4 chip, replacing the current M3. The change from M3 to M4 is minor, but most users don't upgrade their iPad every year anyway. The idea, of course, is to make the product more attractive to first-time iPad buyers or those upgrading from a much older iPad.
It is reported that the iPad Air will receive the M4 in 2026.
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The update appears to be almost entirely internal. Like the next entry-level iPad model, the iPad Air M4 will also feature Apple's N1 wireless chip and possibly a C1 modem. Otherwise, the design, display and cameras are expected to remain unchanged. The current iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, both with a 60Hz LCD panel.
Apple is happy with the current Air design, which already supports the Magic Keyboard and the latest Apple Pencil Pro. Plus, iPad Air is already compatible with features like Apple Intelligence and Stage Manager.
In short, the iPad Air will be even better and more powerful with the M4, but don't expect it to have the same fancy display and design as the iPad Pro.
iPad mini: next to get OLED
While the entry-level iPad and iPad Air will retain the same display technology for another year, the next generation of iPad iPad mini may surprise us with a more modern display.
According to Bloomberg, the 8th generation iPad mini may equipped with an OLED panel for the first time. Other sources have already confirmed that the smallest iPad will replace the LCD screen with an OLED display made by Samsung.
The iPad mini could get an OLED upgrade next year.
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OLED panels are brighter and have better contrast than LCDs because each pixel is individually controlled. Currently, the iPad Pro is the only iPad equipped with OLED, although it's unclear whether the OLED panel in the new iPad mini will feature ProMotion with a higher refresh rate or remain limited to 60Hz.
In terms of performance, MacRumors reported that the iPad mini 8 will be equipped with an A19 Pro chip – the same as the iPhone 17 Pro models. The chip is about 30 percent faster than the A17 Pro in the iPad mini 7. It's not a big jump, but it's enough to keep the iPad mini on par with Apple's latest devices. Additionally, a separate Bloomberg report suggests that the next iPad mini could be first waterproof iPad.
Unfortunately for iPad mini fans, rumors regarding the release date are quite contradictory. While some believe it could arrive in late 2026, it's more likely that the iPad mini 8 will be delayed until 2027.
iPad Pro: Don't expect a new model anytime soon
Of all the iPads Apple makes, the one least likely to make headlines next year is the iPad Pro. That's because Apple just released M5 iPad Proand the new model is unlikely to arrive until spring 2027, about 18 months after the last model was released.
According to rumors, Apple is already working on a new iPad Pro with a yet-to-be-announced M6 chip. However, there is still a year left before the announcement of the M6, as well as the next generation iPad Pro.
In addition to the new chip, rumor has it that the next-generation iPad Pro will feature a vapor chamber, just like the iPhone 17 Pro. Considering Apple has already redesigned the iPad Pro with M4 models in 2024, another redesign in 2027 is unlikely.
The iPad Pro will likely receive an update until 2027 at the earliest.
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Should you buy a new iPad now or wait?
Whether you should buy an iPad now or wait depends largely on which model you're considering and the age of your current iPad.
If you're looking for an entry-level model, the next generation is definitely worth the wait. While there are no changes to the design or display, moving from the A16 to the A19 chip will not only provide significantly better performance, but will also support more iPadOS features.
For the iPad Air, the decision is less clear. Upgrading from the M3 to the M4 won't change the experience much for most users, and the current iPad Air is already extremely capable. If you find a good deal on the iPad Air M3, buying now still makes sense.
iPad mini buyers may want to hold off on purchasing if possible. The A19 Pro's OLED display and chip will be significant upgrades, even if the release timing remains unclear. Still, if you want a compact iPad today, the current model remains a good option, especially since the new Mini might not arrive until 2027.
As for the iPad Pro, don't hesitate to buy it. Since the M5 models have just been released and no major updates are expected in the near future, there's no point in waiting unless you're specifically aiming for next-gen features like vapor chamber cooling.
