Apple has two new iPad models to start the year: the new entry-level iPad with the A18 chip and the new iPad Air with the M4 chip. While Apple product launches can often sound exciting, there might not be too much to say about these iPad models.
New chipsets, nothing else
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s new iPad will get an A18 chip instead of an A16 chip. On the other hand, the iPad Air will be moved from the M3 to the M4. For the entry-level iPad, this means support for Apple Intelligence for the first time, which can be really valuable when Apple Intelligence Siri is around the corner with iOS 26.4.
Other than that, there won’t be anything major. The iPad Air has had the same design since 2020 and the iPad since 2022. Despite this, there is no redesign or revolutionary improvement in sight. The iPad Air won’t get Face ID or ProMotion, and the base iPad won’t get a laminated display — at least not yet.
Other rumors point to the iPad and iPad Air getting the N1 chip like other Apple products, which is probably a given.
Should you wait to upgrade?
For most people, I’d say these devices probably aren’t worth the wait – especially the iPad Air. The M4 is a faster chipset, although it won’t make a significant difference for the vast majority of iPad usage. With the base iPad, whether or not you wait depends mostly on how much you value Apple Intelligence.
In any case, if you’re interested in buying a current-generation iPad or iPad Air, there are great discounts available right now ranging from $50 to $110. I’d say those savings are worth the wait, especially on the iPad Air side.
All in all, the updates for the 2026 iPad and iPad Air are incredibly lackluster — aside from Apple Intelligence support on the base iPad.
My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:
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