Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports that the entry-level iPad for 2026 is expected to feature Apple’s A19 chip with a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU and 8GB of RAM, delivering a significant 50% performance boost over the current A16 model.
- Improved RAM will enable Apple Intelligence compatibility, addressing a key limitation of current iPads, while the N1 chip may add Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 improvements.
- Apple may launch this improved tablet around March 2026, making it a more compelling budget option for users looking for advanced AI features and improved performance.
Rumors about Apple’s 2026 iPads point to faster chips and potential display improvements across the range, from the iPad Air to the Pro. However, for most buyers, the most important update may be the most affordable model. The entry-level iPad — Apple’s cheapest tablet and one aimed at students and families — is said to get a performance boost from the A19 processor in an update that could arrive in March.
Apple is holding a series of ‘Experiences’ on March 4 at various locations. It is expected that the new iPad could be one of the new products to be launched at or before the event.
The current iPad was released in March 2025, and while it’s a perfectly fine iPad for most people, it’s the only iPad that doesn’t support Apple Intelligence. Apple’s 2026 update should fix this soon. Here’s everything you need to know about the new iPad.
2026 iPad A19 chip: How much faster 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 upgrade of the upcoming iPad will be a new chip. However, reports do not agree on which chip it will be. Some reports point to the A18 chip used (as seen in the iPhone 16 generation), while others suggest it will be the A19 (which is the same processor that powers the iPhone 17). Both chips are a significant leap from the A16 in the current iPad, and most importantly, they’re compatible with Apple Intelligence. Apple Intelligence was inexplicably omitted from the 2025 iPad A16.
Apple may use the A18 chip if it decides to reserve the A19 for the iPad mini, which may also receive an update.
If it uses the A19 chip, which has a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU in the iPhone 17, Apple will likely use a so-called “binned” A19 for the iPad with one less CPU or GPU core, a technique it implemented in the iPad mini and iPad Air.
The A19 comes with 8GB of RAM, about 30 percent more than the 6GB in the A16. Thanks to the increase in RAM, the upcoming iPad is compatible with Apple Intelligence. Regardless of whether you choose to enable Apple Intelligence or not, the extra RAM will help with performance.
The A19 chip offers a 50 percent performance improvement over the A16.
Apple
With the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air series, Apple introduced the N1, a chip used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Thread wireless connectivity. The N1 is likely to make its way into the new iPad, which could give the device a jump to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6.3, up from the current Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. If you opt for one of the 5G models, you’ll likely get Apple’s C1 modem or some variant.
iPad 2026 display: Stick with LCD or something more?
- The same LED display as the A16 model
- Brightness, resolution are the same
While there are reports that the other iPads (mini, Air and Pro) could get new OLED panels in 2026 with richer colors and deeper contrast, it’s unlikely that the base model will evolve from an LCD panel.
We expect the upcoming iPad to have the same 11-inch 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display with 500 nits of brightness that it’s had since 2022.
iPad 2026 design: Any changes besides internal upgrades?
Apple currently offers the iPad in four colors.
Apple
The iPad A19 is expected to have the same dimensions: 9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 inches (248.6 x 179.5 x 7 millimeters) and weigh 1.05 pounds (477 grams).
We haven’t heard anything about new colors, but since Apple hasn’t changed the color palette (blue, pink, yellow, silver) since its original release, it’s possible we’ll get a few new options.
iPad 2026 cameras: Could Apple update the FaceTime camera?
Britta O’Boyle
- 12MP rear camera
- Front 12MP central camera
The current iPad has two 12MP cameras, with the front-facing “FaceTime” camera having support for Center Stage. Apple is not expected to make changes to the camera for the upcoming iPad.
However, the company changed the Center Stage camera with the arrival of the iPhone 17, and the new “square” 18MP camera could be used on the front of the new iPad.
This front-facing camera has a larger square sensor that supports automatic subject framing, orientation-free shooting, and advanced video features. On the iPad, the 18MP camera could translate to better video quality. However, current iPads already support smart framing during video calls, so the design aspect may not be necessary.
2026 iPad release date: When will Apple launch the next entry-level iPad?
Reports suggest that the iPad A19 will launch in early 2026. Since Apple announced “Special Experiences” in three locations (New York, London, and Shanghai) on March 4th, we can assume that something will be launched in that time frame. Could it be something new to the iPad?
The current iPad A16 was released in March 2025, so it seems that Apple could release a new iPad in the same time frame, possibly alongside the iPhone 17e.
iPad price 2026: Will Apple keep the entry-level iPad affordable?
After launching for $449 in 2022, Apple dropped the price of the entry-level iPad to $349 in May 2024 and doubled the starting storage from 64GB to 128GB in the 11th generation model. However, there are several factors that could affect prices this year: tariffs and the rising cost of RAM. Apple has yet to adjust the price of any of its products to reflect these additional costs, so it’s unclear whether the iPad will be affected.