Apple is preparing for a busy year in 2026, particularly with its iPad lineup. After launching the M5 iPad Pro in October, Apple has officially started a new generation of iPads. Now, attention is shifting toward the rest of the lineup, including the iPad Air, budget iPad, and iPad mini, all of which are expected to receive meaningful updates throughout the year.
While 2026 may not bring dramatic design changes across the board, Apple is clearly focusing on performance upgrades, better connectivity, and smarter software features. With Apple Silicon continuing to evolve and Apple Intelligence expanding to more devices, the iPad lineup is slowly becoming more powerful and more future-proof than ever.
Based on current leaks and industry reports, here’s a complete look at what Apple is expected to deliver for the iPad lineup in 2026.
M4 iPad Air: A Familiar Design with Smarter Performance
The first major iPad launch of 2026 is expected to be the M4 iPad Air, which is expected to arrive as early as March. Apple has used the iPad Air as a bridge between casual users and professionals, and the upcoming model appears to continue that strategy.
The biggest change in the new iPad Air will be the M4 chip, which is expected to deliver roughly a 10 to 20 per cent performance improvement compared to the M3. While this may not sound groundbreaking, it will make the iPad Air even more capable for multitasking, content creation, and productivity-focused workloads.
Beyond raw performance, Apple is also likely to introduce its in-house N1 networking chip and the C1X modem to the iPad Air. These components already debuted with the M5 iPad Pro and are designed to give Apple more control over connectivity. For users, this could translate into faster cellular speeds, improved reliability, and support for Wi-Fi 7, which is becoming increasingly important as internet speeds continue to rise.
When it comes to design, expectations are more modest. The iPad Air is not rumoured to receive any major visual changes. The display is likely to remain largely the same, though some users are hoping Apple will bring the 600-nit brightness level, currently limited to the 13-inch model, to all sizes. There is also quiet speculation about higher refresh rates, such as 90 Hz or even 120 Hz, but there is no strong evidence to suggest Apple will make that move in 2026.
As for OLED, many reports suggest that Apple is intentionally holding this upgrade back for the iPad Air. OLED panels are expensive, and Apple appears to be reserving them for premium models. Most signs point to OLED arriving on iPad Air in 2027 or later, not in 2026.
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Budget iPad with A19 Chip: A Smarter Entry-Level Tablet
After the iPad Air, Apple is expected to update its entry-level iPad, a device that continues to be extremely popular due to its affordable pricing. Officially priced at $349, the budget iPad often drops closer to $299, making it one of the best-value tablets on the market.
The 2026 update is expected to bring the A19 chip, which represents more than just a routine performance bump. This processor is powerful enough to support Apple Intelligence, meaning the budget iPad could finally gain access to Apple’s latest AI-powered features. This would be a major shift, as Apple Intelligence has so far been limited to higher-end devices.
Just like the iPad Air, the budget iPad is also rumoured to adopt Apple’s N1 networking chip and C1X modem. This would improve both Wi-Fi and cellular performance, making the entry-level iPad feel far more modern than previous generations.
Despite these improvements, there is one area where many users still feel Apple is holding back. The budget iPad continues to rely on the Magic Keyboard Folio, which requires a kickstand and works best on a flat surface. Many users would prefer a keyboard experience closer to the Magic Keyboard used by iPad Air and iPad Pro, which allows for more flexible use, especially on the lap.
At this point, there is no strong indication that Apple plans to introduce a new keyboard accessory for the budget iPad, but it remains one of the most requested upgrades. The A19 iPad is expected to launch sometime in the first half of 2026, possibly alongside or shortly after the iPad Air.
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iPad mini with A19 Pro: OLED Finally Makes Its Way
The iPad mini may end up being the most exciting iPad update of 2026. Apple last refreshed the iPad mini in 2024, and while that update brought internal improvements, the overall design has remained largely unchanged since 2021.
According to multiple reports, Apple is planning a significant upgrade for the iPad mini, starting with the introduction of the A19 Pro chip. This would give the small tablet a serious performance boost, making it far more capable for gaming, multitasking, and creative apps.
However, the biggest rumoured change is the long-awaited transition to OLED display technology. Apple first introduced OLED to the iPad lineup with the M4 iPad Pro in early 2024, after years of using OLED exclusively on the iPhone. Now, industry insiders, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, suggest that the iPad mini will be the next device to make this transition.
An OLED display would significantly improve contrast, colour accuracy, and power efficiency, especially on a smaller screen like the iPad mini. This upgrade alone could make the device far more appealing to users who value portability but don’t want to compromise on display quality.
In addition to OLED and the A19 Pro chip, Apple is reportedly working on a more water-resistant design for the next iPad mini. While it may not reach full waterproof status, improved resistance would make the device more durable for everyday use.
If these rumours are accurate, the 2026 iPad mini could represent the biggest upgrade the device has seen in years, marking nearly five years since its last major redesign.
How the iPad Lineup Looks Overall in 2026
When looking at the full picture, 2026 appears to be a relatively calm year for iPads, with the notable exception of the iPad mini. Most updates focus on internal improvements rather than bold redesigns, suggesting that Apple is refining its lineup rather than reinventing it.
This approach makes sense, especially as Apple continues to integrate Apple Intelligence and improve performance efficiency across devices. Instead of chasing flashy changes, Apple seems focused on making each iPad more capable, longer-lasting, and better connected.
Looking beyond 2026, Apple is already planning more ambitious upgrades. Reports suggest that the M6 iPad Pro, expected in early 2027, could introduce a vapour chamber cooling system, allowing for sustained high performance over longer periods. While that update is still some time away, it highlights Apple’s long-term commitment to pushing iPad performance closer to that of traditional laptops.
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Should You Upgrade or Buy Now?
For users who are satisfied with their current iPad, there is no urgent need to upgrade in 2026. Many of the improvements, while welcome, are incremental rather than transformative.
That said, Apple is currently offering discounts of $50 to $100 on several current-generation models, including the standard iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. These deals make existing models especially attractive for buyers who don’t need the latest chips or features.
On the other hand, users interested in OLED displays, advanced AI features, or long-term software support may find it worth waiting for the 2026 lineup, particularly the updated iPad mini.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is based on rumours, leaks, and industry reports available at the time of writing. Apple has not officially confirmed many of the features, specifications, or release timelines discussed above. Actual products may differ from current expectations. Readers are encouraged to verify details through Apple’s official announcements and website before making purchasing decisions. This content is intended for informational and SEO purposes only.
