Apple’s 2026 iPad Lineup: 5 things to know about Apple’s big plan

A New Cycle Begins
With the M5 iPad Pro already out, Apple has quietly set the tone for its 2026 strategy. The upgrades may not have been dramatic, but they highlighted Apple’s focus on in-house modems, custom networking hardware, and more efficient chip design. These clues line up with what the next year of iPads will look like.

M4 iPad Air Arrives First
The next iPad Air is expected to headline early 2026. It should move to the M4 chip, offering a noticeable 10-20 percent jump in performance over the M3. Apple’s in-house N1 modem and C1X networking chip are also likely to make the cut, which should mean faster cellular speeds and built-in Wi-Fi 7 support. Beyond that, the upgrades are less certain. A brighter 600 nit display, new colours, or a smoother 90 or 120Hz panel are possible, though not strongly rumoured. OLED for the Air remains unlikely until 2027 or later.

Budget iPad Levels Up With A18
The entry-level iPad, usually priced at $349 and often discounted, is set to gain the A18 chip. This upgrade matters because it brings Apple Intelligence features to the most affordable iPad for the first time. It is also tipped to adopt the N1 modem and C1X networking hardware, aligning it with the rest of the lineup. One practical wish is better accessories. The current Magic Keyboard Folio works only on flat surfaces due to its kickstand design. A more versatile keyboard would massively improve usability. Expect this model sometime in the first half of 2026.

iPad mini’s Biggest Upgrade Yet
The iPad mini is finally due for a major refresh in late 2026. This time, the highlight will be an OLED display paired with the A19 Pro chip. This makes the mini the next big product in Apple’s OLED rollout after the iPad Pro’s transition in 2024. Alongside the display and processor, Bloomberg reports Apple is working on improved water resistance, suggesting a more durable shell. The mini has not seen a meaningful redesign since 2021, and this upgrade appears positioned as a significant five-year update.

What This Means for Apple’s iPad Strategy
Apple’s 2026 lineup leans heavily on efficiency, connectivity, and display quality rather than sweeping redesigns. The shift to in-house modems and networking chips marks a long-term strategic move, and OLED expanding beyond the Pro lineup signals a new era for compact iPads. Each model targets a different tier, but together they outline a more unified direction for the platform.