New iPad with A18 Chip Expected Early 2026
▼ Summary
– Apple’s updated base iPad is still on track for a first-half 2026 launch, specifically within the iOS 26.4 timeframe ending in May.
– The key upgrade will be a shift from the A16 to the A18 chip, providing performance gains and enabling Apple Intelligence support.
– The launch timing is not exact but could occur in April or May, following the iOS 26.4 update reaching its release candidate stage.
– The article notes a pricing issue where the iPad with its optional Magic Keyboard Folio costs nearly as much as the MacBook Neo.
– Beyond the chip, Apple may potentially add its in-house C1 modem and N1 networking chip to this budget iPad model.
While Apple’s recent product announcements included updates to the iPad Air and MacBook lines, the company’s most affordable tablet was notably absent. According to the latest reporting from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the wait for a new base model iPad won’t be much longer. The device remains slated for release in the first half of 2026, aligning with the iOS 26.4 software cycle that concludes in May.
The most significant upgrade for this model will be its processor. The current iPad uses the A16 Bionic chip, but the new version is expected to feature the more advanced A18 chip. This transition from the iPhone 14 Pro’s silicon to the iPhone 16’s will deliver a meaningful boost in processing power. Crucially, the A18 chip will also enable Apple Intelligence support, bringing AI features to the entry-level iPad for the first time and filling a notable gap in Apple’s product ecosystem.
Although the core Apple Intelligence experience will expand with the subsequent iOS 26.5 update, this chip upgrade ensures the budget-friendly iPad won’t be left behind as AI becomes integrated across Apple’s devices. Beyond the processor, rumors suggest Apple may incorporate its in-house C1 modem and N1 networking chip, though these reports are less definitive. For the most part, this update appears focused on the internal silicon.
The value proposition of the base iPad, however, faces a challenge when paired with its accessories. Purchasing the tablet alongside the Magic Keyboard Folio brings the total cost remarkably close to that of a MacBook Neo, highlighting a pricing strategy that may give some consumers pause. While a spec bump is welcome, a reconsideration of the peripheral ecosystem could make the overall package more compelling.
Ultimately, a processor-focused update ensures the entry-level iPad remains a capable and modern device. Integrating the A18 chip and Apple Intelligence keeps it relevant within a portfolio increasingly defined by on-device AI, even if the external design stays familiar.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
