5 Major iPad Changes Reportedly Coming by 2027
▼ Summary
– In early 2026, Apple updated the iPad Air with the M4 chip and the iPad Pro with the M5, adding 12GB of RAM to both for upcoming Apple Intelligence features in iPadOS 27.
– The new tablets include Apple’s own 5G and connectivity modems, improving AirDrop transfers, network switching, and battery life via hardware-software integration.
– Apple is expected to introduce Siri AI to tablets, a new iPad mini design, and an all-new base-model iPad in late 2026 and 2027.
– The recent price hike on Apple products and the ongoing memory crisis have prompted Apple to reassess device release timing due to scarce, costly components.
– Some improvements, like the new Siri AI, have been confirmed, while others have been reported by media outlets such as Bloomberg.
Early in 2026, Apple refreshed the iPad Air with an M4 chip and the iPad Pro with an M5 processor. While these updates brought only incremental changes compared to their predecessors, both tablets now ship with 12GB of RAM, a significant upgrade that unlocks the full potential of upcoming Apple Intelligence features in iPadOS 27. Apple also integrated its proprietary 5G and connectivity modems, enhancing reliability during AirDrop transfers, improving network switching, and extending battery life through tighter hardware-software optimization. However, the most dramatic shifts are still ahead. Between the latter half of 2026 and throughout 2027, Apple is expected to introduce Siri AI capabilities to its tablets, unveil a redesigned iPad mini, and launch an entirely new base-model iPad early next year.
Some of these developments are already confirmed, including the Siri AI overhaul, while others have been reported by outlets like Bloomberg. Although many of these upgrades were initially slated for late 2026, recent price hikes on Apple products and the ongoing memory crisis may have forced the company to reconsider its release timeline. Components remain scarce and significantly more expensive to produce than a few years ago, prompting Apple to strategically delay certain launches. Still, the next 12 months promise substantial evolution for the iPad lineup. Here is what you need to know.
(Source: BGR)
