December 11, 2025, 11:56 am | Read time: 3 minutes
So far, buyers of the basic iPad have had to settle for outdated hardware. The current iPad from March 2025 is the last Apple device that does not support Apple Intelligence. The built-in A16 chip simply doesn’t have enough power for it. However, this is expected to change with the planned successor—at least that’s what a leaked internal Apple document suggests.
Newer Chip Than Previously Thought
As TECHBOOK reported, Apple typically uses iPhone chips that are two to three years old for the basic iPad to reduce costs. For the successor to the current model expected in 2026, the A18 chip, which was first used in the iPhone 16 in 2024, was considered the most likely candidate.
However, “Macworld” has apparently gained insight into an internal Apple code document. It reveals that the iPad is planned not with the A18, but with the A19 chip, which is one year newer. This chip was only released in September 2025 with the iPhone 17. For Apple’s cheapest iPad, this is quite unusual, as older chips have so far played a significant role in keeping the price lower.
Apple Intelligence in the iPad for the First Time
As early as July 2025, Bloomberg published the code names for variants of the upcoming iPads: J581 (Wi-Fi) and J582 (Cellular). The “Macworld” leak seems to confirm these designations. Beyond that, there is little new information about the device.
Regardless of which chip is ultimately used in the iPad, it is considered certain that the tablet will finally support Apple’s AI functions. For this, the memory is likely to increase again. For the 11th-generation iPad, Apple increased the RAM from 4 to 6 GB. However, at least 8 GB is required for Apple Intelligence.
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According to “Macworld,” the 2026 iPad is also expected to get Apple’s new N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. This would be a significant upgrade over its predecessor and would enable much faster and more stable Wi-Fi through support for the additional 6 GHz band.
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M4 Chip Likely in iPad Air
The iPad Air also appears in the leak with the code names J707, J708, J737, and J738. As usual, the tablet is expected to come with a chip from the M series that is one generation older. For the 2026 model, this means an upgrade from the current M3 to the M4 chip. The M5 will remain reserved for the iPad Pro for the time being. Like the basic iPad, the upcoming iPad Air is also likely to feature the N1 chip.
Apart from the internal changes, no major innovations are expected for the iPad Air. The 2026 model is still expected to use LCD instead of OLED. The screen upgrade is reportedly planned for 2027 and is expected to come with a redesigned exterior.
Market Launch and Possible Price Increase
Apple is expected to introduce the new generations of iPad and iPad Air in early 2026. It is conceivable that the price for the basic iPad will rise again. In 2022, Apple raised the price of the iPad to 599 euros due to the weak euro, but lowered it back to 399 euros for the 2025 model. However, the use of a current chip could drive costs up.
At the end of 2026, a new iPad mini with an OLED display is also expected to be released. A price increase is also conceivable here. The mini currently costs 499 euros—a higher price would give Apple more leeway to make the basic iPad more expensive without blurring the clear distinction between the two models.