New iPad and iPad Air Models Launching Soon, But Curb Your Excitement
Apple is preparing to launch two new iPad models early next year: a redesigned base iPad featuring the A18 chip and an updated iPad Air with the M4 chip. While this announcement may stir some excitement among tech enthusiasts, the upgrades may not be as significant as one might hope.
New iPad and iPad Air Models: What to Expect
According to industry insider Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the upcoming iPad will incorporate the A18 chip, offering a performance boost over the A16 chip. Similarly, the iPad Air will transition from the M3 chip to the more powerful M4.
Key Features and Changes
- Base iPad: First-time support for Apple Intelligence, enhancing functionality alongside the upcoming iOS 26.4 update.
- iPad Air: Continues with the same design seen since 2020; no introduction of Face ID or ProMotion features.
- Display: The base iPad is not expected to feature a laminated display in this update.
Expectations for groundbreaking improvements or redesigns are minimal. Both iPad models have not seen substantial changes since their last iterations, with the iPad Air maintaining its design since 2020 and the base model since 2022.
Should You Wait to Upgrade?
For most users, it may not be worth delaying an upgrade for these new iPad models. While the M4 chip in the iPad Air is faster, the upgrade may not substantially impact everyday usage for the typical consumer. The base iPad’s new Apple Intelligence support could be appealing, depending on user preference.
Currently, excellent discounts are available for the existing generation of iPads and iPad Air models, ranging from $50 to $110 off. These deals could be a better option than waiting for the upcoming releases.
Conclusion
In summary, the anticipated updates for the iPad and iPad Air in 2026 appear to be underwhelming, with limited enhancements over previous models. For those in the market for an iPad, current-generation savings may be more worthwhile than waiting for new releases.
