Fresh details about Apple’s upcoming 2026 iPad lineup have surfaced online, revealing significant upgrades planned for both the entry-level iPad and the next-generation iPad Air.
According to a new report, Apple may soon introduce a refreshed base iPad powered by the latest A-series processor, along with an M4-equipped iPad Air aimed at delivering higher performance.
The information reportedly comes from an internal Apple code document linked to a pre-release build of iOS 26, obtained by MacWorld. The leaked document outlines multiple unreleased iPad models, shedding light on Apple’s plans for the next year.
The entry-level iPad, carrying the codenames J581 and J582, is said to run on the powerful A19 chip—the same processor powering the iPhone 17 series. If accurate, this would mark a major leap forward for Apple’s most affordable iPad. The current 11th-generation iPad still uses the older A16 chip from the iPhone 14 lineup, making this upgrade particularly noteworthy.
Alongside the new processor, the 2026 base iPad is also rumored to include Apple’s new N1 wireless chip, first introduced in the iPhone 17. This chip promises improved wireless performance, better connectivity, and enhanced efficiency. Aside from the internal upgrades, the new iPad is expected to maintain the same design and display features as the 11th-gen model.
The leaked document also references a new iPad Air featuring Apple’s advanced M4 chipset and the N1 wireless chip. This model appears under the codenames J707, J708, J737, and J738. While the chip upgrade represents a big step in performance, the report indicates no major design or display changes compared to the current iPad Air 2025.
According to the source, both the A19-powered iPad 12 and the M4-equipped iPad Air could be announced early next year. However, a precise launch window has not yet been confirmed.
If these leaks hold true, Apple’s 2026 iPad lineup may offer one of the most substantial generational upgrades in recent years, bringing flagship-level power to even the most budget-friendly models.