The 2026 iPad product line from Apple is no longer a secret, with upgrades for the entry-level, Air, and mini models, especially the entry-level model, which features the A18 chip and AI capabilities without a price increase. Netizens have already started to cheer, saying “the wait-and-see party has won big.”
Entry-Level iPad: Get the Same Chip as iPhone for 2999 Yuan
The 12th generation entry-level iPad has not undergone significant changes in appearance, still featuring an 11-inch full-screen display, with the side Touch ID button retained, and the thickness of the bezels and camera position remaining unchanged. However, the current color options of blue, pink, silver, and yellow will be replaced, likely with new colors that are more in line with the current trend of low-saturation color schemes, with some digital bloggers speculating that “there might be a Morandi green.”
The focus is all on the internals, as this time it directly uses the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16. The 3-nanometer process makes it faster and more energy-efficient, ensuring smooth performance for daily video streaming and document processing, and even light video editing is no problem. More importantly, the A18 chip supports Apple Intelligence features, finally bringing on-device AI to the entry-level iPad, providing more assistance for research and writing tasks.
To ensure smooth AI performance, the RAM has been upgraded from 6GB to 8GB, making it less likely to lag when multitasking. The networking capabilities have also been upgraded, with the introduction of Apple’s self-developed N1 chip, supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, allowing for faster speeds on the 6GHz frequency band with lower latency. The cellular version has switched to the self-developed C1 modem, which is more power-efficient than Qualcomm’s solution.
The most surprising aspect is the price; despite all these upgrades, the starting price remains at 2999 Yuan (128GB). Some netizens commented, “With this cost-performance ratio, Android tablets are going to feel a lot of pressure.” The release is scheduled for March-April 2026, coinciding with the launch of the iPad Air.
iPad Air: M4 Chip + Wi-Fi 7, Leading the Charge in the First Half of the Year
In the first half of 2026, Apple will first upgrade the iPad Air. The core upgrade is the switch to the M4 chip, which is 10%-20% faster than the current M3, providing sufficient performance for both drawing software and moderate gaming.
The networking configuration is also aligned with the iPad Pro, featuring the N1 network chip and C1X modem, enabling Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, with faster cellular network speeds. However, the screen upgrade will not happen so quickly; the OLED display will have to wait until after 2027, and it is still uncertain whether the refresh rate and brightness will change, likely maintaining the current standards.
Some users who frequently use the iPad for work said, “As long as the M4 chip is powerful enough and Wi-Fi 7 is stable, I can accept not having OLED, after all, the Air is positioned as a mid-to-high-end cost-performance model.”
iPad mini: OLED Display + A19 Pro, Small Screen Fans Finally Get What They Want
The 2026 iPad mini is a true major upgrade, with Gurman revealing that it will feature the A19 Pro chip, significantly outperforming the current entry-level model, providing a good experience for playing large games on a small screen.
Even more exciting is the display; it will be the second model after the iPad Pro to use an OLED screen. The OLED display offers more vibrant colors and higher contrast, making watching shows and reading comics a much better experience compared to the current LCD screen. Additionally, it will feature improved waterproof design, so accidental spills won’t be a cause for concern.
Small screen fans have been eagerly waiting, saying, “After waiting so long, the mini finally has OLED and a powerful chip, it’s convenient to carry and comfortable to use, I must get it!”
From the entry-level model’s “more for the same price” to the Air’s performance upgrades, and the mini’s screen improvements, Apple’s 2026 iPad strategy is clear: to capture users across different price segments. If you want cost-performance and AI features, wait for the entry-level model in the first half of the year; if you seek mid-to-high-end performance, look at the iPad Air; if you prefer a small screen with a great display, keep an eye on the mini.
According to Apple’s schedule, these new products will be launched successively in 2026. For now, think about which model best fits your needs, and you can make your purchase directly when the time comes.
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