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New iPad and iPad Air models should be launching soon, but don’t get too excited

Avatar for Michael Burkhardt  | Feb 8 2026 - 7:27 am PT
9 Comments

Apple has two new iPad models slated for early in the year: a new base iPad with A18 chip, and a new iPad Air with an M4 chip. While Apple product launches can often sound exciting, there might not be too much more to the story for these iPad models.

New chipsets, nothing else

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s new iPad will be gaining the A18 chip, up from the A16 chip. iPad Air, on the other hand, will be bumped from M3 to M4. For the base iPad, this means Apple Intelligence support for the first time, which might actually be valuable now that Apple Intelligence Siri is around the corner with iOS 26.4.

Besides that, there won’t be anything major. iPad Air has been rocking the same design since 2020, and iPad has since 2022. Despite that, there’s no redesign or groundbreaking improvement in sight. iPad Air won’t gain Face ID or ProMotion, and the base iPad won’t be gaining a laminated display – at least for now.

Other rumors have pointed at iPad and iPad Air gaining the N1 chip like other Apple products, which is probably a given.

Should you wait to upgrade?

For most people, I’d say these devices likely aren’t worth waiting for – especially iPad Air. M4 is a faster chipset, though it won’t make a meaningful difference for the vast majority of iPad usage. For the base iPad, whether or not you wait is mostly dependent on how much you value Apple Intelligence.

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In any case, if you’re interested in buying a current-generation iPad or iPad Air, there’s some great discounts right now, ranging from $50-110 off. I’d say those savings are worth not waiting, particularly on the iPad Air side of things.

All in all, the 2026 updates for iPad and iPad Air are incredibly lackluster – barring Apple Intelligence support on the base iPad.

My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:

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Author

Avatar for Michael Burkhardt Michael Burkhardt

Michael is a 9to5Mac Reporter, leading all of our Apple news coverage on weekends and reviewing the newest Apple products and accessories. He got started in the world of Apple news during the pandemic, and it became a growing hobby. He’s also an indie iOS developer, and started the weekly Indie App Spotlight series, which has covered hundreds of blooming new apps since it launched. In his free time, he enjoys shooting street photography around New York City on his Sony A7RV.

Michael Burkhardt's favorite gear

Anker 25K Compact Battery Bank

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AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

Despite a new version reportedly being around a corner, I still personally believe AirPods Pro 2 are a great deal. They're already equipped with USB-C, and continually gain new software features. With them consistently going on sale, it's a great purchase to make. Features like Adaptive Audio are incredible.