Skip to main content

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
2 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.

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:

Follow Michael: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram

Add 9to5Mac as a preferred source on Google Add 9to5Mac as a preferred source on Google

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

Comments

Guides

iPad

iPad

Apple's tablet debuted in 2010. Since the origin…
iPad Air

iPad Air

Author

Avatar for Michael Burkhardt Michael Burkhardt

Michael is 9to5Mac’s Weekend Editor, keeping up with all of the latest Apple news on Saturday and Sunday. 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 in his free time, and has published numerous apps over the years.

Michael Burkhardt's favorite gear

Anker 25K Compact Battery Bank

Featuring two built in cables, a built in display, multiple ports, a 25,000mAh capacity, and up to 100W of output - this is one of the best battery banks for recharging your entire Apple ecosystem on the go.

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.