In summary:
- Macworld reports that leaked Apple code reveals a new entry-level iPad with A19 chip and iPad Air with M4 chip coming in 2026.
- Both devices will feature Apple’s custom N1 wireless chip for enhanced performance, with the A19 offering 50% faster speeds than A16.
- The upgraded iPads will support Apple Intelligence features while maintaining similar designs to current models, representing significant internal improvements.
Apple recently introduced a new iPad Pro with the M5 chip, and we also got the M3 iPad Air along with the A16 iPad earlier this year. With 2026 just around the corner, there are already rumors about what to expect for the iPad lineup next year—and Macworld now has strong evidence of what’s coming.
An internal Apple code document seen by Macworld has revealed the company’s plans for the 2026 iPad lineup, which includes an updated entry-level iPad with an A19 chip and an iPad Air with a faster chip.
A19 iPad
The entry-level iPad model is expected to receive a significant spec bump. According to legitimate Apple code for an internal pre-release build of iOS 26 seen by Macworld, there’s a new version of this iPad under the codenames J581 and J582 that will be powered by the A19 chip, the same processor inside the current iPhone 17.
The 11th-generation iPad has an A16 chip, which is plenty powerful for everyday tasks, but notably lacks support for Apple Intelligence. The A19 chip is about 50 percent faster than the A16, and also has more RAM (8GB vs. 6GB), which makes it better for multitasking and AI-based features. This will bring the iPad closer to the premium models and future-proof it for upcoming Apple Intelligence features.
The new entry-level iPad model is also expected to feature Apple’s N1 wireless chip, introduced with the iPhone 17 lineup. In terms of design, display, and cameras, everything will likely remain the same.
Apple
M4 iPad Air
Another spec bump confirmed by Apple’s internal code is a new generation of iPad Air powered by the M4 chip. The jump from M3 to M4 isn’t a big one, but those who own older iPads will certainly appreciate the performance bump.
Under the codenames J707, J708, J737, and J738, the new iPad Air likely won’t have any major design changes and is expected to keep the same display and camera specs as the current generation.
Just like the new entry-level iPad, the M4 iPad Air will also feature Apple’s custom N1 wireless chip for better performance and lower latency.
What about the other iPads?
While Apple is likely also working on new versions of the iPad Pro and iPad mini, there’s no mention of them in this piece of internal code seen by Macworld. Those models are on a more sporadic release schedule than the iPad and iPad Air, so it’s possible Apple’s skips a 2026 release. However, the code comes from an early build of iOS 26, so Apple’s plans may have changed.
According to our source, both the A19 iPad and the M4 iPad Air are set to launch sometime next year.
Author: Filipe Esposito, Contributor
Filipe Espósito is a Brazilian journalist who has been covering tech for over 10 years, and has become known for publishing exclusive reports on Apple's plans – such as the launch of the first titanium Apple Watch. He has worked for 9to5Mac and also co-hosts the tech podcast “A Fonte” in Brazil.