The New iPad is Coming: Here’s When It Arrives and What to Expect

Apple recently updated its iPad lineup with the launch of the new iPad Air featuring the M4 chip. However, the basic model, simply known as the iPad, is still missing from the lineup. The 12th generation is on the way, which is expected to provide a significant quality leap for the tablet.

For those considering purchasing the model, it might be better to wait a bit longer. The upcoming features should be enough to justify the wait, and the new iPad may have everything needed to allow Apple to strengthen its presence in the already-dominated tablet market by the Cupertino company.

A New iPad in 2026

The new iPad is expected to arrive in the second half of 2026. Confirmation came from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who revealed Apple’s plans. The upcoming model is anticipated to be a refresh of the current iPad, with one main new feature. The tablet should transition from the A16 chip to the A18 chip, utilizing a new chip capable of delivering superior performance and supporting Apple Intelligence features.

This aspect should also entail an increase in RAM. We can also hypothesize the discontinuation of the 128GB memory option. The lineup will, as always, come in several color options.

The combination of all these elements should justify the wait and could encourage several users to upgrade. The future iPad is also well-positioned to compete with the iPad Air, at least in terms of quality-to-price ratio. A price increase might also be possible.