Apple’s 2026 iPad Lineup: A19 Chip and M4 Air Revealed

Next-Gen Power and Wireless Upgrades Arrive for iPad and Air

With the impressive M5 iPad Pro and M3 iPad Air still making waves in 2025, attention is already turning to what’s ahead for 2026. Now, newly uncovered internal Apple code offers the most detailed glimpse yet into the future iPad lineup. The evidence points to significant internal upgrades for Apple’s most popular models, signaling a leap forward in both performance and connectivity for the entry-level iPad and the iPad Air.

According to internal Apple code from an early pre-release build of iOS 26, recently reviewed by Macworld, two notable upgrades are on track for next year. The entry-level iPad is poised for a significant performance boost thanks to the A19 chip, while the iPad Air will receive both the M4 chip and Apple’s advanced N1 wireless technology. These shifts indicate Apple’s intent to future-proof its tablet lineup and unify key features across the ecosystem. Here’s what this exclusive look reveals about the direction of the 2026 iPad family.