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.
A Major Leap for the Entry-Level iPad
The most significant upgrade is coming to the standard, entry-level iPad. Historically, this model has relied on older A-series chips to keep pricing accessible—often at the expense of the latest software capabilities. That’s changing in 2026.
The Power of the A19 Chip
Internal code referencing the new models—J581 and J582—confirms that the 12th-generation iPad will feature the A19 chip. This is the same processor expected to launch with the iPhone 17 lineup, marking a strategic shift for Apple. By equipping its most affordable tablet with a cutting-edge chip, Apple is ensuring it can handle intensive workloads and, importantly, support the complete suite of Apple Intelligence features.
This upgrade marks a substantial leap in performance. Reports indicate the A19 is approximately 50 percent faster than the A16 chip found in the current 11th-generation iPad. Equally important, the A19 model gains more RAM—8GB compared to the previous 6GB—enabling smoother multitasking and supporting the complex, on-device processing required by AI features. By narrowing the gap with higher-tier models, the upgraded iPad becomes a more capable and durable choice for students, families, and everyday users alike.
New N1 Wireless Chip
In addition to the processor upgrade, the A19 iPad is expected to debut Apple’s custom N1 wireless chip. First introduced with the iPhone 17, the N1 is engineered to deliver faster wireless speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. This advancement means smoother streaming, more responsive gaming, and a better experience when using accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
While the design, display, and cameras are likely to stay the same, these internal upgrades make the next-generation iPad a far more compelling choice. The device evolves from being primarily a platform for content consumption to a powerful, future-ready tool equipped to handle the latest software innovations.
M4 Comes to the iPad Air
The iPad Air is also in line for a significant upgrade in 2026. Internal Apple code highlights four upcoming models—J707, J708, J737, and J738—all indicating a new generation of iPad Air powered by the M4 chip.
A Solid Performance Boost
While the shift from the M3 to the M4 chip isn’t as dramatic as the base model’s leap from A16 to A19, it still delivers a notable performance boost—especially for those upgrading from older iPads. The M4 chip brings enhanced CPU and GPU power, elevating the iPad Air’s capabilities for creative tasks, productivity, and gaming. By introducing the M4 to the Air, Apple is reinforcing its position as a strong, laptop-like option for users who want premium performance without the price tag of the iPad Pro.
N1 Chip Integration
Like the entry-level iPad, the upcoming M4 iPad Air is set to feature Apple’s N1 wireless chip. This upgrade promises noticeably faster and more stable connectivity, a crucial advantage for users who depend on the iPad Air for professional or creative work. Whether you’re downloading large files, joining video calls, or connecting to low-latency peripherals, the N1 chip is designed to streamline these workflows and elevate the user experience across the board.
For 2026, the iPad Air update is set to further cement its role in the lineup, focusing on meaningful internal improvements rather than external changes. With design and display elements expected to remain consistent, Apple is prioritizing enhanced performance and reliability under the hood, making the new iPad Air a more robust and future-ready option for users seeking a powerful yet accessible tablet.
What About the iPad Pro and Mini?
Interestingly, the leaked code does not reference new versions of the iPad Pro or iPad mini for 2026. Both of these models tend to follow a less predictable release cycle, so it’s possible that Apple may forgo updates for them next year. Still, because this information stems from an early iOS 26 build, Apple’s roadmap could change as development continues.
Taken together, these upgrades reveal a clear direction for Apple’s 2026 iPad strategy: elevate the entire lineup by closing the performance gap between models. With the powerful A19 chip coming to the standard iPad and the M4 chip enhancing the iPad Air, Apple is making advanced speed, intelligence, and seamless connectivity accessible to more users than ever. This unified approach not only strengthens the iPad ecosystem, but also paves the way for new app experiences and future innovation across all tiers.
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Great breakdown of the A19 and M4 upgrades coming to iPads. The most intersting part is Apple bringing cutting-edge chips to the entrey-level iPad, not just keeping them for Pro models. That 50% performance bump over A16 is gonna make the base iPad actually viable for Apple Intelligence stuff. What I'm curious aobut is whether the N1 wireless chip will meaningfully reduce latency for stylus input, cuz that could be a gamechanger for sketching apps.