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What’s Next for Apple’s iPad Lineup

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Apple refreshed a few of its iPad models earlier this year, but we aren't done yet. There are still new iPads rumored to be coming later in 2025, plus we're already hearing details on 2026 iPad launches.


iPad Pro

Rumors suggest that Apple will update the iPad Pro models before the end of the year, introducing the faster M5 chip in the device. No notable design changes are coming because last year's update brought an overhauled look, but there are a couple new features planned.

The iPad Pro looks like it will be the first to get the M5 chip, which is built on an updated 3-nanometer process. We can expect modest performance and efficiency improvements.

There will be 11-inch and 13-inch size options, and the 2025 models will use OLED display technology much like the M4 models. Apple is rumored to be planning for two front-facing cameras, with one located at the top of the device and one located at the side. With this change, the iPad will be in the correct orientation for video calls regardless of whether it is positioned in landscape or portrait mode.

The M5 iPad could debut in either October or November, coming about a month after Apple releases new iPhone 17 models.

iPad Air

There's a new iPad Air in the works, and it could come in 2026, but there's no guarantee. We don't know much about the next-generation iPad Air, but there's a possibility that it will feature a display with a 90Hz refresh rate, up from 60Hz.

With the 2026 refresh, the iPad Air could be updated with an OLED display, but it's not yet clear if that's something Apple plans to debut next year or if we will be waiting until 2027.

The M3 iPad Air came out in March 2025, so we are unlikely to see a new model before March 2026.

Low-Cost iPad

There's a new low-cost iPad in development, and it will have an updated A18 chip. With the A18, the iPad will support Apple Intelligence features that are not available on the current model.

Rumors suggest the low-cost iPad will debut in early 2026, perhaps at a spring event.
iPad mini

Apple is working on an iPad mini 8 that could come out as soon as 2026. Leaked Apple code suggests that it will use the same A19 Pro chip that Apple plans to use in the iPhone 17 Pro models.

The A19 Pro will be built on an updated 3-nanometer process, so it will feature performance and efficiency improvements.

Apple is developing an iPad mini that uses OLED display technology, but it is not clear if the OLED display will be in the iPad mini 8 or a future iPad mini that's not coming until 2027. When the iPad mini does get an OLED display, it could feature an upgraded 8.7 inch display size instead of an 8.3 inch display.

Article Link: What’s Next for Apple’s iPad Lineup
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/22/apple-ipad-lineup-whats-next/
Apple could twist my arm with the current iPad being closed out to make room for the next one, with a cost between $250 and $300.
I seem to recall Amazon had the iPad 10 for $250.
The iPad 11 sells for $300 occasionally.
Apple never discounts anything, right?
Steve Jobs said no.
 
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iPad Mini OLED baby!

Do it Timothy!

OH YEAH, BABY!.gif
 
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segfaultdotorg said:
Yup. Apple needs to release an Android tablet to remain competitive.
Click to expand...

Just use a phone, since even in 2025 Android developers are still too lazy to optimize for tablets and usually just make universal Apps.

Android is a joke compared to The App Store for tablet optimized Apps. Google has tried numerous “initiatives” over the years to improve the situation but not much ever changes.

Does anyone remember when the Google Play Store had a section specifically for tablet optimized Apps? There were so few Apps listed they killed it because all it did was highlight just how few Apps were available.
 
RaoulCapano said:
I’ve got an M3 Air, there’s no point in putting an M4 or 5 in the next one because the OS can’t even push the hardware in it. Until they put some touch version of macOS on these iPads I see no point in upgrading.
Click to expand...

My daughter, who does drawing and animation, would disagree. She stresses her iPad to the limit regularly.
 
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I hope iPadOS 27 restores Split View and slide over, even if you have to turn windowed apps off to get it. I understand this would reintroduce some complexity but I still want it.
 
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RaoulCapano said:
I’ve got an M3 Air, there’s no point in putting an M4 or 5 in the next one because the OS can’t even push the hardware in it. Until they put some touch version of macOS on these iPads I see no point in upgrading.
Click to expand...
They will eventually stop supporting the OS and you'll have to either forego security patches or buy a new one. Or they'll just make the old ones unusable like they did with the last supported Intel Macs.
 
So is the low-cost iPad in this rumour, a completely new model in the lineup slotted below the current ‘regular’ iPad (11th gen)? Or is it replacing it?
 
Dylan33x said:
They really, really need to upgrade the iPad mini display in the next refresh. Pushing it to 2027 would be a mistake.

8.7inches is getting a little too large for the many, but that’s probably my personal preference.
Click to expand...
I don't see why Apple would do a processor bump and THEN the very next year upgrade the display. The iPad mini doesn't get updated that often. Getting no display upgrade 2 updates in a row feels a bit ridiculous even for Apple.

And agreed. A slightly larger but still "mini" iPad would be my preference too.
 
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