Fresh details about Apple’s 2026 iPad lineup have leaked, hinting at one of the biggest performance boosts the entry-level model has seen in years. According to an internal document spotted in a pre-release iOS 26 build and cited by MacWorld, Apple is preparing two new iPad variants with notable hardware upgrades.
The report says Apple is developing a new base iPad — codenamed J581 and J582 — powered by the A19 chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 17 series. That would be a major step up from the current 11th-gen iPad, which still runs on the older A16 chip. If Apple moves ahead with the A19, the entry-level iPad could offer performance approaching mid-tier models, improving gaming, multitasking, and long-term software support.
The leaked document also points to the inclusion of Apple’s new N1 wireless chip, first introduced with the iPhone 17 lineup. The N1 brings Wi-Fi 7 upgrades, better power efficiency, and support for Bluetooth 6 and Thread for smart home connectivity. While the exterior design and display are expected to remain familiar, the internals suggest Apple is focusing on boosting speed and connectivity rather than aesthetics.
Apple is also said to be preparing an updated iPad Air range, referenced by the codenames J707, J708, J737, and J738. These models are expected to run on the M4 chip alongside the N1 wireless system — a significant leap from the current M3-powered iPad Air released in March. Other aspects of the Air, including design and display, are likely to remain unchanged.
Both the A19 iPad and the M4 iPad Air are rumoured to debut early next year, possibly in March.
The 2026 lineup, especially the entry-level iPad, appears focused on delivering stronger performance at a potentially familiar price point. If Apple maintains the current starting price of ₹34,900 in India, the A19-powered iPad could offer much better value, strengthening Apple’s position in a market dominated by budget-friendly devices from Samsung, Lenovo, and Xiaomi.
For users wanting more power, the upcoming M4 iPad Air could be the more appealing choice. But for those already using the M3 model, it may be sensible to wait and see how significant the real-world improvements turn out to be before upgrading.
