But the action won't stop there – early 2026 is shaping up to be busy too, with the next iPhone 17e and new iPads expected in the spring.
Yep, according to a new report, the upcoming entry-level iPads (code-named J581 and J582) and new iPad Air models (J707, J708, J737, and J738) will arrive just one year after the current versions dropped last March.
Apple is expected to replace the current $349 entry iPad 11th gen (aka iPad A16) sometime around March or April. The new model, probably called the iPad 12th gen (2026), will look a lot like what is out now but pack a faster chip. Since the current version runs on the A16, the new one will likely get the A17 – the same chip powering the iPhone 15 series.
The next-gen entry-level iPad will probably look the same as the current generation, shown here. | Image credit – PhoneArena
And if you are after a solid base iPad for studying, for your kid or just for browsing, entertainment and light work, this new model should be more than enough. I've been using the current one, and honestly, it is a great all-around companion that handles day-to-day tasks without me worrying about babying it.
But for those who need more muscle, the iPad Air models are due for an upgrade from the M3 chip to the M4, too. Otherwise, they won't change much. These are further along in development and are expected to launch around the same time as the new entry-level iPads.
On the higher end, the iPad Pro is due for an upgrade to the M5 chip as early as October. But if you need one sooner, the iPad Pro M4 (2024) is more than a fantastic choice and it's only about a year (+2 months) old.
What are you most excited about with Apple's upcoming iPads?
The new entry-level iPad with a faster A17 chip.
20%
The iPad Air upgrade to the M4 chip.
0%
iPad Pro's rumored M5 chip update.
20%
iPadOS 26 and the new Stage Manager 2 multitasking features.
25%
I'm just waiting to see if these upgrades are worth it.
35%
Now, while Apple is clearly stacking up a lot of new iPad models for next year – with better chips and only minor design tweaks – I think the real excitement might actually come from the software side: the rollout of iPadOS 26.
Because let's be real, no matter how powerful the hardware is, iPad's software has always been the real limiter. iPadOS 26 aims to change that, at least a bit, with a fresh window management system called Stage Manager 2.
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This new system brings a menu bar that pops up when you connect a keyboard, making your iPad feel way more like a Mac. You'll be able to resize windows, move them anywhere on the screen and open multiple windows at once. Plus, it remembers the size and position you left your apps in, so everything opens just the way you like it.
Stage Manager 2 lets you group windows into separate "stages," and it works smoothly with external displays. On top of that, Background Tasks will get highlighted with Live Activities, giving you better control and visibility over what's running.
And with the OS finally getting more useful, the next iPad launch could be even more exciting. We might actually start seriously debating whether to grab a MacBook or an iPad.
Until now, iPads just couldn't match what Macs can do, but thanks to these software improvements – and Apple loading the latest, most powerful chips into the iPads – some users might find the iPad is actually the smarter choice.
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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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