Exciting News: iPad A18 Expected to Launch This Spring!

New Entry-Level iPad Expected This Spring 2026

Apple is set to release a new entry-level iPad model in the spring of 2026, following the launch of the iPad A16 in March 2025. According to the Japanese tech site Macotakara, this new device will feature the A18 chip, corroborating earlier reports by Mark Gurman. Despite some rumors suggesting the new iPad might leapfrog directly to the more recent A19 chip—December reports from MacWorld hinted at an iPad running on this chip within Apple’s code—the move to the A18 chip is now confirmed. This upgrade will see an increase in RAM from 6GB to 8GB, making it compatible with Apple Intelligence.

What to Expect in the Upcoming Update

The upcoming update is expected to be relatively minor with no significant changes in the design of the tablet. However, the inclusion of the N1 chip for managing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread network capabilities, as well as the C1 or C1X modem for cellular models, could enhance battery life.

Mark Gurman had already hinted last summer at a launch “around March or April” of 2026. It’s likely that Apple will introduce the iPad A18 alongside iPadOS 26.4, which is notable for featuring the new version of Siri powered by Google Gemini. This update is anticipated to be released in late March or early April. With the release date approaching, those not in a hurry to upgrade might find it worthwhile to wait for the new model. Alternatively, discounts on the iPad A16 are currently available through our price comparison tool, and the best daily deals can be found in our promotions section.