Highlights
- Apple is set to launch iPad 12 with the A18 chip and iPad Air 8 with the M4 chip.
- A18 chip brings Apple Intelligence features to the entry-level iPad for the first time, expanding AI-powered tools.
- The iPad mini may get an OLED display for improved visuals.
Apple is reportedly preparing to refresh its iPad lineup with the iPad 12 and iPad Air 8 expected to launch soon. Here’s what we are getting from the latest rumours.
iPad 12 and iPad Air 8 Launch Tipped
According to a new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the upcoming iPads will prioritise performance upgrades over major design changes, which means users should expect faster processors but largely familiar hardware.
As per the report, the next-generation entry-level iPad will be powered by Apple’s A18 chipset, while the iPad Air 8 is expected to feature the more powerful M4 chip. Gurman notes that customers hoping for a visual redesign may be left disappointed, as Apple is likely to keep the overall design unchanged compared to last year’s models.
“Updated iPads are also coming soon, including a refreshed entry-level model and iPad Airs. For those holding out for design changes, though, prepare to be disappointed: There’s little new coming to the iPad family this year other than faster processors,” reports Bloomberg.
Apple Intelligence On Base iPad
Apple’s move to bring the A18 chip to the entry-level iPad is particularly significant, as it enables support for Apple Intelligence. This would mark the first time a base iPad gains access to Apple Intelligence tools, a development Apple is expected to heavily highlight in its marketing strategy.
While the iPad 12 and iPad Air 8 are set to focus mainly on performance improvements, the iPad mini is reportedly in line for a more substantial upgrade.
According to the report, Apple is planning to introduce an OLED display on the iPad mini. This upgrade is expected to deliver better contrast, improved colour accuracy, and enhanced overall visual quality. All this will potentially making the iPad mini the most notable hardware update in Apple’s tablet lineup this year.
Apple’s iPad business has also shown signs of renewed growth. During the recent holiday quarter, iPad revenue reportedly increased by 6 percent year over year, beating Wall Street expectations. The entry-level iPad played a key role in this growth, and Apple is now said to be pushing it more aggressively toward enterprise customers.
With the upcoming refresh, Apple is expected to build on this momentum by combining competitive pricing with improved performance and AI-driven capabilities across its iPad range.
FAQs
Q1. What chips will power the new iPad 12 and iPad Air 8?
Answer. The entry-level iPad 12 will use Apple’s A18 chip, while the iPad Air 8 will feature the more powerful M4 chip, focusing on performance upgrades.
Q2. Will the new iPads have major design changes?
Answer. No, Apple is expected to keep the overall design largely unchanged compared to last year’s models, prioritizing faster processors instead.
Q3. What is the most notable upgrade in the iPad lineup this year?
Answer. The iPad mini is tipped to gain an OLED display, offering better contrast, colour accuracy, and visual quality.