Apple is moving quickly in 2026, introducing new products like Macs with the M5 chip, an upgraded iPad Air, and the AirPods Max 2. The company is now gearing up to release a new “basic” iPad with the A18 chip, expected to be unveiled by the end of May along with iOS 26.4.
The new chip will be the primary focus.
It’s recommended to temper your expectations if you’re anticipating a new iPad. The standout feature is likely to be the A18 chip, an upgrade from the current A16 chip, promising significant performance improvements, particularly for demanding tasks and daily usage.
The new processor needs to support Apple Intelligence, which the current model does not. This means that Apple’s least expensive iPad will be able to access the company’s new artificial intelligence features.
Everything points to the rest of the iPad staying mostly the same, including the design, screen, and overall features, following the new chip. This is a common update pattern for Apple’s more basic models in the product line.
Rumors suggest that the release is imminent, although no specific date has been mentioned.
Please provide the text you would like me to paraphrase.
