Apple is preparing for early 2026 a a major overhaul of their most popular iPadsThis update focuses almost entirely on internal components. The basic iPad and iPad Air will be the main focus of this movement, featuring new processors and a dedicated connectivity chip designed to meet the evolving demands of artificial intelligence, advanced gaming, and productivity.
The plan is to maintain the current design, but with a clear leap in power and connectivityThe entry-level iPad will adopt the A19 chip, inherited from the upcoming iPhone 17 family, while the iPad Air will integrate the M4 processor, already present in recent iPad Pro models. These will be joined by the new N1 chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, designed to improve battery life and network stability without significantly increasing costs, something especially relevant in markets like Spain and the rest of Europe.
Basic iPad: from the A16 to the A19 and full access to Apple Intelligence
The eleventh generation iPad, widely used in European schools, homes and small businessesIt will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of this update. The jump from the current A16 Bionic to the new A19 is shaping up to be the most significant change in years for this model, with estimates pointing to more than a 50% improvement in CPU and GPU performance compared to the previous generation.
This performance boost will go beyond apps opening faster or animations being smoother. The A19 will incorporate a Neural Engine substantially more powerfuldesigned to run Apple Intelligence functions locally. This will allow you to enjoy a More contextual SiriAdvanced text writing and correction tools, as well as intelligent image generation and editing functions directly on the device, with less dependence on the cloud.
In real-world use, the entry-level model will evolve from a simple gateway to the Apple ecosystem to becoming a more capable tablet for study, leisure, and light productivityGames with more demanding graphics, simple video editing, working with several applications open, or intensive use of educational apps will clearly benefit from the new chip.
To maintain a competitive price, especially important in educational tenders in Spain, Apple will preserve the current formula: continuation chassisThe 60Hz LCD screen and camera setup remain largely unchanged. No significant innovations in materials or external design are expected, which helps keep manufacturing costs down and also maintains compatibility with many existing cases and accessories.
The other major new feature of the base iPad will be the inclusion of the internally developed N1 wireless chip. This component will manage Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. greater energy efficiency and improved stabilityThis should translate into longer usage times per charge, fewer interruptions in video calls, and a more robust experience in online classes, streaming, and online gaming.
iPad Air: The M4 strengthens the high-performance mid-range
The iPad Air will remain as The intermediate option for those who need more power without going for the iPad ProThe transition to the M4 processor, the same one already used in the latest Pro models, will reinforce its role as a tool for work, advanced study, and content creation.
Although the leap from the M3 family chips won't be as radical as the one the basic iPad will experience with the A19, improvements are expected. clear improvements in graphics performance, efficiency and multitaskingVideo editing, graphic design, 3D modeling, or photo retouching applications will benefit from the extra power, especially when combined with Stage Manager and the use of external monitors.
Apple will keep the 11-inch and 13-inch versions, both with 60Hz LCD panel and a design virtually identical to the current one. There will be no significant changes in materials, bezels, or camera placement, which guarantees compatibility with the Magic Keyboard, the Apple Pencil Pro, and most cases and covers already available on the market.
For those coming from iPads with A-series chips or early models with M1, the jump to the Air with M4 will be especially noticeable: Faster video exports, better response with the digital pen in drawing or annotation applications and less lag when working with several demanding apps simultaneously.
Like the entry-level model, the iPad Air will integrate the N1 chip, enabling a more consistent wireless performance across the entire iPad familyThis standardization of components will also facilitate future software functions that depend on very fine connectivity, such as real-time collaboration tools, low-latency cloud gaming, or more precise synchronization between devices in the ecosystem.
N1 chip: proprietary connectivity, Wi-Fi 7 and less dependence on third parties
The addition of the N1 to the basic iPad and iPad Air is part of a hardware verticalization strategy With this, Apple aims to reduce its reliance on external suppliers for key components. The new chip takes over the management of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, replacing third-party solutions the company has been using.
By directly controlling this component, Apple can fine-tune the integration with iPadOS and the rest of its software. The N1 is expected to contribute support for next-generation standards such as Wi-Fi 7which promise higher download speeds and lower latency, a particularly relevant point in European homes, offices and educational centers with already established fiber connections.
In everyday use, this should translate into faster app and content downloads, More stable high-resolution video streaming with fewer interruptions in group video calls, increasingly common in remote work and distance learning. All this, moreover, with more efficient energy consumption, which helps extend battery life without needing to increase its physical capacity.
This move fits into a broader roadmap that, in the medium term, could also extend to 5G mobile modems in models with cellular connectivity. The idea is to gradually replace external solutions with chips custom-designed to meet the needs of iOS, iPadOS and the European regulatory frameworkespecially in fields such as efficiency, privacy, and security.
For the end user, the combination of the A19 or M4 with the N1 should offer a more consistent experience in complex networks, such as Wi-Fi networks in universities, schools or public spaces, where congestion and interference often cause outages and loss of performance.
Apple Intelligence reaches more people: its impact on education and productivity
One of the main goals of this renewal is to extend the functions of Apple Intelligence to more affordable devices. With the A19 in the base iPad and the M4 in the Air, both models will be able to run many AI tasks directly on the hardware itselfwithout relying so much on external servers.
Among the planned capabilities are a more proactive version of Siri, tools capable of drafting and correcting texts, generating document summaries, reorganize notes, create outlines, and offer smart suggestions based on the context of use.
Running these functions locally not only speeds up the response, but also It strengthens privacy and control over data.This is an aspect that is particularly monitored by European Union regulations. Less information needs to leave the device to be processed in the cloud, which is relevant in sensitive educational, healthcare, or professional environments.
In schools and colleges, the basic iPad with A19 could become established as a much more comprehensive study support toolIt will be possible to generate outlines from notes, simplify dense texts, reformulate complex explanations, or create supporting visual material without having to resort to third-party services, which facilitates management in centers with strict data protection policies.
In a professional setting, the iPad Air with M4 will offer room for combine multiple productivity apps with AI assistantscreating reports from spreadsheets, preparing presentations with automatically summarized content, or filtering large volumes of emails and documents more efficiently.
Games, leisure and work: this is how the daily experience changes
In addition to artificial intelligence, the extra power of the new processors will have a direct impact on entertainment. The A19 is designed with support for advanced graphics technologies such as hardware-accelerated ray tracingThis will place the basic iPad in a particularly competitive position within the affordable tablet segment.
Users will be able to enjoy games with near-console-quality visuals on a relatively inexpensive device, something attractive in many European households where The basic iPad is often the first personal device for teenagers and students.The improvements in wireless connectivity thanks to the N1 will also benefit online gaming and the use of video game streaming platforms.
In the area of ​​productivity, the new chips will allow handling large documents, complex spreadsheets, and presentations with abundant graphic content with less waiting and fewer unexpected shutdowns. In the case of the iPad Air, the enhanced support for Stage Manager will make it more realistic to use the tablet as a lightweight alternative to a laptop, especially when combined with a keyboard, trackpad, and external monitor.
For content creators, the Air with M4 will offer a Remarkable performance in RAW photo editing, 4K video, and even 3D projectswhile the basic iPad can serve as a reasonable entry point for those who want to try these tasks without intending intensive professional use.
In multimedia consumption, the combination of more efficient processors and optimized network management should translate into a More stable playback of series, movies and live showsreducing stuttering and sudden drops in quality. AI tools will also be able to refine content recommendations and facilitate device control through voice and natural language.
Continuity of design, compatible accessories, and a focus on price
Where no major surprises are expected is in the aesthetic department. Apple will maintain the design, materials, and overall dimensions both the basic iPad and the iPad Air, opting for continuity that simplifies the transition for users who already have a recent model.
This decision has a clear practical effect: those who update will be able to continue using cases, keyboards, and digital pens that they already ownwithout needing to reinvest in accessories. In a context where many buyers in Spain and Europe are tightening their budgets to the maximum, this point can be decisive when making the leap to the new generation.
The maintenance of the 60Hz LCD panel in both models also responds to a cost containment and segmentation strategyThe most advanced display technologies, such as OLED or higher refresh rates, will remain reserved for the Pro range, while the basic iPad and Air will focus on offering good overall performance at more affordable prices.
Industry analysts predict that Apple will maintain price ranges very similar to those currently in the European marketWith the basic iPad as the entry point to the ecosystem and the Air as an intermediate option for those who need more performance, this stability makes it easier for institutions, families, and professionals to plan upgrades without any worries.
Meanwhile, no major changes are expected for the iPad Pro during 2026 following its latest update with M4 chips and next-generation displays, while the The future of the iPad mini remains surrounded by some uncertainty., with rumors of a possible revision later on that would be outside of this cycle focused on A19 and M4.
Planned schedule and scenario in Spain and Europe
Everything points to Apple continuing its The usual pattern is to announce new iPads in the first part of the yearLeaks suggest the presentation of the A19 and M4 models will take place in the first quarter of 2026, probably in spring, through press releases and web updates, rather than a large, specific event.
The arrival in European stores would follow the pattern of previous years, a few weeks after the official announcementAvailable from the start in major markets across the continent, including Spain. If price stability is confirmed, the basic iPad will strengthen its appeal for educational digitization programs and digital classroom projects promoted by public administrations.
The iPad Air, meanwhile, will solidify its role as A versatile tool for university students, mobile professionals, and teleworkersby offering a reasonable balance between power, battery life and portability, especially when used with a keyboard, trackpad and external monitor.
With this refresh focused on the A19, M4, and N1 chips, Apple positions the basic iPad and iPad Air as key pieces of a range designed for a scenario where artificial intelligence and advanced connectivity will be the normMaintaining a consistent design and affordable prices to remain competitive in Spain and the rest of Europe.
