The next iPad model updates are apparently already on the horizon. New devices are expected to "become available soon," and this time it's less about a new look and more about updated chips. A 12th-generation iPad and an 8th-generation iPad Air are rumored. Furthermore, there's renewed evidence suggesting that the iPad mini will receive the significantly larger upgrade this year.
The information comes from Mark Gurman's "Power On" newsletter (Bloomberg). Gurman writes that Apple is planning updated iPad models soon. A new entry-level iPad and a new iPad Air are expected. According to the report, no design changes or significant improvements are anticipated for either device. The focus is clearly on new processors.
iPad 12: Focus on A18 instead of new design
Gurman mentions the A18 chip for the 12th generation iPad. No major external changes are expected, nor are any "significant improvements." The most important aspect, therefore, is the internal components.
The chip upgrade is particularly relevant for the iPad, according to the report, because it enables something that has been missing until now: Apple Intelligence will be supported directly on the device for the first time. This is a remarkable step, because Apple only introduced the 11th generation iPad in March 2025 – with the A16 chip, which does not support Apple Intelligence. And that's despite the fact that the technology was already "widely adopted" in other Apple devices at that time. With the A18, the entry-level iPad would close this gap.
iPad Air 8: M4 chip, otherwise few surprises
According to Gurman, no major redesign is planned for the iPad Air either. The 8th generation iPad Air will "apparently" receive the M4 chip. Design changes or significant feature upgrades are not expected; the focus here, too, is on the chip update. Ultimately, this sounds like a rather subtle refresh, where performance and platform capabilities are more important than visible innovations.
iPad mini as an exception: a major upgrade with OLED
One device stands out in the report. The iPad mini is said to be the only new iPad to receive a major upgrade this year. The most notable change mentioned is a switch to an OLED display. While the iPad 12 and iPad Air 8 appear to be more like "chip updates," the iPad mini is expected to receive the most significant change in the iPad lineup.
Why Apple is now placing particular importance on the entry-level iPad
Another point from Gurman's report concerns the market: The iPad achieved strong sales figures during the holidays, primarily due to the entry-level model. Apple apparently intends to capitalize on this momentum. According to the report, the new model will be heavily marketed to enterprise customers. In this context, the focus on chips and Apple's intelligence capabilities makes sense: For businesses, device performance, long lifespan, and modern platform features often matter more than a new casing.
iPad 12 and iPad Air 8: Evolution rather than major upheaval
In summary, the information paints a clear picture. The iPad 12 and iPad Air 8 are expected to arrive soon, without a major redesign or significant feature leaps, but with new processors (A18 in the iPad 12, M4 in the iPad Air 8). The chip change is particularly significant for the iPad 12 because it will enable Apple Intelligence on the entry-level iPad for the first time – a feature the iPad 11 (March 2025) lacked with its A16 chip. At the same time, the iPad mini is expected to be the exception, switching to OLED and thus receiving the biggest upgrade within the iPad family this year. Apple is apparently banking on strong entry-level sales and also intends to position the new iPad more firmly in the enterprise market. (Image: Shutterstock / Gabo_Arts)
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