Apple is gearing up to refresh its iPad lineup in the first half of next year, with three distinct models reportedly in development: a revamped iPad Air, an upgraded base iPad, and a new iPad Pro. These updates follow the recent release of the redesigned iPad mini featuring an OLED display.
iPad Air
The forthcoming iPad Air is poised to upgrade its display technology, transitioning to OLED panels. Despite the display boost, Apple is expected to retain a 60Hz refresh rate and preserve Touch ID rather than adopting Face ID. Internally, the Air may make the leap from the M4 chip to the newer M5. Pricing is speculated to increase, with estimates placing the base 11-inch model between $799 and $899—marking one of the first significant Air refreshes since 2020.
Base iPad
The entry-level iPad will finally see its first update since early 2025. It’s set to receive a substantial tech upgrade: the A19 chip and 8GB of RAM, which should unlock support for Apple Intelligence—even on Apple’s most affordable tablet. Networking enhancements are expected too, including the addition of an N1 chip and a C1X modem. Design and display are likely to remain unchanged, though refreshed color options may arrive.
iPad Pro
The high-end iPad Pro is forecasted to include a vapor chamber for improved cooling, following the iPhone 17 Pro’s similar move. Beyond thermal improvements, it will gain a next-generation chip—possibly the M6 or even M7. Otherwise, the design will likely stay familiar. Pricing is steady: $1199 for the 11-inch model and $1499 for the 13-inch.
Apple has already pushed OLED into the iPad mini, and next year’s road map appears to accelerate that shift across more models. Each device—though varying in upgrades—seems targeted at a specific position in the product stack.
Why this matters: OLED screens offer better contrast, color reproduction, and power efficiency. Introducing them into both the Air and mini further differentiates those models from the base iPad. Meanwhile, chip upgrades and thermals in the base iPad and Pro show Apple preparing both performance and AI-related functionality. What to watch: whether the base iPad’s price climbs, how much the Pro’s cooling system improves sustained performance, and whether Touch ID stays put in the Air. Investors and buyers alike will want to see if these changes make the next generation truly compelling.
