Apple announces AI-fueled WWDC26 to kick off June 8
Macworld Apple has announced that its annual Worldwide Developers Conference will be hosted online beginning June 8. As usual, it will start with a big keynote presentation on Monday morning, which developers and students can gather to watch at Apple Park. Apple’s official announcement of the event does not divulge any specific details, merely describing the event as a showcase for “incredible updates for Apple platforms, including AI advancements and exciting new software and developer tools.” It’s worth noting that this is the first WWDC preview annoucnement that has featured the term “AI,” so we expect Apple Intelligence to play a prominent role in the announcements. The weeklong event will kick off on Monday morning with a keynote, followed by “Platforms State of the Union,” the same schedule Apple has followed for the past several years. We expect the keynote to be a prerecorded affair, as it has for years now, with developers and students at Apple Park simply watching the livestream along with others, with an opportunity to meet “Apple engineers and designers, take part in special labs and activities, and connect with the worldwide developer community.” At this year’s WWDC, we expect Apple to unveil the 2027 updates to its operating systems, including iOS 27, macOS 27, iPadOS 27, and watchOS 27. After now years of missed targets and shifting priorities, an all-new Siri with chatbot capabilities and competitive performance is expected to be a big part of these updates. Originally slated to arrive in fall 2024, Apple has delayed the rollout several times as it struggles to get the next-gen chatbot working properly. Other AI tools and features are another big part of them. But beyond that, this has been rumored to be a “maintenance cycle” of sorts similar to Mac OS X Snow Leopard, which focused on cleaning up code, fixing bugs, and making everything run faster and more efficiently in lieu of flashy new features. Apple has enough products to release this year that we might get a few hardware releases at WWDC as well. Top candidates include the M5 Mac mini and iMac, the M5 Ultra Mac Studio, and the 12th-gen iPad with Apple Intelligence support. The big keynote presentation will be streamed on Apple.com, the Apple TV app, and YouTube at 10 a.m. PY on June 8.

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WWDC 2026 guide: Date, time, how to watch and new product rumors
Macworld WWDC is Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, an annual event where the company sets its software agenda for the coming year. It is considered the most important date on Apple’s calendar for developers and enthusiasts alike. WWDC will start with a keynote in which Apple will unveil major updates to operating systems including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. We may also see the company launch new Mac hardware. Apple has confirmed the date when WWDC will begin, as we expected, it will start on Monday June 8, 2026. Apple reliably holds WWDC in the second week of June. WWDC will start with a keynote that will be live streamed from 10 a.m. PT. For developers it’s the start of a summer-long process to get up to speed with new developments. For users, it’s a preview of the stuff they’re going to be using in the fall and throughout the next year. In this article, we discuss how to watch WWDC 2026 and the major announcements (and some of the less exciting, but equally important, ones) you can expect to hear about. Some of these announcements – updates to the five big Apple operating systems, most obviously – are as predictable as the timing of the event. But we reckon Apple will spring a few surprises this year. What to expect from WWDC 2026 Apple’s WWDC keynote will begin at 10am PT on Monday, June 8, 2026. The event will likely be streamed live on Apple’s website. Expected announcements include iOS 27 and macOS 27, new AI-related features, and potential Mac hardware updates. When is WWDC 2026 and when will the keynote start? The invite to 2025’s WWDC.Apple WWDC: June 8 to June 12, 2026 WWDC Keynote: Monday June 8 at 10am PT Apple has announced the specific dates for WWDC 2026. As we predicted, the WWDC event will run from June 8 to 12. The keynote is likely to take place on Monday June 8. Apple usually confirms the date for WWDC around the end of March when it allows developers to enter a lottery and apply for a ticket to attend the keynote. Those who qualify have until the beginning of April to apply for tickets. We explain how current Apple Developer Program members, Apple Developer Enterprise Program members and Swift Student Challenge winners are able to apply for free tickets below. The keynote is likely to start at the usual time of 10am Pacific Time. If you are wondering what time will the WWDC keynote start where you are, use this as a quick reference: U.S.: 10 a.m. (PDT), 11 a.m. (MDT), 12 p.m. (CDT), 1 p.m. (EDT) Canada: 2 p.m. (ADT) U.K.: 6 p.m. (BST) Europe: 7 p.m. (CEST) India: 10:30 p.m. (IST) Singapore and China: 1 a.m. the next day (SGT/CST) Japan: 2 a.m. the next day (JST) Australia: 1 a.m. the next day (AWST), 2:30 a.m. the next day (ACST), 3 a.m. the next day (AEST) New Zealand: 5 a.m. the next day (NZST) How to watch WWDC 2026 You can watch the WWDC keynote live on your screen.Foundry When WWDC starts Apple will live stream the opening keynote on its website and elsewhere, including on YouTube and on the Apple TV app. This means you’ll be able to watch the presentation on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and even PC. Prior to the event, we will embed Apple’s live YouTube stream at the top of this article. We will also run a live blog so you can read our blow-by-blow account of what happens, including our expert opinions. There are several ways to watch the WWDC keynote depending on your device: Apple.com: Watch on Apple’s own website. Apple TV App: Use TV app on a compatible TV, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, or Mac. YouTube: Watch on Apple’s YouTube channel. Other platforms: Access the stream using recent versions of Chrome or Firefox (MSE, H.264, and AAC required). To watch, visit the Apple Events page. Apple Developer App and Website: For those interested in the more technical “Platforms State of the Union” or specific developer sessions, these are hosted on the Apple Developer website and within the Apple Developer app. Biggest WWDC rumors: At a glance OS updates: WWDC is expected to be the primary stage for the next generation of operating systems, including iOS 27 and macOS 27. Siri 2.0/Chatbot Evolution: Siri is expected to finally evolve into a full-fledged chatbot with on-screen awareness and personal context understanding. What will Apple announce at WWDC 2026? While developers are at the heart of WWDC, Apple uses the event to showcase its broader software roadmap and, at times, unveil new Macs and other products. In past years, we’ve seen a wide range of announcements, including major Mac updates. Here’s what we expect Apple to reveal at this year’s event, from software and hardware to the possibility of entirely new products. Which software updates are expected at WWDC 2026? Apple WWDC is all about the software, so we can be certain that Apple will reveal details of its upcoming operating system updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, HomePod, and Apple Watch. Those updates will then be issued to developers as a beta to test, and then a few weeks later a public beta will start. Learn about participating in Apple’s beta software program so you can test the new software as soon as the beta arrives. Eventually, the new software will be available for everyone to download in the fall (usually September for iOS/iPadOS/watchOS and either September or October for macOS. Expected Software Updates Apple is expected to announce the next generation of its primary operating systems, which will likely move to version number 27. These include: iOS 27: Expected to be the flagship announcement for iPhone, potentially featuring the long-delayed “Siri 2.0” overhaul. macOS 27: The successor to macOS 26 Tahoe. iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27: Updates across Apple’s wearable, home, and spatial computing platforms. Following the event the first developer betas for these new operating systems will be released, with public betas following in July. Key Software Features and AI Developments The most significant focus for WWDC 2026 is expected to be the completion of the “Apple Intelligence” roadmap. While many features were originally promised for 2024 and 2025, several major components have been pushed into the 2026 calendar year. The “New Siri” (Siri 2.0): After multiple delays, a revamped Siri powered by Google’s Gemini is expected to be a central pillar of the 2026 software announcements. While the expected Siri overhaul is to be powered by Gemini, it’ll likely be a bespoke version running on Apple’s own servers to ensure it can retain its high standards regarding users’ data privacy. Expanded AI Integration: Building on the “Playlist Playground” and “Writing Tools” introduced in the iOS 26.4 and macOS 26.4 betas, Apple is likely to debut more advanced generative AI features for its Pro apps and system-wide utilities for iOS 27. Interface Refinements: Apple may further unify the design language across macOS and iPadOS, potentially adding more “Dynamic Island” functionality to the Mac. Developer Tools and APIs For developers, Apple typically introduces new versions of Xcode and updated Swift frameworks. APIs may be updated to allow third-party apps to integrate more deeply with Apple’s identity and payment systems. Additionally, Metal, a key technology for Mac game developers, enabling features like MetalFX Frame Interpolation, will likely see further expansion at WWDC. Also read: The 10 most significant WWDC software announcements of all time Will Apple launch new hardware at WWDC 2026? The 15-inch MacBook Air was introduced at WWDC 2023.Apple WWDC tends to be a software-focused event, so new hardware is never guaranteed. In addition, Apple has already completed a major spring launch cycle in March 2026, which included the MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, and M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro models. However, there are still several hardware products that are rumored or expected to appear at the June 2026 event. Expected Mac Updates Based on current release cycles and expert analysis, several Mac models are due for an M5-series upgrade. Mac Studio and Mac Pro: These professional desktops are expected to receive updates to the M5 Max and a potential M4 Ultra or M5 Ultra chip by June 2026. Mac mini: The compact desktop is expected to benefit from a M5 and M5 Pro update. iMac: The consumer-focused all-in-one is a candidate for an M5 chip refresh during the WWDC timeframe. Other rumored products Smart Glasses and Wearables: Reports from late 2025 suggested Apple might provide a “first glimpse of its smart glasses” soon. Given the developer focus of WWDC, a preview of the software platform for these glasses or a new AI-powered pendant is possible. Home Automation: Apple is reportedly developing a new home hub and a doorbell camera featuring Face ID, which could be integrated into the broader HomeKit discussions at the conference. HomePod/HomeHub: There are lots of rumors about different products, from a HomePod with a display to a screen with a robot arm. Q&A What is WWDC? WWDC stands for the Worldwide Developers Conference and is dedicated to the third-party software and hardware developers that create apps and accessories for Apple’s platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, HomePod and Vision Pro. At the event Apple previews the software that will be coming to iPhones, Macs, iPads, Apple Watches, and so on, later in the year. A beta program starts after the event so that developers can start testing the new software, find out ways to use new features, and make sure it works with their apps. Sometimes Apple launches new hardware at WWDC, but the key focus is always software. What happens at WWDC? The event typically begins with a high-profile keynote presentation that provides a “sneak peek” at the next versions of Apple’s software. Beyond the announcements, it is a week-long conference designed for the global developer community to learn about new technologies and APIs. What happened at WWDC 2025 Watch the WWDC event as it happens here. This event was particularly significant due to a massive visual overhaul and a change in how Apple names its software. It included: The “Liquid Glass” Redesign: Apple introduced a new design language called Liquid Glass, which brought translucent, reflective, and glossy elements across all platforms . This aesthetic features curved “squircles,” glass-like layers that react to content beneath them, and a fully transparent menu bar in macOS. Unified Version Numbering: Starting with the 2025 event, Apple synchronized the version numbers of all its operating systems to reflect the upcoming year. Consequently, the successors to iOS 18 and macOS 15 were named iOS 26 and macOS 26 Tahoe. Apple Intelligence and Siri: While Apple continued to integrate AI features—such as AI-powered battery management and smarter Reminders—the long-awaited “New Siri” revamp faced further delays. Reports following the event indicated that the more conversational, context-aware version of Siri might not arrive until late 2026 or 2027. Key Software Features included: macOS 26 Tahoe: Introduced a significant overhaul to Spotlight, new mobile apps for the Mac (like Journal), and “Live Translation” for real-time communication in FaceTime and Messages. iPadOS 26: Added “Mac-like” multitasking, allowing apps like Final Cut Pro to continue intensive processes in the background, and replaced the circular cursor with a desktop-style arrow .watchOS 26: Opened the Apple Watch Control Center to third-party widgets for the first time, allowing apps like Spotify or Strava to offer one-tap toggles Who should watch WWDC Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is a cornerstone event for anyone deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, ranging from professional software creators to casual device owners. While the week-long program is technically dense, the opening keynote is designed for a global audience. WWDC is considered the second-biggest event on Apple’s calendar, surpassed only by the fall iPhone launch. It’s the event to watch if you want to get insight into Apple’s long-term strategic vision. If you own an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or Apple TV, the WWDC keynote is highly relevant because it give you a sneak peek at the new software coming to your devices later in the year. How to attend WWDC WWDC is primarily a digital event with all registered Apple developers able to get online access to session videos, slides, and sample code throughout the week. There is usually an in-person event at Apple Park though. If you want to attend WWDC and the keynote in person you have to enter a lottery and apply for a ticket to attend the keynote alongside other developers. There is a lot of competition for those tickets, which are randomly selected from those who apply and aren’t transferable. The good news is that tickets are free, at least. To be in with a chance of attending, it is necessary to enter the lottery, for which you have to apply through Apple’s website. Eligibility is generally restricted to the following groups: Current members of the Apple Developer Program or Apple Developer Enterprise Program. Apple Entrepreneur Camp alumni. Swift Student Challenge winners (who are often included in a separate selection process, with notifications typically sent in May). The lottery for tickets allocated for 2025 started at the end of March and those interested had to apply by the beginning of April. The lucky applicants were notified of their success in getting a ticket at the beginning of April. Apple invites developers to participate in a series of classes, workshops, and sessions to learn about the system-wide changes coming to the major software platforms in the coming year so they can update their apps. Some lucky developers even get to watch the event live in person. You can find out more about how to get tickets to WWDC in our FAQ. Apple will share additional conference information in advance of WWDC26 through the Apple Developer app. How much does WWDC cost to attend The format of WWDC has shifted significantly in recent years. While it was once a paid event costing $1,599 with tickets that sold out instantly, the modern conference is primarily an online experience. Even without a lottery win, all registered developers receive online access to session videos, sample code, and workshops throughout the week When was WWDC last held In recent years Apple has held WWDC in early June. WWDC 2025: June 9-13 WWDC 2024: June 10-14 WWDC 2023: June 5-9 WWDC 2022: June 6-10 WWDC 2021: June 7-11 WWDC 2020: June 22-26 WWDC 2019: June 3-7 WWDC 2018: June 4-8 Apple has held a WWDC event every year since 1983. Over the past couple of decades WWDC has generally been held in June, with only one exception. WWDCOctober 1983May 1995June 2007June 2019April 1984May 1996June 2008June 2020 (online)May 1985May 1997June 2009June 2021 (online)May 1986May 1998June 2010June 2022May 1987May 1999June 2011June 2023May 1988May 2000June 2012June 2024May 1989May 2001June 2013June 2025May 1990May 2002June 2014May 1991June 2003June 2015May 1992June 2004June 2016May 1993June 2005June 2017May 1994August 2006June 2018 For a broader view of the year’s plans, check out our guide to the new Apple products coming this year. We’ll update this article regularly in the run-up to WWDC, so check back to see the latest news.

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Apple prepares to add search ads to Apple Maps
Apple is preparing to monetize Apple Maps with advertising, and it could start to roll out to users by the summer.Apple Maps on iPhonesApple has been rumored to be bringing Google-style search advertising to Apple Maps for quite a few years. Those money-making ads will soon see the light of day.According to sources of Bloomberg on Monday, Apple will make an announcement as soon as March. This will bring ads to search queries within the navigation app, which will operate similar to Google's advertising system. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone Air C1X modem matches Qualcomm speed & wins on latency
The iPhone Air with Apple's C1X modem delivers performance on par with Qualcomm's X80 chip while outperforming it in latency in the latest real world analysis.iPhone AirApple's custom C1X modem now matches Qualcomm in real-world performance, according to an Ookla report from March 22. The analysis, based on global Speedtest data from Q4 2025, shows Apple has closed the gap on download speeds.It has also surpassed Qualcomm in latency, though it still trails in some upload scenarios. The progress of the C1X marks a significant step for Apple in the modem market. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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The case against John Ternus becoming Apple’s next CEO
As speculation mounts over Tim Cook's eventual successor at Apple, John Ternus faces scrutiny for mirroring Cook's cautious… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple sets June dates for WWDC26 and its next major software updates
Apple set June dates Monday for WWDC26, its major conference unveiling iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 13, tvOS 27, visionOS 3 and more. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple teases ‘AI advancements’ to be unveiled at WWDC this year
Today Apple announced the dates for WWDC 2026: June 8-12. And as part of the announcement press release, the company teased “AI advancements” are coming. more…

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Apple Maps reportedly introducing ads soon, here’s what to expect
Ads have been reportedly destined for Apple Maps for quite some time now. Now it appears that Apple Maps may be on the cusp of introducing advertising from businesses at last. more…

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What to expect at WWDC 2026: iOS 27, Siri as a chatbot, Intel's end, and more
Apple has just announced that WWDC 2026 will take place on June 8 through June 12, and we can expect to see several exciting software updates. Here's what's rumored to debut.WWDC 2026 is set to mark the debut of iOS 27, a chatbot version of Siri, and more, all at Apple Park.Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is held in June each year, at Apple Park in California. The iPhone maker uses its annual event to preview new versions of its major operating systems, such as iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.Occasionally, new hardware is introduced at WWDC as well, such as in June 2023, when the Apple Vision Pro was revealed to the public. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple announces WWDC 2026 for June 8, iOS 27 set to be revealed
Apple has officially announced WWDC 2026, confirming dates for its next Worldwide Developers Conference. The conference kicks off with a keynote on Monday, June 8, where we expect Apple to announce iOS 27, macOS 27, and much more. more…

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Jobs to Apple in 1999: I think we’re gonna be able to really rock and roll the next few years
Parker Ortolani came across an incredible video of Steve Jobs speaking to Apple employees over the weekend. Akira Nonaka published the footage of Jobs from 1999. more…

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Today in Apple history: Macintosh LC II is the Mac mini of its day
On March 23, 1992, Apple released the Macintosh LC II, a low-cost “headless” Macintosh that was roughly analogous to today’s Mac minis. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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The USB-C Apple Pencil just hit its lowest price since Black Friday
Macworld Apple Pencil USB-C View Deal If you want the full iPad experience, then you need to get an Apple Pencil. It just so happens that the USB-C model is on sale for $60 at Amazon a savings of $19 (25 percent) and the best price we’ve seen all year. Apple’s stylus is darn near perfect, delivering precision control, tilt sensitivity, and low latency. It’s missing some higher-end features offered in the $129 Apple Pencil Pro (pressure sensitivity, squeeze gestures, haptic feedback, and magnetic charging), but the USB-C model is still perfect for taking notes, drawing, signing documents, and so on. The coolest bit is that it charges with a USB-C cable, so you can use the same cable you use to charge your iPad. The Apple Pencil USB-C is broadly compatible within Apple’s entire current iPad lineup, including the iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, and the standard 11th-gen iPad. If you want to make sure the Apple Pencil USB-C will work with your specific tablet, make sure to check our extensive compatibility guide. Go ahead and get the most of your iPad by buying the Apple Pencil USB-C while it’s still on sale for $60 at Amazon.

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Wi-Fi wouldn't exist without Apple, Steve Jobs said right after the iBook launched
A newly released video of an internal event from 1999 has Steve Jobs explaining why Microsoft would never have added Wi-Fi, and why Apple did.Steve Jobs launches the iBook in 1999, one week before the video of him at Apple was recorded — image credit: AppleAs Apple celebrates its 50th anniversary, a video from nearly 30 years ago has surfaced. Released on YouTube by ex-Apple engineer Akira Nonaka, it shows Steve Jobs making a speech one week after the company's successful launch of the iBook.This was Apple's first consumer laptop and it came as Apple was finally coming out of its long decline. Jobs talked about how the company had then had seven consecutive profitable quarters, and had made $200 million the year before. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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It’s becoming ever more apparent that John Ternus will be Apple’s next CEO
While everyone is careful to note that Apple CEO Tim Cook isn’t likely to retire anytime soon—and that no final decision on his… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Closeout deal: Get 4 AirTags at their best price ever
You can hoard Apple trackers for yourself or make the whole family a bit more organized for less money, thanks to this epic AirTag deal. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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This Mac mini dock looks like a classic Macintosh and has a working display
Macworld If you’re looking for a hub to expand your M4 Mac mini and celebrate Apple’s 50th anniversary, the Wokyis Retro Docking Station is your perfect companion. This dock comes in an enclosure designed in the form of the original all-in-one Macintosh, adding a bit of retro flair to your desk. The dock neatly fits over an M4 Mac mini and has removable bottom panels, so the front and back of the mini remain accessible. The dock offers the following ports: 2 front and 2 rear USB-A ports (10Gbps) 1 front USB-C (10GBps) and 1 rear USB-C port for connecting to the Mac 1 rear HDMI In port 1 rear 3.5mm headphone jack SD/microSD card reader 4.0 The dock/case also has a 5-inch 1280-by-720 display and a slot for an M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD module (not included). Made of plastic, the dock measures 5.71 by 5.16 by 2.13 inches (145 by 131 by 154 mm), and its front ports are positioned to mimic the original Macintosh’s floppy drive. It’s even got a little rainbow logo, air vents, and a retro aesthetic. While the dock was designed to fit perfectly over an M4 Mac mini, it can be used with other Macs and Windows computers (you can leave the bottom panels in place in these instances). However, the computer needs to support Thunderbolt 5/4/3 or have a USB4 port. Wokyis offers two models of its dock. The $170 model has an M.2 SSD slot that supports speeds up to 10Gbps. The $300 model has a faster M.2 SSD slot with support for 80Gbps.

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Deals: Apple Watch Series 11 $150 off, M4 MacBook Air clearance at $300 off, M3 iPad Air $200 off, Apple Pencil $59, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by Amazon all-time lows on Apple Watch Series 11 Titanium models at $150 off (Slate, Natural, and Gold) as well as Midnight Apple Watch SE 3 models at $50 off. Alongside the ongoing holiday pricing on AirPods Pro 3, we are also featuring the ongoing Amazon M4 MacBook Air clearance deals at up to $300 off, all 11-inch M3 iPad Air cell configs at nearly $200 off, and a relatively rare deal on Apple Pencil (USB-C) at $59. Head below for a closer look at the details. more…

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2026 iPad: Everything we know about Apple’s next entry-level tablet
Macworld Rumors about Apple’s 2026 iPads point to faster chips and potential display improvements across the range, from the iPad Air (updated in March 2026) to the Pro (last updated in October 2025). Yet for most buyers, the most important update may be coming to the most affordable model. The entry-level iPad – Apple’s cheapest tablet and the one aimed at students and families – is reportedly set to receive a performance boost from the A18 or A19 processor in an update that could in late 2026. Apple hosted a series of ‘Experiences‘ in various locations on March 4. There it launched a new iPad Air with an M4 chip but no new standard entry-level budget iPad. Apple has four iPad types: entry-level iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro. The current iPad was released in March 2025, and while it’s a perfectly good iPad for most people, it’s the only iPad that doesn’t support Apple Intelligence. Apple’s 2026 update should address that shortcoming. Here’s everything you need to know about the new iPad.  2026 iPad release date: When will Apple launch the next entry-level iPad? Release by end of May (possible) Reports had suggested that a new iPad would be released in early 2026 at Apple’s “Special Experiences” events on March 4. While Apple launched a barely changed iPad Air (basically the new model has a faster M4 processor and some more RAM), there was no sign of a new entry-level standard iPad. While saving the iPad update for later in the year will ensure that it doesn’t cannibalise sales of the iPad Air, a chip upgrade for the iPad has been desired ever since Apple introduced the iPad A16 in March 2025. While it’s a popular option due to its lower price, the current iPad cannot support Apple Intelligence, which seems like one trade-off too far in this era of AI. For this reason Apple is expected to launch the new iPad soon. In a weekend newsletter at the end of March 2026, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggested that the new iPad is on the road map for a release in the iOS 26.4 time frame, which runs until May.” So it appears we will not have to wait for much longer. 2026 iPad chip: How much faster will the 2026 iPad be? A19 chip with 6-core CPU  5-core GPU  N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6  The major upgrade to the upcoming iPad will be a new chip. The reports don’t agree on which chip this will be, however. As we reported in 2025 a code-leak suggested that Apple has been working on a new version of the tablet (codenamed J581 and J582) with an A19 chip inside, the same chip that powers the iPhone 17 series. Other reports refer to the A18 chip being used (as seen in the iPhone 16 generation and the MacBook Neo, Apple’s new budget Mac, which uses an A18 Pro). Both chips are a significant jump from the A16 in the current iPad, and most crucially, compatible with Apple Intelligence. Apple Intelligence was incomprehensibly omitted from 2025’s A16 iPad. If Apple does use the A19 chip, which has a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU in the iPhone 17, Apple will probably use a so-called “binned” A19 with one fewer CPU or GPU core for the iPad, a technique it has implemented in the iPad mini and iPad Air. The A19 is about 50 percent faster than the iPad’s current A16. The A19 comes with 8GB of RAM, about 30 percent more than the 6GB in the A16. The increase in RAM makes the upcoming iPad compatible with Apple Intelligence. Regardless of whether you decide to activate Apple Intelligence or not, the extra RAM will help with performance.  The A19 chip offers a 50 percent performance improvement over the A16.Apple With the iPhone 17 lineup and the iPhone Air, Apple introduced the N1, a chip used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread wireless connectivity. The N1 will likely make its way into the new iPad, which could give the device a jump to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6.3, up from the current Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. If you opt for one of the 5G models, you’ll probably get Apple’s C1 modem or some variant of it.  2026 iPad display: Sticking with LCD or something more? Same LED display as A16 model Brightness, resolution are identical  While there are reports that the other iPads (mini, Air and Pro) could get new OLED panels with richer colors and deeper contrast in 2026, the base model is unlikely to evolve from its LCD panel. We expect the upcoming iPad to have the same 11-inch Liquid Retina display 2360-by-1640 display with 500 nits of brightness that it has had since 2022. 2026 iPad design: Any changes beyond internal upgrades? Same dimensions  Apple currently offers the iPad in four colors.Apple The A19 iPad is also expected to have the same dimensions: 9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 inches (248.6 x 179.5 x 7 millimeters) and weigh 1.05 pounds (477 grams).  We haven’t heard anything about new colors, but since Apple hasn’t changed the color palette (blue, pink, yellow, silver) since its original release, it’s possible we get a couple of new options. 2026 iPad cameras: Could Apple update the FaceTime camera? Britta O’Boyle 12MP rear camera  12MP Center Stage front camera  The current iPad has two 12MP cameras, with the front ‘FaceTime’ camera having support for Center Stage. Apple isn’t expected to make changes to the camera for the upcoming iPad.  However, the company did change the Centre Stage camera with the arrival of the iPhone 17, and the new ‘square’ 18MP camera could be used on the front of the new iPad. This front-facing camera has a larger, square sensor that supports automatic subject framing, orientation-agnostic capture, and advanced video features. On the iPad the 18MP camera could translate to improved video quality. However, current iPads already support smart framing during video calls so that aspect of the design may not be necessary. 2026 iPad price: Will Apple keep the entry-level iPad affordable? After launching at $449 in 2022, Apple cut the price of the entry-level iPad to $349 in May 2024, and doubled the starting storage from 64GB to 128GB with the 11th-gen model. However, there are a few factors that could impact pricing this year: tariffs and the rising cost of RAM. Apple has yet to adjust the price of any of its products to reflect these additional costs, so it’s unclear if the iPad will be affected.

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Newly surfaced 1999 Steve Jobs video describes Apple comeback strategy
As Apple turns 50, a newly surfaced video of a 1999 Steve Jobs speech to Apple employees captures the iBook G3 triumph and looks ahead. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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