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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First Matter camera, tvOS 26.4, & Pawport CEO Martin Diamond on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, Pawport CEO Martin Diamond stops by to talk about the news of the week, and how intelligent pet doors can be integrated into the smart home.Smart Home Insider PodcastOur guest host this week is Martin Diamond, founder and CEO of Pawport. Born out of necessity, Pawport is a secure and durable dog door that can help you let your four-legged friends in and out of your house.Pawport can be mounted in a door, in a wall, or even a sheet of glass. The door can be scheduled, controlled through the Pawport app, or triggered via dog-worn sensors. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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First Matter camera, tvOS 26.4, & Pawport CEO Martin Diamond on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, Pawport CEO Martin Diamond stops by to talk about the news of the week, and how intelligent pet doors can be integrated into the smart home.Smart Home Insider PodcastOur guest host this week is Martin Diamond, founder and CEO of Pawport. Born out of necessity, Pawport is a secure and durable dog door that can help you let your four-legged friends in and out of your house.Pawport can be mounted in a door, in a wall, or even a sheet of glass. The door can be scheduled, controlled through the Pawport app, or triggered via dog-worn sensors. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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John Ternus was behind one of iPad’s most crucial changes, says report
Over the weekend, Bloomberg published an in-depth profile of Apple’s John Ternus, who many see as the company’s likely next CEO. The report also offers fascinating details on Ternus’ role in the iPad’s development. more…

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DarkSword Exploit Threatens iPhones Still Running iOS 18
Security researchers have discovered DarkSword, a sophisticated exploit chain targeting iOS 18.4 through 18.7.2. Unlike past spyware aimed at high-profile targets, DarkSword is being surreptitiously deployed on legitimate websites against ordinary users.

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iPhone Air sells better than you might realize
The iPhone Air accomplished one of the goals Apple surely had for it. And the super-slim handset has found an audience among style-conscious buyers. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple’s next Sports app update improves MLB and NASCAR fan experience
Apple’s excellent Sports app for iPhone has a new version out today that includes two new features. Both MLB and NASCAR fans will appreciate the latest improvements. more…

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Apple’s MacBook Neo is the perfect AI computer
Apple's MacBook Neo is exceptionally well-equipped for the very thing tech companies obsess over these days: AI. With its powerful… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Instagram encryption U-turn leaves us all more vulnerable
Meta claimed for years that it was technically challenging to implement end-to-end encryption across Facebook Messenger and Instagram DMs, but back in 2023 said that it had resolved those issues. Unfortunately, the company has now made a U-turn on Instagram direct messages, and that’s bad news for all of us … more…

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The person who could be Apple CEO: Who is John Ternus?
All things considered, John Ternus is the center of speculation as being the best and most likely choice for control of the company. Who is he, and how did he get here?John TernusApple, like many other massive companies with giant workforces and a decades-long history, have to plan for the future direction of the company. Part of that preparation involves determining who will take control as CEO after the current leader departs, and what to do to prepare for that inevitability.For Apple and its aging leadership, Apple has to find its replacement for Tim Cook. Even though Cook probably won't be retiring in 2026, the sheer size and number of moving parts at Apple means it has to prepare now, so there's enough of a runway for the heir to the position to get ready, as well as the company itself, from 2027 onward. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Folding iPhone rumored to get new glass sandwich screen to prevent damage
Apple's quest to prevent damage to the iPhone Fold display has led it to a new design that will protect the screen from Apple's own hinge mechanism.A render of what the iPhone Fold could look like - Image Credit: AppleInsiderThe development of the iPhone Fold has been dominated by Apple ensuring it doesn't fall into the same trap as other devices in having screen crease issues. If a Monday claim is true, Apple is also protecting the display from the iPhone Fold's physical hardware, too.In a Monday post to Weibo, serial leaker Digital Chat Station claims that the display used in the iPhone Fold will go beyond using "self-healing glass" and a seamless hinge design. The structure of the display panel itself will also play a role. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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‘For All Mankind’ season five is a must-watch for fans of Apple TV’s original sci-fi series
Season five of “For All Mankind” lands on Apple TV this Friday. The new episodes are must-watch TV for fans of early seasons of the sci-fi series. The show goes from weird to gut-wrenchingly emotional to outright cinematic and suspenseful over the course of the first eight episodes. As a viewer, I can’t wait to see where this season’s finale takes us in this alt-history timeline’s future. After six years and five seasons, however, the challenge for “For All Mankind” is very clear. more…

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Broadcasters urge EU to tighten rules for Apple, other Big Tech firms in smart TV standoff
Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung’s smart TVs and virtual assistants should fall under the EU’s toughest tech rules because of their… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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It just got a little easier for iPhones to talk to Samsung phones
Macworld Following the surprising rollout of AirDrop support on Pixel phones by Google late last year, Samsung has announced that AirDrop support is coming to Galaxy phones too. The feature, which will work through Android Quick Share, will roll out to Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra phones this week and additional models at a later date. Like on Pixel phones, the feature will be off by default, and only works with AirDrop’s “Everyone for 10 minutes” sharing mode. This setting on iPhones allows all nearby Apple devices using AirDrop to communicate with your device for 10 minutes before reverting to “Contacts Only.” As with unknown iPhones, the user will need to select this option before receiving files from a Samsung phone. But otherwise, it will work in the same way, delivering documents and images wirelessly when the recipient accepts. While the feature isn’t a workaround, it’s also not officially supported by Apple. It relies on a technical loophole that allows AirDrop to function as a generic peer-to-peer network for a short time. While Apple could block the ability for Android phones to communicate with iPhones this way, that doesn’t seem likely. In the iOS 26.2 update in December, Apple seemingly gave the feature tacit approval by adding an additional layer of security when using AirDrop with someone who isn’t in your contacts list. AirDrop will show a PIN code similar to Apple TV pairing, which will allow the devices to communicate for 30 days before asking again. Besides, Google says the feature was built “with the same rigorous security standards that we apply to all Google products” and is “just the first step in seamless cross-platform sharing.” So iPhone users shouldn’t have to worry about any risks. So if you’re a Samsung user among a sea of iPhones, you’ll soon be able to easily share pictures and other files. But only if you ask first.

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Reddit CEO highlights a hidden benefit of Face ID and Touch ID
The tech industry is currently in the middle of a rather gradual security transition from usernames and passwords to passkeys. Passkeys are far more secure as online services don’t store your username and password, but Reddit CEO Steve Huffman says that the use of Face ID and Touch ID has an additional benefit … more…

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Cook praises Chinese developers as government presses for open App Store
Tim Cook has again spoken at the China Development Forum in Beijing, praising Chinese developers, but not quite getting the same praise back.Tim Cook speaking at the 2019 China Development Forum — image credit: CDFCook was in China in part for the concert celebrating Apple's 50th anniversary, but he also returned to the annual China Development Forum. He's previously been one of the few American CEOs to attend, and as spotted by Bloomberg, he once more used his speech to talk positively about Apple's relationship with China."Innovation, green development and education are not separate properties, they are deeply connected," Cook said during his speech. "They represent the vision of progress that we at Apple share, and we are committed to collaborating with our partners across China and with all of you to make that vision a reality." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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The Lenovo Auto AI Box: Plug-and-Play Savior of the Modern Car
Lenovo’s Auto AI Box offers automakers a shortcut to in-vehicle AI, replacing complex in-house builds with a scalable, plug-and-play platform. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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What M5 Pro, M5 Max get using vertically-stacked dies for performance
Apple's chip designs for the M5 Pro and M5 Max stack the dies, using the same UltraFusion architecture that enabled the creation of Apple's Ultra chips. Here's how and why that's faster than before.M5 Pro, M5 Max - Image credit: AppleThe M5 Pro and M5 Max are very powerful chips, but getting that high performance required the engineers to come up with new ways to design the chips in the first place. In the latest releases, Apple actually borrowed an idea from its Ultra line for its M5 chip packing.Speaking to Heise Online in an article spotted by WCCFTech, Anand Shimpi of Apple's Hardware Technologies department explained that the UltraFusion architecture of the M2 Ultra and M3 Ultra helped create the M5 Pro and Max. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple has more plans to protect the the iPhone Fold display, says report
Early folding phones were notorious for the internal display being vulnerable to damage. Indeed, the first Samsung Galaxy Fold saw all pre-orders cancelled because of this issue. A new supply chain report suggests that Apple is adopting two further measures in order to protect the iPhone Fold display, as well as reduce the visibility of the crease … more…

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