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Apple’s next entry-level iPad is reportedly not expected before early 2027, but Apple has not announced the tablet or confirmed a release date. Reports point to a possible A18 or A19 chip and potential Apple Intelligence support; neither is confirmed. If you need an iPad now, the current A16 model is the available entry-level option identified in recent coverage.
When might the next entry-level iPad launch?
Reporting attributed to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman puts the next entry-level iPad at Q1 2027 at the earliest. Macworld’s September 9, 2026 roundup describes the window as early 2027 and relays the phrase “as early as the first calendar quarter next year.” MacRumors reported on July 16, 2026, that the device was expected in the first quarter of 2027 at the earliest, revising an earlier expectation that it would arrive in 2026. Macworld · MacRumors
That is a reported forecast, not an Apple launch commitment. An October 3, 2026 9to5Mac roundup also points to a spring 2027 arrival, citing Gurman. The timing could change before Apple makes any announcement.
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What might change in the next iPad?
Current reports describe a likely internal refresh rather than a major redesign. Every detail below remains unconfirmed by Apple.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
| Area | What reports suggest | What is not confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Either an A18 or A19 chip is a possibility. Macworld notes an earlier A18 expectation attributed to Gurman and points to Apple code as a basis for A19 speculation; later leak-based reports also favor A19. | The final chip and performance are unknown. |
| Apple Intelligence and memory | Reports expect a newer chip and enough memory to enable Apple Intelligence. Macworld discusses a predicted 8GB configuration, while MacRumors links either chip possibility with the expected memory threshold. | Memory capacity and Apple Intelligence compatibility are not announced. |
| Wireless and cellular | Macworld and 9to5Mac discuss a possible N1 wireless component. 9to5Mac also mentions a C1X modem for cellular variants, with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 among the reported possibilities. | Connectivity specifications and which models would include them are unsettled. |
| Display and exterior | Coverage anticipates a familiar design and LCD display. | Apple has not confirmed the screen size, cameras, colors, dimensions, or a design change. |
Will it support Apple Intelligence?
It may, according to current reports, but that is not a confirmed feature. Coverage expects the next entry-level iPad’s newer chip and memory to make Apple Intelligence support possible. Until Apple announces the device and its requirements, treat compatibility as an expectation rather than a buying guarantee.
Should you buy the current iPad or wait?
The sources identify the current entry-level iPad as the A16 model. MacRumors reported that its U.S. starting price rose from $349 to $449 in June 2026. That price history is not a quote for what the rumored successor will cost: no future price has been established, and current prices, stock, and retailer offers can change.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
| Consideration | Buy the current A16 iPad | Wait for the rumored successor |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Current model; check local stock and current offers. | Reported no earlier than Q1 2027; timing is not guaranteed. |
| Specifications | Existing model, rather than an unreleased configuration. | Chip, memory, connectivity, display, and design remain rumors. |
| Price | MacRumors reported a U.S. starting-price increase to $449 in June 2026; verify the current price. | Future price has not been reported as confirmed. |
| Apple Intelligence | Do not assume compatibility based on rumors about the successor; check Apple’s current support information for the model you are considering. | Support is expected in reports, but Apple has not confirmed it. |
Buying now makes more sense if
- You need a tablet before the reported early-2027 window.
- The current A16 model meets your needs at a price you can verify today.
Waiting makes more sense if
- You can keep using your current device while launch timing remains uncertain.
- You specifically want to see whether Apple announces a newer chip or Apple Intelligence support before choosing.
For current product and availability information, see Apple’s iPad (A16) page. The rumored successor should not be treated as a confirmed product or as a reason to assume a particular upgrade or price.
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Apple has not announced the next entry-level iPad, its launch date, price, chip, memory, connectivity, display, design, or Apple Intelligence support. The early-2027 timing and potential specifications come from reporting and leaks, not an official Apple product announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
