2026 iPad models could get performance boost — new leak reveals A19 and M4 chips

If you're holding out for the 2026 iPad models, you might be making the right choice, as it looks like Apple will make notable processor upgrades to both the base iPad and iPad Air. These new models follow up on the M3 iPad Air and the A16 iPad 11, both well-received tablets.

This comes from a report from MacWorld, which the publication claims is based on an internal Apple code document.

If accurate, the base model iPad will get an A19 chip, up from the A16, which is the same chip found in the iPhone 17 models. The iPad Air will jump from the M3 chip to the M4, which isn't quite as powerful as the latest iPad Pro's M5 chip, but it's still a nice speed bump from the current device's M3 chip.

A19 iPad

With the new iPad getting an A19 chip, buyers will see about 50% more speed than with the A16 found in the latest of Apple's base tablets. It also opens up the cheapest iPad model to Apple Intelligence features, which currently don't work on it.

The big jump from chip to chip will also see the tablet deliver 8GB of RAM from 6GB, a notable increase. Sure, it won't be as powerful as the top-end models like the iPad Air and iPad Pro, but it does make the most affordable model more prepared for the future.

For connectivity, Apple is expected to use its own custom N1 wireless chip, first introduced with the iPhone 17 lineup.

Everything else is expected to stay the same from the iPad 11 to the iPad 12. So cameras, design and display should look the same.

M4 iPad Air

In an unsurprising move, Apple is expected to include the M4 chip in the next iPad Air. Considering the current model uses the M3 chip, it only makes sense that Apple would upgrade to the next model in line while also keeping it below the M5 offered in the Pro. Having this space keeps the Pro at the top of the lineup in terms of raw performance.

Like its more affordable sibling, the iPad Air isn't expected to come with any major design changes. Displays and cameras aren't likely to change either. Apple’s custom N1 wireless chip is rumored to be included, which makes perfect sense, as it wouldn't make sense for Apple to offer its wireless chip in the cheaper model and not in the expensive one.

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