By the end of the year, Apple is rumored to update two tablet models — iPad mini with an OLED screen and the base iPad with a new chip. This isn’t a lineup revolution, but both pieces of news are important for those who have been eyeing a purchase or putting off an upgrade. Let’s break down what exactly is changing and who should wait for the new iPad.
By the end of the year, we’ll see two new iPads
How iPad mini 8 Will Differ from iPad mini 7
The main complaint about the current iPad mini is its LCD display. The model had a problem with so-called “jelly scrolling,” where one half of the screen lags behind the other during scrolling. In the new version of the tablet, it was partially fixed, but it didn’t go away completely.
The mini will get an OLED screen, and this will be the main upgrade
According to multiple sources, including Bloomberg, the next iPad mini will get an OLED display. If it turns out to be similar to the tandem OLED from the iPad Pro, users will have no reason to complain about the picture: deep blacks, higher brightness, better contrast. For those who read on the mini in the dark or watch videos, this is the most noticeable improvement in several years.
What Chip Apple Will Put in the New iPad mini
The current iPad mini runs on the A17 Pro and already supports Apple Intelligence — Apple’s set of AI features. According to rumors, the new model will get the A19 chip, which will provide a performance reserve for years ahead.
The A19, which is already being used in the iPhone 17, will be the heart of the mini
Additionally, improved water resistance is being discussed. There are no details — neither the protection rating nor the usage conditions — so this should be treated as a rumor rather than a confirmed specification.
Base iPad and Apple Intelligence Support
The second model being updated is the most affordable iPad. Earlier, there were rumors about its release in March, but at that time Apple only updated the iPad Air. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg still expects a new base iPad this year, although the exact timing is unknown.
The base iPad is the most affordable model in the lineup
The main change is the A18 chip. With it, the base iPad will get Apple Intelligence support for the first time. Until now, the cheapest model remained without Apple’s AI features, which limited it for those who wanted to use the system’s new capabilities. The remaining specifications, according to rumors, will mostly stay the same.
The base iPad won’t even get a design change
Currently, Apple Intelligence on iPad includes tools for working with text, image generation, smart suggestions, and an updated Siri. For some users, this is a useful set of features; for others, it’s optional. But iOS and iPadOS 27 are expected to be built around new AI features, and without Apple Intelligence support, the base iPad would quickly fall behind the rest of the lineup.
And the tablet will also get Apple Intelligence. You’ve been waiting for it so much (not)
Simply put, the A18 chip is insurance against obsolescence for the next couple of years, not a reason to rush out and replace your tablet right now.
New iPads: Which Models Apple Will Release in 2026
If you were counting on a new iPad Pro this year, bad news: the current model on the M5 isn’t expected to be updated until 2027. So Pro owners can relax — their tablet will remain relevant for at least another year.
A quick summary by model:
- If your iPad mini is older than two generations and the screen matters to you — it makes sense to wait for the new mini with OLED.
- If you’re choosing the most affordable iPad and want Apple Intelligence — it’s better to wait for the updated base model with the A18.
- If you have an iPad Pro on M4 or M5 — there won’t be an update this year, no need to wait for anything.
- If you recently bought the latest generation iPad mini — there likely won’t be a critical difference for everyday tasks, aside from the screen.
Everything described here is based on rumors and forecasts, including references to Bloomberg. There are no exact dates, prices, or final spec lists yet, so it’s too early to plan a purchase around a specific month. But the direction is clear: Apple is bringing the junior iPads up to the level of the senior models in terms of screen quality and AI feature support — and that’s the main point of the fall lineup update.
