Apple’s base iPad model may receive the biggest upgrade in the years

According to the document, Apple is developing a new base iPad under the codenames J581 and J582, powered by the A19 chip, which is the same processor used in the latest iPhone 17 lineup. This alone would mark a substantial leap over the current 11th-gen iPad, which still runs on the older A16 chip from the iPhone 14. If implemented, the A19 upgrade could elevate the entry-level iPad’s performance closer to mid-tier models, especially for gaming, multitasking, and long-term software support.

The document also suggests that the new iPad will adopt Apple’s N1 wireless chip, introduced this year with the iPhone 17. This chip is said to deliver significant Wi-Fi 7 performance upgrades, better power efficiency, along with support for Bluetooth 6 and Thread (for smart home devices). While the design and display are expected to stay similar to the current model, the internal overhaul indicates Apple is prioritising performance and connectivity upgrades.

Alongside the entry-level iPad, Apple is reportedly readying a refreshed iPad Air lineup, identified by the codenames J707, J708, J737, and J738. These models are said to feature the powerful M4 chip as well as the N1 wireless system. This would be a generation leap for the latest iPad Air model, up from the M3-powered iPad Air, which launched earlier this year in March.

Aside from the chipset, the new iPad Air model is not expected to differ much in design or display from the 2025 version. The M4-powered iPad Air would still push the mid-range tablet closer to the iPad Pro in terms of capability, making it a strong option for creators and students who want high performance without the Pro price tag.

Both the A19 iPad and the M4 iPad Air are expected to be unveiled sometime early next year, possibly in March.

The upcoming iPad lineup, particularly the entry-level model, appears to be geared heavily toward performance, making it a strong option for users planning an upgrade. If Apple launches the A19-powered iPad at a price similar to the current generation, it could deliver significantly better long-term value. This might also help push Apple’s presence in the Indian tablet market, where it currently stands at the fourth position behind the likes of Samsung, Lenovo, and Xiaomi, who have more budget-friendly options.

The existing A16-based iPad starts at Rs 34,900 in India, and a faster, more future-ready model at the same price point would be a far more sensible purchase. For users who rely on more power, the next iPad Air with the M4 chip may be the more attractive choice. However, since this will be a generational refresh, it’s worth waiting to see how much real-world improvement it brings, both in performance and additional features. If you already own the M3 iPad Air, it may be wiser to hold onto it for now rather than rushing into the next upgrade.