Apple’s next entry-level iPad is reportedly not expected before the first quarter of 2027. Apple has not announced a launch date or confirmed the device’s specifications, so the timing and hardware details remain rumors.
When will the next entry-level iPad launch?
Reports attributed to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman put the next entry-level iPad at Q1 2027 at the earliest. Macworld’s September 9, 2026 roundup described the window as early 2027 and repeated the reported phrase “as early as the first calendar quarter next year.” MacRumors also reported on July 16, 2026 that a first-quarter 2027 release was the earliest expected timing. Macworld and MacRumors
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This is a revised forecast, not an Apple commitment: MacRumors noted that an earlier March 2026 report had expected the tablet later that year. A separate October 3, 2026 report from 9to5Mac likewise pointed to the following spring. Apple has not confirmed the timing, and a reported window can change.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat might change in the next iPad?
Coverage points to an internal update rather than a major redesign. The current entry-level iPad uses an A16 chip; reports say its successor could use an A18 or A19. Macworld reported that Gurman had described an A18 model in March, while its account of Apple code pointed to A19. Later leak-based coverage also favors A19. Neither chip has been confirmed by Apple. Macworld MacRumors 9to5Mac
#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.
Apple Intelligence support is expected, not confirmed
Reports expect a newer chip and more memory to make Apple Intelligence support possible. Macworld compares a predicted 8GB memory configuration with the current model, while MacRumors says either rumored chip could meet the memory threshold. Those are predictions, not a published specification or a guarantee that every Apple Intelligence feature will be available on the device.
Display and design are expected to stay familiar
Reports anticipate an LCD display and a broadly unchanged exterior. Apple has not confirmed the next model’s screen size, cameras, colors, or dimensions, so there is no reliable final spec sheet to compare with the current iPad.
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.
Wireless hardware remains a rumor
Macworld and 9to5Mac have discussed possible N1 wireless hardware. 9to5Mac has also mentioned a C1X modem for cellular versions, with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 among the reported possibilities. These details are not confirmed, and the sources do not establish which configurations, if any, would receive them.
Should you buy an iPad now or wait?
The practical choice depends on whether you need a tablet before 2027 and how much you value specifications that are still uncertain. The current entry-level model is the iPad with A16. MacRumors reported that its U.S. starting price increased from $349 to $449 in June 2026; check Apple and retailers for current pricing and availability, which can change.
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.
| Consideration | Current iPad (A16) | Reported successor |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Current model; check local stock | Reported no earlier than Q1 2027; date unconfirmed |
| Chip | A16 | A18 or A19 rumored; not confirmed |
| Apple Intelligence | Current compatibility depends on Apple’s published requirements and supported features | Support expected in reports; not confirmed |
| Price | MacRumors reported a U.S. starting price of $449 after a June 2026 increase from $349; verify current price | Not announced |
| Design and display | Current model specifications apply | LCD and familiar design reported; final specifications unannounced |
If you need a tablet now, the A16 model is the available option among these two. Waiting may make sense if you can do without a new tablet and want to see whether the successor brings the rumored chip, memory, or AI capabilities. There is no confirmed future price or final feature list to establish whether waiting will be better value.
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.
What is confirmed—and what is not?
- Confirmed by Apple: No launch date or successor specifications have been announced.
- Reported: An early-2027 launch window, potentially Q1 at the earliest; an A18 or A19 chip; possible Apple Intelligence support; and a familiar LCD-based design.
- Still unresolved: The release date, chip, memory, AI feature support, wireless hardware, design details, and price.
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.
