Apple’s New Entry-Level iPad With A18 and Apple Intelligence Is Coming Soon

Apple is preparing to refresh its most affordable iPad, and the update could bring a meaningful upgrade to the entry-level lineup. According to recent reports, the new model is already finished and is expected to launch within the iOS 26.4 release window, which runs through May.

This update is less about redesign and more about bringing the base iPad up to speed with the rest of Apple’s ecosystem—especially when it comes to performance and AI capabilities.

A Big Upgrade Where It Matters: The Chip

The most important change is the move from the A16 Bionic to the A18 chip.

This upgrade is expected to deliver a noticeable boost in performance, but more importantly, it enables support for Apple Intelligence. The current entry-level iPad is limited to 4GB of RAM and lacks the processing power needed to run Apple’s latest AI features.

With the A18 chip, Apple is expected to increase memory to 8GB, which meets the requirements for on-device AI tasks. This brings the base iPad in line with newer iPhones and Macs that already support Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence Comes to the Budget iPad

One of the biggest gaps in Apple’s lineup has been the lack of AI features on its most affordable iPad.

Until now, students, casual users, and education buyers using the base model have not had access to Apple’s newer generative features. That changes with this update.

Adding Apple Intelligence to the entry-level iPad means features like writing tools, smarter notifications, and on-device AI processing will no longer be limited to higher-end devices.

This shift could make the base iPad significantly more capable for everyday tasks.

No Major Redesign Expected

While the performance upgrade is significant, Apple is not expected to introduce a major redesign with this model.

Reports suggest the company is prioritizing internal improvements over changes to the external design. That means the overall look and feel of the iPad will likely remain familiar.

For most buyers, this isn’t a downside. The current design is already well-established, and the real value comes from improved performance and software capabilities.

Why the Launch Was Delayed

Apple recently updated its iPad Air with the M4 chip, but the base iPad was notably missing from that announcement.

According to reports, this was intentional. Apple planned a staggered rollout, spacing out product releases across different categories. The company has also been working through existing inventory of the current model while managing broader supply constraints.

Recent launches like the iPhone 17e and MacBook Neo were also part of this staggered strategy.

Expected Launch Timing

With iOS 26.4 now reaching its Release Candidate stage, the timing for the new iPad lines up closely with its expected debut.

The device is anticipated to launch before the end of the iOS 26.4 cycle, which means it could arrive within the next couple of months.

What This Means for Buyers

This update could make the entry-level iPad one of the most compelling options in Apple’s lineup.

By combining a lower price point with Apple Intelligence support, Apple is closing the gap between its budget and premium devices. For students, families, and casual users, this could be the first time the base iPad feels fully aligned with Apple’s latest technology.

If you’ve been holding off on buying an entry-level iPad, this upcoming refresh may be worth waiting for.