Apple’s current iPad, the A16 model, has gone untouched for well over a year. It remains the only device in Apple’s core product lineup without support for Apple Intelligence. Rumors had swirled for quite some time about an A18 model coming this year. Now, it’s sounding like Apple has an even bigger plan.
It’s likely safe to assume that the delays with this product launch have much to do with the ongoing memory crisis affecting the electronics industry. It wouldn’t surprise me if Apple had the A18 refresh roadmapped for earlier this year alongside the debut of the M4 iPad Air, then had to push it.
As a reminder, Apple raised the price of the base iPad from $349 to $449 this summer alongside the rest of its memory-related price hikes. This brings it back to the price it initially launched at in 2022.
However, a new leak from MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris paints a more promising picture. Instead of utilizing the A18 chip, it sounds like the next entry-level iPad will equip the A19 chip. Alongside that, you’ll get the N1 networking chip, as well as the C1X modem on the cellular version. This’ll bring support for Wi-Fi 7 to Apple’s cheapest iPad.
The A19 iPad will also be equipped with 8GB of memory, allowing users to run Siri AI, though you’ll still miss out on the most capable local models and the more advanced dictation models, as those features require 12GB of memory. It’s not a major loss, but worth pointing out.
Another possibility is that the A19 iPad might offer a new name. With the debut of the MacBook Neo, Apple marketing exec Greg Joswiak pointed out that calling the MacBook Neo just “MacBook” would leave it without an identity. Hopefully, with the next entry-level iPad, we also get some sort of proper name like “SE” or “Neo” so we have something to call it.
Beyond that, don’t expect any sort of redesign or display improvements. There may be new colors, but probably nothing else. I personally wish Apple would bring USB 3 to the product, so users don’t have to suffer with such slow transfer speeds. It’d certainly help justify the new higher starting price.
The iPad is just… I wish they would increase the display refresh rate. The budget version – 90Hz, Air – 120Hz, Pro – 144Hz or higher. Something like that. As for the chipset, I always say this, but it has always been top-notch in the tablet lineup, so it’s still more than enough now.
Apple’s next budget iPad should be releasing next Spring, per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. That’ll accompany other products like the M6 MacBook Air, A19 Pro MacBook Neo, M7 14-inch MacBook Pro, and more.
Are you someone in the market for the entry-level iPad? What are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.
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Michael is a 9to5Mac Reporter, leading all of our Apple news coverage on weekends and reviewing the newest Apple products and accessories. He got started in the world of Apple news during the pandemic, and it became a growing hobby. He’s also an indie iOS developer, and started the weekly Indie App Spotlight series, which has covered hundreds of blooming new apps since it launched. In his free time, he enjoys shooting street photography around New York City on his Sony A7RV.
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